About Secret Cenote Location
Secret Cenote (officially known as Vesica Tulum) is a distinctive open-air jungle venue built around a natural freshwater cenote in Tulum’s lush Mayan jungle. The site’s centerpiece is a circular cenote pool surrounded by rustic thatch-palapa roofs, wooden decks and lounges, giving it the feel of a private jungle sanctuary. It’s relatively small – usually hosting only a few hundred guests at most – which makes every event feel intimate and exclusive.
The cenote itself is steeped in Mayan folklore (cenotes were sacred fresh water sources for the ancient Maya) and brings a mystical, spiritual vibe to the space. Vesica Tulum opened in the early 2020s as Tulum’s first cenote-focused day club and private-membership venue. It blends raw jungle nature (palm trees, rock walls, candlelight) with upscale design features (stone floors, handcrafted decor) to create an unforgettable natural-meets-artisanal atmosphere. Signature elements include the glowing cenote pool under the stars, cozy hammocks and lounge beds by the water, and a thatched palapa stage for performers. Visitors often call it a hidden “cenote sanctuary” or “jungle club.” In short, Secret Cenote’s blend of cultural heritage, intimate scale and natural beauty makes it a truly special spot in the Tulum scene.
Events and Programming
Secret Cenote (Vesica Tulum) is primarily known for vibrant jungle parties and holistic gatherings. Almost every event here revolves around electronic and world music – think deep house, techno and tribal beats under the palm trees. Promoters stage all-night dance festivals and themed jungle raves featuring both international and Mexican DJs. For example, a recent New Year’s celebration included acts like Bob Moses (live), Parra for Cuva and Jan Blomqvist, while local favorites such as DJ Corcuera and Kevin Ganora regularly appear. Recurring series include jungle-themed events like SET Underground’s “Cenote Jungle Experience,” “Deep in Jungle,” “Somos Tulum” and “Magic Mexico,” each blending music with performance art and dance.
Beyond the wild parties, the venue also hosts daytime and wellness programming. You’ll find sunrise yoga sessions, sound-healing workshops, and daytime cenote brunches occasionally. Overall the calendar mixes adrenaline and relaxation — from trance-fueled dance nights to sun-drenched lounge afternoons. Ticket prices vary by event: general admission often runs around MXN 800–2200 (about $35–$110 USD), with special local rates (as low as MXN ≈400–600) for Mexican residents. Multi-day festival passes or VIP tables can be significantly more expensive. Most major events occur on weekend evenings or holidays, and often sell out, so it’s wise to purchase tickets in advance when possible.
Tickets and Booking
All tickets to Secret Cenote events must be purchased via official promoters or authorized online platforms. There is no permanent box office at the remote jungle location, so walk-up sales are very limited or do not exist. Organizers recommend buying early, since popular shows can sell out well before showtime given the limited capacity. Ticket tiers usually include early-bird specials, general admission and VIP or table packages. A discounted “local” ticket (which requires a Mexican ID at entry) is commonly offered – for example, one New Year’s event listed local tickets for ~MXN 880 (around $45 USD) versus MXN 1,500–2,200 for general admission. All ticket sales are final: tickets are non-refundable and events proceed rain or shine.
If you plan to visit on a typical day (outside special events), Vesica operates as a cenote day club with daily hours. In that case, table and lounge reservations can usually be made on the venue’s website or through their booking service. Expect a cover charge or food/drink minimum (around MXN 500–1000, roughly $25–$50 USD, depending on the seating location) for daytime entry. In summary: always secure your spot ahead of time online, use official sources for tickets or day passes, and avoid unauthorized resale offers.
Seating and Layout
Secret Cenote has no fixed seating – the whole area is essentially one big open-air pavilion around the cenote. The waterhole sits in the middle, with casual lounge beds, wicker chairs, hammocks and cushions scattered around it. On one side there’s a large thatch-roofed palapa that houses the main DJ stage and sound system. Aside from a few reserved VIP or bottle-service tables (typically near the stage or front row), most of the floor is general admission. Guests can either dance on the sandy ground and wooden decks or relax on the lounge beds and hammocks between sets.
Because the space is open and relatively small, visibility is excellent from nearly anywhere. To be close to the action, many guests gather by the palapa stage or along the open edge facing the cenote. Other great spots are on the loungers by the water – you’ll still hear everything clearly. The sound system projects naturally under the stars without echoes (sound just drifts through the trees). One tip: avoid sitting directly under any low branches (in case of sap or falling leaves), but otherwise every vantage offers a view of the stage and pool. In short, it’s a roaming, communal layout – stand or lounge where you like, and feel free to move around as the event evolves.
Getting There and Parking
Secret Cenote is located at Vesica Tulum on Mayan Blue Road in Ejido Tulum (southwest of downtown Tulum). Because it’s hidden in the jungle, GPS can be tricky; check any directions or coordinates provided by the event organizer beforehand. From Tulum Centro head toward the Tulum–Cobá highway, then turn onto the sandy access road marked “Mayan Blue.” Follow it a short time to the parking area at Vesica. Pay close attention to signage or map links given by the promoter – nearly every festival provides detailed directions.
Parking on site is free but basic (an open dirt lot). Space is limited and often fills up early for big events, so arrive with time to spare if you’re driving. There is no valet, and leaving a vehicle overnight is not recommended. Alternatively, take a taxi or ride-share from town: a taxi from downtown Tulum will typically cost around MXN 150–200 (~$8–$10 USD) for the 10–15 minute ride. Uber works intermittently in Tulum; if signal is unreliable near the venue, you can arrange a drop-off at a nearby intersection and walk a short distance to the gate. Public transit doesn’t serve the cenote directly: the usual approach is to take an ADO bus or colectivo to Tulum Centro and then a taxi the rest of the way. After a late-night event, it’s wise to schedule a return taxi or share a ride, since buses stop running at night.
Inside the Venue
Stepping into Secret Cenote feels like entering a hidden jungle retreat. The ground is a mix of wood decking, sand and stone, with torches and lanterns providing warm light after dark. Guests typically go barefoot or wear sandals. As you enter, staff will check tickets and IDs (have an official ID handy, especially if you bought a local ticket or need to prove age). During the day, people often wear swimwear and relax by the cenote; at night, the crowd is dressed in light clubwear or festival outfits. The atmosphere is very relaxed and bohemian.
The main attraction is the cenote pool itself, often lit subtly after sunset. During daytime visits you can swim in the cenote or lounge by it, but during ticketed parties it’s usually off-limits (check each event’s rules). Surrounding the cenote are hammocks, lounge beds and hammock swings. The thatch-roof palapa covers the full-service bar and DJ booth. The bar serves craft cocktails (many with local mezcal or tequila), beer, wine and fresh juices. There’s also a farm-to-table kitchen: the menu features upscale Mexican dishes (ceviche, tacos, salads, grill items) made with regional ingredients. Food and drinks are a highlight but pricey (a full meal can average $40–50 USD per person). All food and drink must be purchased on site.
Facilities: Restrooms (modern composting toilets) are tucked into the jungle edge near the lounge area. There are no formal lockers or coat check – pack as lightly as possible. Wi-Fi is very limited, so don’t rely on Internet; mobile signals can be weak under the trees. Occasionally local vendors set up small stalls (selling crafts or apparel) on festival days. Note that Secret Cenote is generally a non-smoking venue—smoking is only allowed, if at all, in designated outdoor areas away from the main lounge. Overall, inside Secret Cenote you’ll drink, dine or swim during the day and dance under the stars at night. Staff are known to be friendly and attentive, helping with anything from extra towels to directions. The vibe is very much “go with the flow” – if you feel like swimming, dancing, lounging or even napping in a hammock, the choice is yours in this jungle oasis.
Nearby Amenities
While Secret Cenote itself is in the jungle, many conveniences are nearby. Tulum town (10–15 minutes north) offers dozens of restaurants and bars for pre- or post-club dining. There you’ll find casual taquerías (like Antojitos La Chiapaneca or Taqueria Honorio) and mid-range restaurants (Casa Jaguar’s jungle side, Casa Banana’s steakhouse skewers, Hartwood’s wood-fire menu). For cocktails and nightlife, popular spots include Gitano (open-air mezcal bar) or Batey (rum-punch bar with live music), both under 20 minutes away by car. If you prefer beachside dining, Tulum’s hotel zone has places like Sanara, Casa Malca or Co.ConAmor about 20–25 minutes drive from Vesica.
Lodging: If you plan to stay nearby, many boutique hotels and eco-resorts line the highway between Tulum and Puerto Morelos. Closer to the club, “Hotel Holistika” (a jungle wellness retreat) and “Ikal Tulum” (a cabana-style hotel) are roughly 5 km away. The Aldea Zama neighborhood (Tulum Centro) has more hotels and is about a 5–10 minute taxi ride from Vesica. If you need ATM or other services, the nearest bank and grocery are in downtown Tulum. Finally, late-night transportation can be a consideration: Uber and local taxis run late but may require arranging ahead (especially on event nights). In short, plan to eat or stay in Tulum town before or after your visit – it’s close enough and offers all the amenities you need.
What Makes This Venue Special
Secret Cenote stands out for merging Mayan tradition with modern nightlife in a way that feels genuinely unique. It may be one of the only club venues in the world built around an actual cenote. Dancing under the jungle canopy with a clear natural pool glowing beside you creates a magical, almost spiritual atmosphere. This also honors Mayan culture, as cenotes were sacred wells in their cosmology. The club’s architecture is equally singular: rather than a concrete structure, you get rustic palapas and open sky. As a result, even big festivals here have an intimate, enchanted vibe.
The venue was also Tulum’s first true cenote-membership club, so it’s cultivated a community feel. Frequent visitors attest that even sold-out nights feel personal because of the small scale. Also, Vesica Tulum is deeply eco-conscious: it follows the local “Tulum Pledge” for sustainability (no plastics, local sourcing, solar lighting). In practice, artists and audiences often describe Vesica as a grounding or transformative experience rather than just a party spot. In travel guides and reviews, Vesica consistently ranks near the top of Tulum attractions. In short, Secret Cenote’s natural cenote centerpiece, biodegrade aesthetic and welcoming vibe give visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures the essence of Tulum’s jungle spirit.
Visitor Tips and Information
Arrive early: Doors usually open an hour before the listed showtime (or earlier for daytime). Getting there early ensures you find parking and claim a good spot in the lounge. Dress for the jungle: it’s warm and casual. Sandals or barefoot shoes are fine (high heels will sink into sand), and lightweight clothing is best. If you’re there before dark, bring sunscreen and insect repellent. After sunset it can cool off, so a light layer is a good idea. Always carry official ID. Organizers will check IDs at the gate – this is required for entry (and for local ticket pricing) and to enforce age limits.
Respect the rules. Most night events are strictly 18+ (some 21+), so plan childcare if needed. Smoking (tobacco/cigars) is usually prohibited inside and only allowed, if at all, in outdoor smoking areas. The venue may search bags at entry; large purses or backpacks are discouraged. It’s best to bring cash in pesos (small bills) for tips or quick purchases – the bar and kitchen accept cards, but cash is handy for vendors or extra tips. Stay hydrated and tip your bartenders if service is good. There are restrooms for guests, but no coat check or lockers – hold onto valuables or leave them behind.
Weather: Events go on rain or shine. If a downpour starts during a party, management may hand out ponchos or adapt the stage, but expect some rain. Bringing a cheap rain poncho or accepting a bit of jungle rain is part of the adventure. After a rainy night, the grounds may be muddy, so plan footwear and watch your step. Always follow any safety announcements (for example, the stage may have to power down for a storm).
Have fun! Secret Cenote is designed to feel like a laid-back party in nature. Feel free to swim in the cenote during the day, lounge on a hammock between DJ sets, or simply gaze at the illuminated water under the stars. Most people treat it as a holistic escape — yoga mats, colorful outfits and relaxed attitudes are welcome. Chat up the staff if needed – they’re usually very helpful. By keeping an open mind, respecting the natural setting, and going with the Tulum flow, you’ll likely have an unforgettable experience.
Where can I buy tickets for Secret Cenote events?
Tickets must be purchased online through official event promoters or trusted ticket platforms. There is no permanent box office at the venue. It’s strongly recommended to buy early, since shows often sell out. Only buy from the official event listing or promoter – avoid third-party resellers.
Does Secret Cenote offer local discounts for tickets?
Yes. Many events have a special “local” ticket price for Mexican residents. You must present a valid Quintana Roo ID (or other local ID) at the door to use the discount. These local tickets can be significantly cheaper than the standard price, so be sure to choose the local option if you qualify.
Are ticket sales refundable?
No. All ticket sales are final – organizers enforce a strict no-refund policy. Events proceed rain or shine (nighttime parties run even if it rains). If a show is postponed or canceled, check the promoter’s policy (some offer credit for a future event). Always verify cancellation terms before buying.
What is the typical price range for tickets?
It varies by event, but general admission tickets usually range from around MXN 800 to 2200 (roughly $35–$110 USD). Early-bird tickets can be cheaper, while VIP tables or deluxe packages cost much more. Daytime wellness or cenote-pass entries are usually separate covers (~MXN 500–1000). Always check the specific event for exact pricing.
What is the address of Secret Cenote (Vesica Tulum)?
The venue is located in the jungle outside Tulum town. Its address is Parcela 198Z-2P-1, Ejido Tulum, Quintana Roo (on Mayan Blue Road). Because it’s hard to find on maps, most events provide GPS coordinates or detailed directions. Always double-check the official site or event page for the most accurate directions when you go.
Is there parking available at Secret Cenote?
Yes, there is a free on-site parking area, but it’s very basic (dirt lot) and fills up quickly. For big events, aim to arrive early. If the lot is full, you may find limited roadside parking nearby, though it’s not guaranteed. There is no valet or covered parking at the venue.
How do I get to Secret Cenote by public transportation?
The most common way is to travel first to Tulum town by ADO bus (from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, etc.). Once in Tulum Centro, take a taxi (or Uber, if available) to the venue address. Colectivo vans only go to downtown Tulum, so you would still need a taxi for the last 10–15 minutes. Public buses or colectivos do not go directly to the cenote.
Is seating reserved or general admission?
It’s general admission. The venue is basically one open dance floor with scattered lounges, not a seated theater. No assigned seats or rows exist. You diffuse around freely on the dancefloor or on open lounge beds. VIP tickets may include a reserved table in front, but otherwise everyone stands or lounges where they prefer.
Where are the best viewing spots at Secret Cenote?
Since the space is open-air, almost anywhere offers a clear view of the stage. Many people gather near the palapa stage or along the edge of the cenote pool. Sitting or standing by the water’s edge still provides excellent sound. Times between DJ sets, relaxing on a lounge bed or hammock by the cenote gives a great perspective without missing much. VIPs usually sit in front row tables for the best sightlines.
Is swimming allowed during events?
It depends on the event. For most nighttime music parties, swimming in the cenote is generally not permitted (for safety reasons). However, if the event is daytime or wellness-themed, the organizers usually allow guests to swim or lounge in the cenote. Outside of special events, visiting Vesica’s day club typically grants water access. Always check the specific event guidelines.
What is the dress code?
There is no strict dress code. Guests usually dress in a relaxed, bohemian style. Flip-flops or barefoot are common. Beachwear or casual resort attire is fine for daytime. For night events, comfortable clubwear is typical (think festival outfits, light fabrics). Avoid formal attire. Note that the dancefloor can be sandy or wooden, so sturdy, flat-soled shoes are safest.
What are the age restrictions?
Most scheduled events are strictly for adults. Typically you must be 18 or older (sometimes 21+) to enter evening events, and ID is checked at the door. Children are welcome only during designated daytime or family-friendly programs (with a paying adult). In practice, don’t plan on the late-night parties being child-friendly.
Is smoking or vaping allowed on-site?
Generally, no. The venue follows a wellness ethos and usually bans smoking and vaping in the main areas. If smoking is allowed at all, it’s only in designated outdoor areas on the edge of the property. During big events, smoking is often completely forbidden on the dance floor or by the cenote.
Can I bring a camera or take photos?
Yes, you can bring your phone or small camera to capture memories. Photos of the cenote or crowd are generally welcome, and many guests share their experiences. For large professional cameras or video gear, check with event staff first (some festivals may restrict professional equipment). Always be mindful of others when using flash at night.
Are food and drinks available on-site?
Absolutely – there is a full bar and restaurant. The bar offers cocktails (local mezcal and tequila drinks), beer, wine and fresh juices. The kitchen serves gourmet Mexican dishes (ceviche, tacos, salads, grills). Food and drinks must be purchased inside; outside snacks or alcohol aren’t allowed. Prices are higher than average (roughly $40–$50 USD per person for a meal), so plan your budget accordingly.
Are restrooms and changing areas available?
Yes. Secret Cenote has restroom facilities (flush or composting toilets) tucked behind the main area. There is usually a simple changing area for swimmers. However, there is no cloakroom or lockers, so secure your valuables on you or leave them elsewhere. Restroom facilities are basic but well-maintained.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Only partially. The paths are made of dirt, sand and wooden planks that can be uneven, and there are a few ramps but also some steps. The staff may help accommodate guests with limited mobility, but in general Secret Cenote is not fully wheelchair-accessible. Restrooms are not specifically ADA-equipped. If mobility assistance is needed, it’s best to call ahead and make arrangements.
Is Secret Cenote indoor or outdoor?
It’s entirely outdoors. The main stage is under a thatch palapa roof, but the sides are open to the jungle. There are no solid walls. Even the bar and seating are in open-air pavilions. You’ll be exposed to the elements (sun or rain) – so plan accordingly.
What should I bring to a Secret Cenote event?
Bring your ticket/ID, comfortable clothing and shoes (flip-flops or bare feet are common), and some pesos for tips or small purchases. Essentials include insect repellent, sunblock (for daytime) and a light layer for after dark. A small bag or crossbody purse is fine; large backpacks are discouraged. Also, bring a reusable water bottle if you plan to stay hydrated. Plan to pack lightly due to the basic facilities.
Are pets allowed at Secret Cenote?
No. Pets are generally not permitted at the venue. Only certified service animals (with prior approval) are allowed by law. Otherwise, expect to leave your pets at your hotel or with a sitter.
What are the typical operating hours for Secret Cenote?
The venue’s day-club portion is open daily from about 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours can vary seasonally). Evening events follow their own schedules: parties often start around 9:00–10:00 PM and run late into the night. Always check the specific event listing or organizer’s information for exact door and end times.
Are children allowed at Secret Cenote?
Children are welcome if visiting during the daytime (the cenote day club is family-friendly, though kids typically need to be supervised and may have to pay the standard entrance or minimum spend). However, evening and late-night events are strictly adults-only (usually 18+ or 21+), so kids cannot attend the music parties. Always review the event details to confirm age restrictions.
