There are four types of cenotes in Mexico:
- Cavern cenotes are the youngest, and many remain hidden or closed to the public. This type of cenote played an important role in ancient Mayan culture.
- Semi-open cenotes are the second-youngest type of cenote. Some of these are connected to other cenotes by underground tunnels, sometimes hundreds of meters long.
- Open cenotes are one of the oldest cenotes where rock formations no longer cover the water.
- Ancient cenotes are the oldest type and no longer look like cenotes but more like open-air lagoons.