Cenotes: How to not get stuck in a tourist trap. Cenotes are natural sinkholes created when the limestone underground deteriorates, showing the groundwater underneath, and they're seriously gorgeous. Many are found in the Yucatan Peninsula and have become key tourists attractions for travelers looking to learn more about the ancient Mayans (see them all in the photo?) While some of the more commercialized sites may seem nothing more than a tourist swimming spot, these waters were once sacred to the people who called the area home, and they're still special to the people who live near them today. Looking to visit one? Look for a locally operated and eco-conscious tour company that will make sure you get a great view and history of these amazing places without leaving any damage behind.