Río Secreto is a protected system of underground rivers and caves, which you will walk through and, in part, swim through during a guided tour.

It is one of the most fascinating natural experiences on the Riviera Maya, but it is not suitable for everyone.

Ideal duration of visit: 3.5 hours; including transport, approximately half a day

Río Secreto at a glance

• Main reason to visit: swimming and walking through a real underground cave
• Nature of the site: a nature reserve with a compulsory guided tour
• Best for: nature lovers, caving enthusiasts and those seeking less commercialised experiences
• Not suitable for: pregnant women, people with claustrophobia, limited mobility or serious heart conditions
• Minimum age: 4 years for the standard tour
• Location: approximately 8 km south of Playa del Carmen
• Things to bear in mind: you are not allowed to take a mobile phone or your own camera into the cave

Unlike typical cenotes, Río Secreto is not just a place for swimming.

In small groups, you’ll venture into an extensive cave system, where you’ll walk over uneven rocks, wade through water and swim in the deeper sections.

Río Secreto is significantly more expensive than a visit to a standard cenote, but it offers a more intense and better-organised experience. If you only want to visit one underground cave on the Riviera Maya, I’d choose Río Secreto.

How the tour works

After checking in, a minibus from the site will take you from the main entrance deeper into the reserve. Here you’ll receive a briefing and all the necessary equipment:

• wetsuit
• life jacket
• helmet with headlamp
• water shoes
• lockable locker
• towel

This is followed by a short Mayan welcome ceremony and a walk to the cave entrance.

You’ll spend around 1.5 hours underground. The basic route is roughly 600 metres long and alternates between sections with ankle-deep water, deeper wading and swimming.

This is neither diving nor demanding caving. However, you must be able to move safely over wet and uneven rocks, and you should not be afraid of deeper water or confined spaces.

Groups are small, and individual tours are organised so that they do not meet inside the cave wherever possible. The result is a considerably more peaceful and natural experience than in standard theme parks.

On your return, showers, changing rooms and a regional buffet with soft drinks are available, all included in the price.

Which tour to choose

Río Secreto offers several options. For most visitors, the Classic tour is the best choice.

Río Secreto Classic

The Classic tour includes entry to the reserve, a guide, approximately 1.5 hours in the cave, all equipment, a locker, a towel and the buffet.

• Price excluding transport: approximately 1 550 mxn per adult
• Price including transport: approximately 2 050 mxn per adult
• Children: aged 4 to 11 approximately 1 110 mxn
• Total duration: approximately 3.5 hours
• Minimum age: 4 years

Prices on the official website are quoted in US dollars. Basic admission costs 89 usd, whilst the option including transport costs 119 usd.

I’d go for the Classic option if your main aim is the underground river itself. The other attractions aren’t necessary for a fully satisfying experience.

Río Secreto Plus

The Plus tour adds a jungle bike ride, abseiling and three rope slides.

• Price excluding transport: approximately 1 900 mxn
• Price including transport: approximately 2 225 mxn
• Total duration: approximately 5.5 hours
• Minimum age: 7 years

The Plus tour is worth it if you’re looking for a more active half-day programme. If you’re mainly interested in the cave, there’s no need to pay extra for this option.

Río Secreto Wild

The most challenging full-day option combines mountain biking, a hike through the jungle and a longer exploration of less accessible caves.

• Price: approximately 2 570 mxn
• Total duration: approximately 8 hours
• Minimum age: 13 years
• Fitness level required: good

The ‘Wild’ tour is designed for active visitors looking for a full-day adventure. It is unnecessarily long and demanding for a typical first visit.

You can find current opening times and prices on the official Río Secreto website.

Book Río Secreto with transport included

On its own, or combined with other places?

Some tours combine Río Secreto with the ruins at Tulum or Cobá. Such a tour makes sense if you haven’t hired a car and want to visit several places in a single day.

The downside is a more rushed itinerary and limited time at the archaeological sites. I’d particularly prefer to visit Tulum on its own.

Allow half a day for Río Secreto itself. You can spend the rest of the day in Playa del Carmen or on the beach.

Photography at Río Secreto

You are not allowed to take mobile phones, cameras, action cameras or GoPros into the cave. This ban protects the cave and also prevents the group from being held up in slippery areas.

A professional photographer accompanies the group during the tour. You can purchase the photos on your return, though the prices are high.

Expect to pay around 2 000 mxn for a set of photographs. The price may vary depending on the number of people and the number of photos. If you do not wish to purchase the photographs, you will not have any of your own pictures from inside the cave.

This is the biggest practical drawback of Río Secreto, and it’s worth bearing this in mind before booking.

Practical information

• Booking: booking in advance is practically essential
• Arrival: at least 30 minutes before your booked time
• Languages: English and Spanish as standard
• Underground tour: approximately 1.5 hours
• Total duration of the Classic tour: approximately 3.5 hours
• Parking: free
• Meals: a regional buffet is included in the admission price
• Equipment: wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, boots, locker and towel are included in the price

Tours without transport usually start on weekdays at 9.00, 10.00, 11.00, 12.00 and 13.00. At weekends, departures are usually limited to 9.00, 11.00 and 13.00.

Río Secreto operates even in the rain. That’s precisely why it’s one of the best activities in the Riviera Maya for a day when the weather’s not great.

Book Río Secreto with transport included

What to bring

All you need is a swimsuit, a change of dry clothes and, if necessary, cash or a debit/credit card.

Before entering the cave, you must not use sun cream, insect repellent, make-up or any other chemical products. Jewellery, watches, glasses and all loose items must be left in a locker.

Is Río Secreto worth it?

Yes, if you want to see a genuine cave system and don’t mind the compulsory guide, the higher price and the ban on taking your own photographs.

The basic ‘Classic’ tour offers the best value for money. Only choose the ‘Plus’ or ‘Wild’ options if, in addition to the underground river, you’re also interested in abseiling, cycling and other adventure activities.

On the other hand, I’d skip Río Secreto if you suffer from severe claustrophobia, have mobility issues, or are simply looking for a cheap swim in a cenote.

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