Rio Secreto Nature Reserve
Carretera Federal Libre Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Km 283.5, Ejido Sur, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77712
The highlight of this protected, private reserve is the extensive cave system. With underground pools of clear blue water, cave fish, and intricate rock formations, Rio Secreto feels like a place where nature took its time. The cave system is surrounded by swathes of bright green jungle and rugged bike trails, offering peaceful immersion in the region’s natural beauty.
The basics
Most Rio Secreto Nature Reserve tours leave from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, and other Riviera Maya destinations. At the nature reserve, you can tour the underground river, visit the famous Crystal Caves, and learn about ancient Maya legends. Combo tours combine a visit to Rio Secreto with other activities, such as early-access visits to the Tulum ruins, mountain biking excursions, or ATV tours.
Things to know before you go
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is a must-see for nature lovers.
You can’t purchase Rio Secreto Nature Reserve tickets and go on your own; the reserve is accessible by guided tour only.
Bring water shoes to navigate the reserve’s rocky surfaces.
Tours typically include a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, towels, and use of lockers.
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve provides lockers, for free, where you can store your valuables.
Personal cameras are not allowed in the caves; however tours provide photos that you can purchase.
Knowing how to swim is not a requirement as flotation devices will be provided.
How to get there
The Rio Secreto underground river is located in Playa del Carmen, in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Expect it to take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to get there by road, depending on your departure point. Many tours include round-trip transportation from Riviera Maya hotels. You can also arrive by taxi, rental car, or shuttle bus.
When to get there
Rio Secreto is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities.
What to see near Rio Secreto
Mexico’s Quintana Roo region is full of attractions, both natural and man-made. Nearby Playa del Carmen is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and shopping. The Maya ruins at Coba—with a 138-foot-high (42-meter-high) stone pyramid—are also a must-see.
Meanwhile, the archaeological sites of Tulum and Chichen Itza are also great spots to explore. For an island getaway, sail through the crystal clear waters to the islands of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.
Ways to explore
As a private reserve, the only way to access Rio Secreto is through a guided tour that focuses on protecting the delicate ecosystem of the caves. The standard tour includes a combination of hiking and swimming through the cave system, while add-ons like cycling, zip-lining, and rappelling are also available. Depending on your interests and itinerary, you can opt for a half-day to full-day tour, which lets you pair your visit to Rio Secreto with other attractions in the region, including archaeological sites and coral reefs.
Accessibility
The tour is not accessible for people using wheelchairs, and it includes swimming.
Age limits
Children must be at least 4 to participate, and children’s rates are available.
What to pack
Swimsuit, towel, credit card
What to wear
You’ll be provided with a life jacket, water shoes, and a wetsuit (if desired), so bring something dry and comfortable to change into.
Not allowed
Make sure to use the restroom before entering the cave system to preserve the water's cleanliness. Cameras are not permitted.
Amenities
Complimentary buffet lunch, storage lockers, paid transportation
Address
Located an hour away from Cancun by car, Rio Secreto offers round-trip transportation from Cancun and the Riviera Maya for an added cost, but only for certain tours. Otherwise, driving yourself or catching a bus from Cancun, then taking a taxi from Playa del Carmen, are both good options.
Driving
Take Cancún/México 307 highway through Playa del Carmen; the turn for Rio Secreto will be on the right, about 10 minutes past the town.
Public transportation
The ADO bus departs from Cancun Airport every hour and takes about 1.5 hours to get to Playa del Carmen. From there, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride to the reserve.
Best times to visit
The tours are limited to a small number of guests, so you’ll always have a peaceful experience. Visit in the morning so you can enjoy the warmth of the afternoon when you emerge from the cave.
Best days to visit
The caves are open all week, so choose a day that works best with your itinerary.
Best months to visit
December to April is the high season in terms of visitors, but it’s also the dry season, meaning there’s less risk of being rained out.
Special events
While Rio Secreto itself doesn’t host any events, Carnival is a popular festival in Playa del Carmen, taking place mid-February.
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