Rio Secreto Nature Reserve
Carretera Federal Libre Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Km 283.5, Ejido Sur, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Rio Secreto, or the “Secret River,” is a series of caves carved out by the flow of an ancient underground river in Mexico. While the reserve is most famous for its large half-sunken cavern—a popular diving spot—you can also explore eerie passageways, swim in the river, and admire dripping stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful mineral formations.
Most Rio Secreto 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.
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is a must-see for nature lovers.
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.
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, but you can also arrive by taxi, rental car, or shuttle bus.
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.
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, while the archaeological sites of Tulum and Chichen Itza are also great spots to explore. For an island getaway, visit the shores of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.
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