Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto
4.5
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Mexico reveals its newly-discovered underground river: Very few places in the world boast conditions that make it possible to witness the extraordinary beauty of an underground river. Rio Secreto is a fantastic journey into a unique system of underground rivers and ancient caverns that reveals both the astonishing interaction of time within the interior of our planet and the miraculous existence of our lives. Come and experience this magical journey with us on your next vacations in Mexico.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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23 within 5 kms
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83 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,221 reviews
Excellent
7,392
Very good
1,338
Average
293
Poor
97
Terrible
101
Kristin575
Kula, HI37 contributions
Mar 2023
What an incredible place! We began the morning biking through the jungle and several caves. As cool as this was, the big highlight came after a short van ride, when we descended into an enormous cave system filled with water. Outfitted with wetsuits and water shoes and carrying waterproof flashlights, we explored the underground river for several hours, sometimes crawling on our bellies to go under stalactites. We even turned our lights off at one point to experience the intense darkness. It was a magical experience!
My one complaint is with the food. I don't have food allergies, but I am sensitive to sugar and saturated fat, and I try to eat a lot of vegetables. These were not available, unfortunately. "Breakfast" was comprised of white bread and low-fiber, high-sugar fruits. To avoid getting pork or ham I said I was a vegetarian, which meant that my "box lunch" had an extra banana and an extra rice crispy treat (more processed carbs) in place of a ham sandwich (which my partner told me was pretty bad - and he's not a picky eater). By the end of the adventure I was quite famished and looking forward to what I thought would be a buffet lunch. Instead, I got a plate of... lettuce. That's it. Ok, so there was a small side of beans too. The lettuce had been washed with regular tap water, so I didn't feel safe eating it (nor would it have provided much sustenance after all the cardio we'd done that morning). Thankfully they brought me some chicken and tortillas when I told them I could eat chicken. I was grateful I wasn't a true vegetarian, unlike one of the other participants, who had to make due with the lettuce and beans. So my advice is - definitely book this trip for the caves and the adventures, but bring your own food if you have any sort of dietary restrictions, and especially if you're a vegetarian.
My one complaint is with the food. I don't have food allergies, but I am sensitive to sugar and saturated fat, and I try to eat a lot of vegetables. These were not available, unfortunately. "Breakfast" was comprised of white bread and low-fiber, high-sugar fruits. To avoid getting pork or ham I said I was a vegetarian, which meant that my "box lunch" had an extra banana and an extra rice crispy treat (more processed carbs) in place of a ham sandwich (which my partner told me was pretty bad - and he's not a picky eater). By the end of the adventure I was quite famished and looking forward to what I thought would be a buffet lunch. Instead, I got a plate of... lettuce. That's it. Ok, so there was a small side of beans too. The lettuce had been washed with regular tap water, so I didn't feel safe eating it (nor would it have provided much sustenance after all the cardio we'd done that morning). Thankfully they brought me some chicken and tortillas when I told them I could eat chicken. I was grateful I wasn't a true vegetarian, unlike one of the other participants, who had to make due with the lettuce and beans. So my advice is - definitely book this trip for the caves and the adventures, but bring your own food if you have any sort of dietary restrictions, and especially if you're a vegetarian.
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Renee M
Surrey, Canada2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Our guide, Diana was amazing! The caves were beautiful also. We really enjoyed our tour in the caves.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura M
1 contribution
Mar 2023
Absolutely the best time ever. we LOVED Aaron, he's the best tour guide ever. Very fun and knowledgeable, super relatable and made everone feel comfortable, from me as an adult down to my 8 year old son. We loved the bike ride and rappel, and the caves were stunning and completely out of this world cool. The lunch after was amazing because we were starving and overall the whole day was amazing definitely fun for ALL ages.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anika Y
Regina, Canada5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This place was AHHH-MAZING!! We booked the day before and there were some hiccups with transport so we had to pay for our own, but I wasn’t going to rate them less b/c the experience was soo cool. We did call to confirm transport, and they told us that we would get an email from a third party company that never came, so book with plenty of time to ensure transport is sorted out.
It was pretty much total darkness with headlamps. There was a time that he made us turn off our headlamps and sit in silence. There was some history mixed in, but just the right amount to not get boring. The caverns varied in size and water depth. Some of it was ankle deep, and for some small parts we had to swim with our life jackets on. They offered a walking stick, and I was happy I didn’t take it (43 y/o) We were happy we took a wet suit as the water was too cold for our liking. We just wore swim underneath it, but others wore shorts and t’s and that worked as well.
They give you helmets and wetsuits that smelled pretty moldy. If I did it again, I would bring a bandana to put between my hair and the helmet, but you get used to the smell pretty quick lol
I can’t speak any more highly about this place. I originally thought that this was a cenote, and maybe they still classify it as that, but this was so much more. I haven’t stopped talking about it.. just go!!
It was pretty much total darkness with headlamps. There was a time that he made us turn off our headlamps and sit in silence. There was some history mixed in, but just the right amount to not get boring. The caverns varied in size and water depth. Some of it was ankle deep, and for some small parts we had to swim with our life jackets on. They offered a walking stick, and I was happy I didn’t take it (43 y/o) We were happy we took a wet suit as the water was too cold for our liking. We just wore swim underneath it, but others wore shorts and t’s and that worked as well.
They give you helmets and wetsuits that smelled pretty moldy. If I did it again, I would bring a bandana to put between my hair and the helmet, but you get used to the smell pretty quick lol
I can’t speak any more highly about this place. I originally thought that this was a cenote, and maybe they still classify it as that, but this was so much more. I haven’t stopped talking about it.. just go!!
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cari H
4 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Great experience for three generations, we were well taken care of by Jose Chavez. Amazing experience for our cruise stop in Cozumel.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason H
4 contributions
We loved the tour. It was a bit unorganized to start, but not a big deal. The cave system is spectacular and my wife and teenage son loved it. The one drawback with this tour is the hotel pick up and drop off. These can always be a bit tedious, but they packed our little van with every last seat, had us sit in the parking lot for 15 minutes, and then start the journey back. We knew we would be close to the last stop out of at least 6, so we bailed at the first hotel and grabbed a taxi. Maybe I’m just impatient, but I’m not okay turning a 10 min taxi ride into an hour long van ride….other than that, great excursion.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
docLosAltos_CA
Austin, TX251 contributions
Mar 2023
A great experience. I underestimated the preparations that it would take to visit this place -- swimming outfit, a shower, wearing protective gear etc. Our guides Leslie and Jericho were very helpful in guiding us through the shoulder-level waters. The place reminded me of Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio. We learned from the guide that it takes 2 years for the stalactites/stalagmites to grow 1 mm. Wow, that means guests need to be very careful not to touch the work of nature. What I loved was the drive to the place through thick forest without tall trees. You cannot take your phone or camera but there is a photographer who takes pictures and visitors have to pay. Found the charge of $103 very expensive for the pictures but they are professional quality.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stacy H
Anoka, MN58 contributions
Mar 2023
Very interesting and a unique educational experience. Great guide and small groups. Didn't run into other groups. Totally recommend this but I'd SKIP THE FOOD at the end. Not good if you are claustrophobic or unsteady on your feet. Those that are warmer wouldn't need a wet suit, but in my opinion it helps to prevent any scraps from the rock formations. Well worth experiencing.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Perry
Santa Fe, NM3 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
What a great experience! The place is very well run, the employees are very helpful, and everything is in good condition . Our guide, Danny, was great—- good information, humorous and very attentive. The scale of the caves is massive. So glad we did this.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Garry D
Canada4 contributions
Mar 2023
It was amazing to see the Tulum ruins. Our guide, Karina, was very engaged and knowledgeable about the ruins and later the underground caves/river system. She took great care of us and provided explanations to our questions. I would highly recommend this tour. This was our favourite!
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hello I’m interested on doing the tour for Rio secreto but I want to now if it’s mandatory to do the Mayan Ceremony
Before we enter into this river performed by a local Shaman.
Karen M
5 contributions
NO it isn’t . You are welcome to step aside and not participate. I just noticed the previous answer and don’t feel that is correct. Our guide told all of us we could absent ourselves from the ceremony. That said I paddle canoes in Hawaii and we always have a prayer in Hawaiian before we go out. It’s no big deal. It was a bit like native smudging.
Wish now that I purchased photos next day can I??
andrea g
1 contribution
May be. Call them. I think they will safe them for a few days.
Tatiana G
Graham, WA122 contributions
Hi! I paid for my photos at the rio secreto shop, but when I am entering the code, I am receiving sn error message. How I can access my pictures?
andrea g
1 contribution
Hi.
Check your number carefully. I also got it wrong two times. In the end, the 2 was a Z. Otherwise contact Rio Secreto.
Greetings Andrea.
Karina jordan
Ica, Peru20 contributions
¡Hola chicos!
Me podrían comentar como llegar desde la zona hotelera hasta a las 7 o 8 a.m. a Río Secreto y si saliendo puedo encontrar carros o buses que me movilicen a playa del carmen?
Les agradecería un montón su respuesta.
lizplan
Riverside, CA
Lot of questions here, estoy por comprar los boletos para la proxima semana cual es la mayor diferencia entre el tour plus y el wild? Mi hijo cumple 13 años en diciembre 25 puede tomar el recorrido wild? O es demasiado wild and extreme? En el tour plus también incluye un fotógrafo?
lizplan
Riverside, CA
Cual es la edad minima. Tengo un sobrino de 3 años y no se si sea conveniente llevarlo?
Río Secreto | Reserva Natural
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
¡Hola! La edad mínima es de 4 años
Vegan95476
Sonoma, CA2 contributions
Can we get a vegan meal and snacks?
Ariel M
3 contributions
No, unfortunately they prepacked our meals and my girlfriend had to eat her own snacks because they didn't provide vegan options.
Other tours do (Selvatica)!
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Rio Secreto (Playa del Carmen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Secreto
- Rio Secreto is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- We recommend booking Rio Secreto tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 25 Rio Secreto tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Rio Secreto:
- Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves and Tulum Ruins (From ₹ 7,526.18)
- Rio Secreto Plus Tour in Playa Del Carmen (From ₹ 8,916.88)
- Río Secreto Nature Reserve from Playa del Carmen (From ₹ 7,280.76)
- Admission Rio Secreto Wild Tour with Lunch (From ₹ 9,734.95)
- Rio Secreto Plus Admission Ticket with Transportation from Riviera Maya Hotels (From ₹ 10,553.01)
- Hotels near Rio Secreto:
- (0.59 km) Dolce Caribe Xcaret
- (2.37 km) Hotel Xcaret Mexico
- (0.59 km) Hacienda - Hidden Gem in Jungle w/ Waterfall Pool & 5 min. Xcaret WaterPark!
- (0.59 km) Hacienda Xcaret
- (1.78 km) Occidental at Xcaret Destination
- Restaurants near Rio Secreto:
- (1.12 km) Tah-xido Xcaret Arte
- (4.71 km) The Traveler's Table
- (2.23 km) Xin Gao
- (2.19 km) Restaurante Ha'
- (7.27 km) Osteria De Roma