Rio Secreto Nature Reserve Tours
130 Reviews
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.
The Basics
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 an early-access visit to the Tulum ruins, a mountain biking excursion, or an ATV tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is a must-see attraction 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.
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. By road, it is roughly 20 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, 45 minutes from Tulum, and one hour from Cancun. Many tours include round-trip transportation from Riviera Maya hotels, but you can also get there 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 Caribbean 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. 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.
Address: Playa del Carmen, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Admission Tickets (1)

Rio Secreto Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket
Rio Secreto is the longest semi- flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula. We have 90 hectares of land of which by our conservation programs, we use only 10% for tourism purposes. For your safety, we only manage small groups.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
16 Tours and Activities to Experience Rio Secreto Nature Reserve
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Rio Secreto Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket
Rio Secreto is the longest semi- flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula. We have 90 hectares of land of which by our conservation programs, we use only 10% for tourism purposes. For your safety, we only manage small groups.
…More
From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves
Explore the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve outside of Cancun on this full-day excursion, where you swim and wade in one of the most spectacular underground caves in Mexico. See the famous crystal caves on a tour that showcases the spectacular natural wonders of the Yucatán. Choose round-trip transportation from your Cancun hotel, or meet your guide at Rio Secreto directly.
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From
$85.87
From
$85.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Río Secreto Nature Reserve from Playa del Carmen
Embark on the ultimate eco-tourism experience: a visit to Río Secreto Nature Reserve, an incredible semi-sunken cave system located just a few miles from Playa del Carmen. Don a wetsuit, helmet and headlamp to explore this underground river's vast wonders, marveling at its impressive rock formations and splashing through the waters of its limestone tunnels as your guide identifies unique vegetation and tiny creatures along the way. Back on solid ground, savor a traditional Maya lunch and relax in the jungle before returning to your hotel.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Rio Secreto Plus: Admission Ticket in Playa del Carmen
Explore Rio Secreto in Playa del Carmen, including additional access to new features with a Rio Secreto Plus admission ticket. Visit the new 'Dry Route', which includes a visit to the Salón de la Paz for a fantastic sound and light show and a 25-minute guided walk on the interpretive nature trails. Bike through the forest and go rappelling, then continue to Rio Secreto's natural underground rivers and impressive caves filled with unique rock formations. Fuel up with a buffet lunch and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. Use of all equipment and transport from the welcome center are included.
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Rio Secreto Plus Admission Ticket with Transportation from Riviera Maya Hotels
Hike, bike, and swim at the Río Secreto Nature Reserve. This adventure includes admission to Río Secreto Plus, which includes a light and sound show projected on the impressive geological formations inside the Salón de la Paz (Room of Peace). Snorkeling gear plus light refreshments, a buffet lunch, and round-trip hotel transport are provided from Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
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From
$129.00
From
$129.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Rio Secreto and Tulum Tour from Riviera Maya
Río Secreto is the new ecological inspiration of our region. It has recently been designated as one of Mexico’s most distinct and alluring nature reserves, and this unique destination is quickly becoming the pride of all Mexicans.
Visitors often feel transformed by their journey deep inside Río Secreto. It’s a rare and exotic opportunity to admire the unequaled beauty of our beloved Mexico and Mother Earth
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From
$129.00
From
$129.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Rio Secreto Plus from Cancun Hotels
Río Secreto Nature Reserve has evolved by adding on to its great adventure with Río Secreto Plus, a unique experience of connection and adventure with Nature. You will experience a journey into the bowels of the Earth, where you will find impressive geological formations that tell the history of our planet and even get to watch a light and sound show. Your tour includes a buffet lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary equipment and a professional guide.
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From
$129.00
From
$129.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Rio Secreto Plus Cancun
Discover Cancun’s underground cave attraction Río Secreto on this guided tour. Travel through the caves, swim in the natural underground rivers, and check out the extensive rock formations during your visit. The underground attraction also features activities such as rappelling and cycling, as well as a light and sound show.
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From
$129.00
From
$129.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Río Secreto Playa del Carmen
Connect with ancient Mayan history on the Rio Secreto — considered one of the best natural reserves in Mexico and named one of the world's top 10 Mayan activities by National Geographic. Strap on a head lamp and enter a semi-flooded cave system, where you'll walk and swim through sparkling caverns and pools. Celebrate the completion of your underground trek with an authentic Mayan lunch.
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From
$95.00
From
$95.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

MEET a Secret River at Jungle with Snorkel Equipment, Transportation & Buffet
Imagine being in a place with complete darkness, where your eyes will never adjust and the only light that exists is that of your flashlight. A place where silence is such that if you stand still for a moment the only sounds you will hear are your breathing and the drops of water that fall sporadically from the stalactites.
Secret River (or Pool Tunich in Maya) is a set of galleries and underground rivers formed from rock erosion. The grotto fabric is the longest of its kind (not flooded) in the entire Yucatan Peninsula.
Among the cenotes that can be found in Yucatan, Río Secreto stands out and is called "Crystal Museum", since it has no true relationship with the other underground caves that can be visited in the state, being this rich in natural crystal formations and discovered less than 10 years ago.
Definitely an underground natural paradise near Tulum!
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From
$150.00
From
$150.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

DISCOVER a Unique Secret River with Plus EXPERIENCE in Bike route & Rappel
An underground river of extraordinary natural beauty. This tour is a journey through a glass museum, whose formations tell the geological history of the earth, and certainly a transformative experience of life.
Come and live a fantastic experience in one of the most incredible places in the Riviera Maya that begins the moment you arrive at the Nature Reserve. The tour will be approximately 15 minutes through a jungle path.
You will discover an underground world where you will experience absolute silence, walk and swim for 90 minutes through a location of crystal clear waters. You will walk in an astonishing speleological formation of 600 meters between stalactites and stalagmites comprising this protected nature reserve. After the tour, you will be able to enjoy a light meal and you will have the opportunity to relax in this incredible natural habitat.
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From
$150.00
From
$150.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

ENJOY a JUNGLE TOUR with Bike Trip, Snorkeling Equipment and Buffet
Experience an authentic jungle expedition! On this tour we will take you to the heart of the Riviera Maya on an adventure that will allow you to tour the jungle and a cave by bike, explore a series of enigmatic caverns on foot, swim and snorkel in a crystal clear underground river. Get to know the wild side of the Caribbean jungle in this exciting Secret River experience!
A journey through a glass museum, whose formations tell the geological history of the earth, and certainly a magical experience that will transform your life.
With its millennial voice, this site has told enigmatic incredible and beautiful stories. Its walls and formations are like a huge geological library with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Their secrets are yet to be discovered and come to light.
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From
$150.00
From
$150.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

DISCOVER a Secret River near Tulum with Snorkel Equipment, Buffet and Drinks
Enter discover the enigmatic Mayan underworld, our guides will take you on this unique journey of exploration and adventure.
Rio Secreto is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, a place of impressive caverns through which runs a crystal clear underground river full of stalactits and stalagmites.
Live a unique experience, as you enter the dark caverns, walking and diving among the rock formations, marvel at the magical world beneath your feet. Millions of years of natural history and a memorable adventure full of emotions await you on this tour.
This Mayan Underworld is waiting for you!
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

INMMERSE YOURSELF in a Secret River with Plus ADVENTURE with Bike route & Rappel
Live an unforgettable experience in a place full of magic and natural history, where you can take a tour under the earth, the so-called Maya underworld. Dare to explore the caverns and observe the amazing rock formations from millions of years ago. Find stalactites and talagmitas, each with a peculiar shape and a story to tell. Swim in the crystal clear waters of one of the most beautiful underground rivers in the world and delve into the depths of the mother earth. A specialized guide will accompany you at all times and guide you throughout the tour to tell you about the origin of these magic places.
Experience the most complete natural adventure on the Rio Secreto Plus tour!
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From
$119.00
From
$119.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

LIVE a REAL JUNGLE EXPEDITION with Bike Trip, Snorkeling Equipment and Buffet
In Río Secreto you will experience a magical journey through this true natural world, you can admire the underground nature reserve with undeniable geologic formations, which makes it a perfect natural landscape to explore.
A underground world with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Opening the underworld to non-divers, allowing you to see the beauty of the Riviera Maya the intricate and incredible caves and caverns created naturally under the Jungle.
Get ready to see a panorama that took millions of years to build. Río Secreto offers you a unique experience, with highly trained guides who will make your visit to Rio Secreto an unforgettable experience.
Every corner of the Underworld Maya expects new explorers. What are you waiting for?
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From
$138.00
From
$138.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Full-Day Tulum Expedition and Rio Secreto Adventure
Discover Río Secreto and the archaeological zone of Tulum, a mysterious and enigmatic place with an incredible geological spectacle created over time. Go through trails and channels under the ground and dive into a magical underground world in the center of a beautiful nature reserve.
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From
$139.00
From
$139.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Hotel Pick Up
Discover Río Secreto, a mysterious and enigmatic place with an incredible geological spectacle created over time. Go through trails and channels under the ground and dive into a magical underground world in the center of a beautiful nature reserve.
…More
From
$119.00
Price varies by group size
From
$119.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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