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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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from RM 387.86
RM 368.46
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- Karen T1 contributionEnglish-Speaking TourThis tour was amazing! It was more adventurous than we realized when my husband and I booked it along with the Tulum Mayan ruins tour. Since we don't speak Spanish, it was extremely important that we had an English-speaking tour guide. Our guide, Tianara, was wonderful! She even gave us pointers on things to avoid, as well as upstanding places for lunch and shopping. This is the tour that I didn't know was on my bucket list, but I'm sooo happy we did it!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 September 2023
- NetteNorwayOslo, Norway183 contributionsBS guide, beautiful cavesThe caves were beautiful and our photographer Hector was very pleasant and took a lot of great photos. Our guide was grumpy and irritated from the start. He must have quarreled with his boyfriend or something 🥺 He was not very informative at all 👎 Let me just say to everyone that are irritated about not being able to take photos themselves. You would never be able to take these on your own. Hector knew where and how to take them with back lit photography. $ 110 for 70 photos is not a bad price.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 29 September 2023
- EduardoTMexico City, Mexico126 contributionsAmazing, underground riverThese was a great experience. It is an underground river with a lot of stalactites and stalagmites. Where are you go with you guide and see Wonderful sceneries. . Also, there is a professional photographer taking pictures would you can buy after the swim. Lunch is included. This was my second time and I loved it.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 October 2023
- CedricPuerto Rico20 contributionsNatural Beauty and Knowledgeable Guide at Rio SecretoOur visit to Río Secreto was a lot of fun. Angel, our guide, did an exceptional job teaching us about the cave’s history and natural wonders. We opted for the basic tour, which I have to admit, felt a bit pricey at around $125 per person (we used the Hotel’s agency, Nexus Tours) for a 1.5-hour excursion and a less-than-stellar buffet. One thing to note: Despite what we’d read online, Río Secreto is not a cenote, nor do they market it as such. We initially came here expecting a cenote experience based on various reviews and recommendations from travel websites. So, we were slightly disappointed on that front. However, the underground river adventure turned out to be stunning, cenote or not. One aspect that we truly appreciated is that Río Secreto has preserved the cave in its natural state, without an overload of artificial lighting or other elements that could disrupt the ecosystem. It allowed us to experience the cave’s raw beauty. Overall, while the cost and initial expectations were a bit off, the underground river experience was beautiful, and the commitment to preserving the natural state of the cave was a commendable choice.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- CynburdMcKinney, Texas32 contributionsRio Secreto WILD is amazingWe had the best time with the Rio Secreto WILD tour! Make no mistake, this tour is extremely physical. Like an all day workout! We had a blast! The bike & underground river swim were amazing. We had the best tour guide too! Mowgli kept us laughing all day! He was the best! The buffet was yummy too. We all left exhausted & full of smiles.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 October 2023
- HMTYSaint Paul, Minnesota93 contributionsGreat experience- might want to book your own transfersWe did the original/shortest tour with 2 adults and 4 kids ranging in age from 8-15. Everyone really enjoyed the tour! Very unique experience! The only negative was that we booked transfers through them and it took an hour and 15 minutes each way even though our hotel was 30 minutes away due to having to pick up/drop off others. We also had to wait for others at the end of the tour before we left- probably 30 minutes then as well. If I had to do it again, I would book our own transfers- especially with kids who just wanted to get there/back.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 October 2023
- sunshine810100 contributionsHighly recommend.My swim in the river exceeded my expectation. I have trouble getting around due to my age and the staff was VERY helpful. Hats off to Miguel, especially. This was an 80th birthday present from my daughter and I couldn't have been happier.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 November 2023
- Laurence BLos Angeles, California121 contributionsAncient river caves newly discoveredIt’s not often that you get to visit a natural landmark that was millions of years in the making but was only discovered in 2006 and made available to the public two years later but this is exactly what Rio Secreto allows Set in a reserve about an hour south of Cancun the set up is very professional and well set up. We self drove down and easily secured tickets for trh 2 hr experience, opting not to include biking and repelling into a final Cenote . It was more than enough to see and experience for a first visit. facility exceptional clean and organised in terms of wet suits ( not needed if you not overtly sensitive to the cold) life vests compulsory as are helmets and lights. This area was around 7km from entrance and everyone is ferried in buses along unsealed roads Was disappointed could not talk camera or Go pro into caves but some nice pics taken by photographer who accompanied us on our tour The tour was led by Victor and we were in a group of 12 which was fine. After walking down steps into the start of the cave system( or at least part made available to visitors) you slowly make your way through numerous caves in and out of water ranging in depth from a few inches to over 6 feet. The stalactites and stalagmites are in great condition and are amazing examples in all their many guises including fans, popcorn in various colds caused by minerals It has not been “touritsized” in terms of back lighting or music which I am sure will happen so visit soon and see it as they were first discovered just 17 years agoVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 November 2023
- Linda KOttawa, Canada156 contributionsYou gotta goAbsolutely stunning! Beautiful caves, water! The story behind the caves , being blessed by Mayan guide, our tour guide Leo was amazing! Full of knowledge and very fun! He helped anyone that needed assistance while in the caves!Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 December 2023
- Mark K14 contributionsCombine Rio Secreto with Coba for more fun!Rio Secreto is a beautiful cenote with gorgeous stalagmites, stalagtites and columns. We absolutely enjoyed the tour with our amazing guide Amber. She was dedicated, knowledgable, passionate and very attentive. Lunch was good, and the excursion to Coba was well organised too. The Rio Secreto + Coba tour is a must-see and excellent value for money. Thank you, Amber.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,611 reviews
Excellent
7,708
Very good
1,380
Average
308
Poor
104
Terrible
111
ksjdaj
6 contributions
Nov 2019
We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the only reason I'm giving this a 3 star rating as opposed to 5 is because of the picture package. We purchased the picture package with the understanding that it would include 50 additional pictures of the caves unrelated to our particular adventure. Those pictures never downloaded and we reached out to Rio Secreto multiple times to have them either refund us part of the package price or send the pictures. We really wanted the pictures, however, we never got a response from them. This was very disappointing after such an amazing experience. I still recommend the tour just be aware before you spend $99 on pictures that you are only getting what you see on the screen at the time of purchase. Make a choice based on that and not the expectation of additional photos revealing parts of the caverns that you didn't get to see.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruno F
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Couples
The place is really beautiful. The only problem we have was with the photos. They don’t allow cameras in there so you have to buy the pictures, which are very expensive (US$100). We bought the photos but to our surprise the photo link doesn’t work. I don’t recommend to buy the pictures.
Written 28 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello P8142ZVbrunof
Thanks for visiting us, we are happy to know that your experience in our natural reserve was great, It is a pleasure for us to share this natural beauty with the community; Our engine is its conservation and it is precisely for this reason that an important part of your purchase in photographs is destined for the conservation of more than 100 hectares of jungle, in the Ejido of Playa del Carmen.
We hope to see you again soon!
Written 30 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alyssa T
8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
My mother and I did this trip last minute when the weather was proposed to rain. It ended up being the coolest excursion we’ve ever done in Mexico. It was truly an adventure and I maybe wouldn’t have chosen to do this tour with my mother (who is in her mid-60s) had I known how “adventurous” it was, but she still really loved it. We had Pepe as our guide and he was wonderful with telling my mom where to step in the cave and gave great directions and history throughout the tour. He was very attentive to her abilities. She is decently physically active for someone of her age, but doesn’t typically do adventurous activities. We had to swim, squat down and walk on a very uneven cave floor. While the tour isn’t physically strenuous, I wouldn’t recommend this for older people who have unsteady footing or people with bad knees. You must know how to swim as well. This company did a great job of keeping people safe and provided all necessary equipment like water shoes, helmets with lights, wet suits, life vests and walking canes. You aren’t allowed to bring cameras or phones into the cave, but they do have a photographer follow you throughout. Although we were at first miffed about not being able to take our own cameras, you wouldn’t have the ability to even walk/swim and carry anything else. You need your arms at all times just to get through the cave safely. The pictures are sold in a package for 99 USD, but they were well worth it. Lunch was provided after the excursion and we did book transportation through Rio Secreto which arrived promptly to our hotel on the morning of the excursion and dropped us off after.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for letting us your comment.
We are glad to know that the tour was to your liking and you had an incredible time.
We would love to see you here very soon, on your next vacation.
Greetings!💙
Written 20 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kerry S
4 contributions
Feb 2020
Rated less than excellent only because I wish we had a smaller group. We had 12 people. Our amazing guide Vicky did a great job even though it was like hearing cats in Tulum where it was busy. Recommend going in the morning to beat the massive crowds. Our driver Omar aka “Speedy Gonzales” was a treat and made the long ride tolerable. We took the van to Tulum then to the the cenotes to explore and swim. The meal provided at the end was a great authentic Mexican treat and needed after a busy day. Could stay longer at Tulum but you get the important parts before moving on to the caves. The Caves were the highlight for us, amazing experience .
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley L
Sahuarita, AZ7 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
My husband and I booked this tour through our resort Panama Jack's concierge. This particular tour picked us up and drove us to the city of Tulum where we would view the ruins of Tulum, learn about the city there and how the Mayans inhabited the city. We did some shopping and then took a drive deep in the jungle to the Rio Secreto where we witnessed a Mayan blessing before entering the cave. Yul accompanied us through the shopping plazas and transportation. Once there, Yul guided us thru the ruins and led us through the amazing channels in the Rio Secreto. Because you are unable to take your own photography equipment including your cell phone, there is a photographer on the cave tours with you taking pictures that later you can purchase. Yul was very knowledgeable and quite the historian! We loved him! To top it, he was so funny! Kept us laughing and learning. Lunch was tasty at the buffet and again all inclusive! If you get the opportunity to book this tour...do it! It was more than worth it! THANK YOU YUL!
Written 17 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello alakeash
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.
We are very happy to know that you enjoyed the tour and the company of our guide Yul.
We hope you will come visit us again sometime.
Greetings!
Written 23 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vicky S
Saint Louis, MO19 contributions
Aug 2020
We had an unbelievable time in Rio Secreto, it is a place beyond your wildest dreams. We paid for the private excursion and went through the tour without seeing another person. Our guide Alfredo was exceptional at keeping us safe, teaching us about the cave environment, and respecting the unique ecosystem. We were able to explore a different side of the Yucatan, one that is 30 feet underground and our perspective will forever be changed. Honestly, it's worth the money and we loved our guide.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Vicky S
Thank you for the positive comments that you published about your trip to the Rio Secreto nature reserve.
We are very happy to know that you enjoyed the tour and the company of our guide.
Our mission at Río Secreto is to transform our visitors through a unique journey into the bowels of the Earth.
We look forward to your next visit.
Written 28 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sorba B.
Norwalk, CT4 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
The Rio Secreto experience was easily one of the most beautiful and unique sights I've ever taken in. The tour itself was end-to-end marvelous with our lovely guide, Anna educating us on the incredible natural structures formation and how the Secret River came to be discoverable. The serenety of the experience is unlike anything you'll likely experience in your day to day life and brought a profound respect for nature and he planet itself into focus. I have already and would absolutely recommend this experience to any one.
So, why 3 stars? The unfortunate side of this all is that you will no doubt want to take memories of this experience with you. If you're like me, photography is important as a means to capture moments and share them with those that couldn't be with you. Unfortunately, use of your own cameras or mobile phone camera is forbidden with claims that the lights cause damage to the natural features. Hypocritical, in that a staff photographer is on the tour with you taking photos with a flash array set up throughout the tour. Fine, so they want to control the circumstances... But at $25 usd per image (or 99 for all photos) one would expect photography that has several clear, in focus and stunning images to choose from.
Wrong.
Our photos were quite disappointing to start and after learning of the pricing, we felt insulted to have had them demand we do not take our own pictures. The photography was price gouging at its worst. Do not expect to leave with any shareable memories from the experience.
*note, our photographer was a pleasure to speak with and a generally great guy. The photography was just not a strong suit.*
So, why 3 stars? The unfortunate side of this all is that you will no doubt want to take memories of this experience with you. If you're like me, photography is important as a means to capture moments and share them with those that couldn't be with you. Unfortunately, use of your own cameras or mobile phone camera is forbidden with claims that the lights cause damage to the natural features. Hypocritical, in that a staff photographer is on the tour with you taking photos with a flash array set up throughout the tour. Fine, so they want to control the circumstances... But at $25 usd per image (or 99 for all photos) one would expect photography that has several clear, in focus and stunning images to choose from.
Wrong.
Our photos were quite disappointing to start and after learning of the pricing, we felt insulted to have had them demand we do not take our own pictures. The photography was price gouging at its worst. Do not expect to leave with any shareable memories from the experience.
*note, our photographer was a pleasure to speak with and a generally great guy. The photography was just not a strong suit.*
Written 12 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello sorbadb
Thank you very much for sharing your travel experience you had with us. You're comments are important for us, and will help us to improve.
The proceeds of our prices help us to preserve more than 150 hectares of jungle, which are home of more than 150 different species, as well as contribute to our associations "Jaguar Wildlife Center", that helps wild species that have been affected by the urban growth and "Centinelas del Agua" that promotes the care and conservation of water.
We are committed to preserve this nature reserve, so people can continue to witness natures' gifts.
We invite you to visit our social media for more information.
We look forward to your next visit.
Greetings!
Written 18 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JacquelineWeiland
Atlanta, GA15 contributions
Feb 2020
I did the Rio Secreto experience the last weekend of February. It was amazing! Gustavo was our guide and he did a FANTASTIC job. He gave the tour both in English AND German (which he's only been learning for 6 months on YouTube) and did a PHENOMENAL job! I was a little worried about caving being cramped or claustrophobic but these caves are massive and I was never uncomfortable. I also didn't realize that we would be served a scrumptious lunch at the end so that was an awesome surprise.
They do have a photographer follow you and take pictures and the pictures were beautiful though they were very expensive. It was around $25 USD for just 1 picture or $100 USD for all of them. As a result, we didn't buy any and I don't think anyone else in our group did either. I'm wondering if at a slightly lower price point they would sell more?
They do have a photographer follow you and take pictures and the pictures were beautiful though they were very expensive. It was around $25 USD for just 1 picture or $100 USD for all of them. As a result, we didn't buy any and I don't think anyone else in our group did either. I'm wondering if at a slightly lower price point they would sell more?
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim P
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Friends
I am not normally one to write reviews but on this adventure I felt the need to share. Our trip to Rio Secreto was an excursion booked via Norwegian cruise line. We booked with friends and hands down was one of the most awesome experiences. I am so glad we did it! I felt like I might be nervous in a cave scenio and underwater but glad I did not let that nervousness change my mind. Our guide was Marite Apanco. She was 100% professional! You could tell she loves what she does and we had an absolute blast! So much beauty within the caves! She shared a wealth of knowledge with us. There was a little one in our group maybe 7ish-8 years old and she put her under her wing and gave her shared special attention and spotlight. I feel like she created a memory for that girl that she will take with her for years to come and have an increased wealth of knowledge. You are not able to bring cell phones or cameras in with you but have no fear your memories will be preserved via a photographer that follows your group and there is no pressure to purchase any of the photos at all but the price is not to outrageous.
They will provide wet suits and water shoes. I brought my own shoes. You will also have a secured locker to keep your items and be able to shower and change afterwards.
Don’t miss this adventure of a lifetime and ask for Marite to be your guide. You will not be disappointed.
They will provide wet suits and water shoes. I brought my own shoes. You will also have a secured locker to keep your items and be able to shower and change afterwards.
Don’t miss this adventure of a lifetime and ask for Marite to be your guide. You will not be disappointed.
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Mommaonthegeaux
Thank you very much for sharing your comment.
We are pleased to know that our mission to transform them through a unique journey to the bowels of the earth was a success.
We continue to work every day to preserve this natural wonder that would not be possible without your help.
We hope to see you again very soon in our nature reserve.
Greetings!
Written 25 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barb
10 contributions
Apr 2019
If you are looking for a low-key simple cenote to visit, this is a perfect choice. It does require walking over some awkward underwater rocks that are sharp. I don't snorkel and am claustophobic but I managed just fine with this cenote. Real respect for the cenote was evident by all staff. Our trip didn't include repelling or any other thrill seeking events. Warning though, you can't take your camera with you. The only reason I didn't go with a 5-star rating was the money gouging at the end. So be prepared...they entice you with unbelievable photos at the end and charge $99. We bought one photo for $35. Relatives said they were charged a different price for pictures from the same cenote the day prior to our trip.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I do not swim either but they provided life jackets.
Written 9 September 2024
My husband is 6ft tall and 300 lbs. He can physically do the excursion but does not have a wetsuit. I read that you can wear shorts and a T-shirt. Is that ok? We are going in September this year.
Written 21 July 2024
they require and supply wet suits. when i was there a guy was about that size and they had some that fit him.
Written 28 August 2024
I went on 7/2/24 and now 7/4/24 still can't access my photos I purchased!? I contacted them through that same site but am worried I won't receive them at all before leaving the country
Written 5 July 2024
I had the same issue when I went in April, I was able to access the link and see the pictures but I was unable to download or save them while still in Mexico. I sent/forwarded the link through whatsapp to my daughter back home in Ontario and she was able to download and save them that way.
Written 6 July 2024
How long is the cycling in the plus tour? If you don't want to rappel, can you also enter the cave another way? Do you cycle through the jungle or are ways where you cycle paved? Do you have to walk or cycle a long way through the jungle? How much do they charge for photos?
Written 26 February 2024
Can you walk instead of riding the bikes to the next spot on the tour?
Written 25 August 2023
They offer a drive in a minibus as an alternative.
Written 2 September 2023
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