Rio Secreto: Tickets

Rio Secreto FAQs

• What is so special about Rio Secreto?
• Rio Secreto is special because of the natural rock formations that have occurred there over time. It includes amazing stalactites and stalagmites and clear water. It’s also home to beautiful flowers and animals that live there.
• Is it true the water on Rio Secreto is very clear?
• Yes, some of the water at Rio Secreto is crystal clear!
• Do I need to be careful of animals at Rio Secreto?
• Like all natural places, you must respect the wildlife that lives there and don't try to grab it!
• What is Rio Secreto in Playa Carmen?
• Rio Secreto is an incredible underground river and cave system near Playa del Carmen with crystal clear waters that was only rediscovered in 2007. It’s a very popular attraction.
• Where is Río Secreto?
• The Rio Secreto is in the Riviera Maya, about 5 km (3 miles) from Playa del Carmen in the Yucatán Peninsula.
• How long is the Río Secreto tour?
• The standard tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, including transportation, briefing, gear preparation, and exploration.
• What activities can you do at Río Secreto?
• You can hike, swim, and wade through the underground river while enjoying the stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations and the wildlife.
• Is it safe to visit Río Secreto?
• Yes, guided tours ensure safety, and you are provided with helmets, wetsuits, and life jackets for protection.
• Do you need to be a good swimmer to visit Rio Secreto?
• No, non-swimmers can still enjoy River Secreto as life jackets are provided, and the water is mostly shallow.
• Is Río Secreto suitable for kids?
• Yes, but the minimum age requirement is 4 years old due to the nature of the cave environment.
• What should you wear to Río Secreto?
• A swimsuit, water shoes, and comfortable clothing are recommended. Wetsuits and helmets are provided.
• Is there wildlife inside Río Secreto?
• Yes! You might see small fish, bats, and other cave-dwelling insects, but nothing dangerous.
• Why is Río Secreto special compared to other cenotes?
• Unlike most cenotes, Río Secreto is an extensive underground river with over 38 km (24 miles) of explored passageways, making it one of the largest partially flooded cave systems in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Río Secreto Fun Facts

• Río Secreto was discovered by accident: When a local farmer found an entrance while chasing an iguana in 2007!
• Wildlife: Rio Secreto is home to bats, blind fish, and other tiny cave-dwelling creatures which have adapted to the dark environment.
• Award-Winning: It has won multiple eco-tourism awards for sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.
• Age: The cave system is millions of years old and was formed by the slow dissolution of limestone by underground water.
• Mayan Artifacts: Archeologists have found Mayan artifacts inside the cave, suggesting it may have been a sacred site.
• Darkness: The caves are naturally pitch dark so the tours use special lighting to highlight the formations.
• Small Section Only: Only about 10% of the explored caves are open to the public, while the rest remain protected.
• New Stalagmites: The cave formations are still actively growing which means new stalactites and stalagmites are constantly forming!
• Mayan Beliefs: The Mayans believed underground rivers were gateways to the underworld, known as Xibalba.
• Water: The water temperature stays around 22°C (72°F) year-round, so it’s refreshing but not too cold!
• ‍Size Matters: Río Secreto is one of the longest semi-flooded cave systems in the entire Yucatán Peninsula!