Rio Secreto Nature Reserve

Kept hidden from the public until 2007 and strictly adhering to its sustainable tourism model, the evocatively named Rio Secreto, or “Secret River,” is deserved of its reputation as the best kept secret of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. A dramatic series of caves carved out by the flow of an ancient underground river, the Rio Secreto is most famous for its large half-sunken cavern, one of few in the world that is accessible to non-professional divers.
Venturing underground, visitors can explore the eerie passageways that once formed part of the mysterious, yet much talked about Mayan underworld; swim in the fabled underground river; and admire the unique natural caves, dripping with stalactites, stalagmites and strikingly colored mineral formations.

Practical Info

The Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is located about 3.2 miles (5 km) southwest of Playa del Carmen, just off Highway 307, and is accessible to the public by guided tour only. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.