Rio Secreto is an underground river located just outside of Playa del Carmen, an hour’s drive from Cancún. This attraction offers a unique and unforgettable experience showcasing the beauty of nature.

Cancún is well known for its pristine beaches, lively nightlife and the wide variety of activities on offer. As a top travel destination, you will be spoilt for choice when making decisions about sightseeing locations.

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience while visiting Mexico, a day trip to Rio Secreto from Cancún should definitely top your list.

Here's all you need to know about Rio Secreto, one of the most exciting day trips from Cancún.

How to get to Rio Secreto from Cancún?

Rio Secreto is located just south of Playa del Carmen, on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The route to Rio Secreto from Cancún is relatively direct and easy to navigate.

From Cancún to Rio Secreto by car

It is a 75 kilometer drive via Playa del Carmen from Cancún to Rio Secreta. If you prefer to drive yourself, the journey takes about an hour and there is ample parking at the entrance to the site.

Keep in mind that driving in a foreign country can be challenging, so ensure you are familiar with the local laws and driving customs before heading out of the city. Although you can self-drive to the attraction, you’ll need to join a guided tour to enter the site.

Guided tour to Rio Secreta from Cancún

The easiest way to get to Rio Secreto from Cancún is by booking a tour with a reputable tour operator. Most tours include return transfers and lunch. Tours of the underground river excluding the road trip from Cancún can take from 3 to 12 hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to Rio Secreto cost?

Tickets to enter Rio Secreto vary in price depending on the tour type. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted, while children between the ages of 4 and 12 pay a discounted rate.

For access to Rio Secreto without transportation, adults pay US$89 while children pay US$44.50.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day trips to Rio Secreto typically include a return transfer from Cancún and a guided tour of the underground river system.

Depending on the package you choose, the site tour includes walking, swimming and floating through the crystal-clear waters.

The tour guides are very knowledgeable and will provide you with all the geographical, cultural and historical facts about this magical attraction.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Rio Secreto?

There are a selection of tours available to go to Rio Secreto from Cancún. Standard tours with return transfers are the most popular. Private tours and combination tours are among the other options to choose between.

Rio Secreto half-day tour from Cancún

This tour includes a pickup from your hotel in Cancún and a transfer to the Rio Secreto nature reserve. A 15-minute van ride follows jungle trails to the access point.

After a small group guided tour that includes swimming through the underground waterways, you can participate in a buffet serving regional food and refreshments. The transfer back to Cancún takes place in the afternoon.

Full day guided day trip: Tulum and Rio Secreto

Following a pickup from your Cancún hotel, your tour first heads to Tulum to explore the ancient Mayan city and appreciate Caribbean Sea views. You then continue onward to Rio Secreto with its spectacular stalactite and stalagmite displays.

A buffet meal, including drinks, ends the day’s activities before you head back to Cancún at around 5 PM.

Rio Secreto Plus tour from Cancún

To extend your Rio Secreto tour experience, you can choose a tour that also includes rappelling, biking and a visit to the Salon de la Paz (Room of Peace) for an interactive experience.

For a completely private excursion, you have the option of booking a Privilege tour offering a customized experience. You can consult with your private guide to decide on the degree of difficulty and tour length you prefer.

How much does a day trip to Rio Secreto from Cancún cost?

Rio Secreto half-day tours are small-group excursions including lunch and return transfers and cost around US$110 per adult.

A full day guided day trip to Tulum and Rio Secreto costs between US$130 and US$160 per adult. Return transfers and a buffet lunch are included.

Rio Secreto Plus tours from Cancún cost roughly US$130 per adult. An upgrade to a Privilege tour on a private basis costs US$300 to US$500 per adult.

Children aged four and under are not permitted on Rio Secreto tours. A discounted rate is charged for children between the ages of five and 12.

What will you see and do?

During your Rio Secreto excursion, you have the opportunity to marvel at this unique underground river system. You can expect to walk, swim and float past stalagmites, stalactites and other rock formations.

Fish and other aquatic life can be seen in the clear waters and your guide will share stories of the history, geology and traditional Mayan rituals that make this a significant natural attraction.

On a Rio Secreto Plus or Privilege tour, biking and rappelling may also be included in the day’s activities.

A buffet lunch provides a taste of authentic local food and is the perfect way to refuel after a morning of activity.

What are the opening times?

Rio Secreto is open daily from 9 AM to 3 PM. The last tour departs from the starting point at 1 PM.

When is the best time to visit Rio Secreto?

The best time for a visit to Rio Secreto is during the dry season from November to April. These mild months are ideal for exploring the underground river system. If you prefer to travel outside of the peak season, May to October offer a quieter experience.

Are there any tours to Rio Secreto from other cities in Mexico?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Mexico:

Day trips to Rio Secreto from Playa del Carmen

Travel tips

To protect the ecosystems and environment of the Rio Secreto waterways, do not wear any sunscreen, insect repellents, make-up or lotions for your tour.
No cameras or videos are permitted. You will have the opportunity to purchase images captured by specialized equipment.
You can pre-book your tour up to two days in advance.
Bring your bathing suit, towel and a change of clothing.

Rio Secreto: Day Trips and Tours from Cancún