Rio Secreto

by Myrna Sparks

Rio Secreto....a magical, mystical experience!! On May 1st Gary and I were joined by Playa Caribe friends, Richard Dooley and Sam Goby enjoying the subterranean adventure tour known as Rio Secreto. Located just south of Xcaret on Highway 307, Rio Secreto has 14 kms. of spectacular underground caverns filled with huge stalagtites and stalagmites, cenotes to explore on foot and by swimming, a 500 meter underground river and a 600 meter limestone pathway on the floor of the caverns!

After leaving the highway reception area we jostled along on a fifteen minute ride into the jungle in a minivan to the area where we met our guide. We then donned our wetsuits, watershoes, lifejackets and helmets with mounted lights (all provided) and we were ready for our adventure to begin. As we entered the cavern, feeling as if we were definitely Indiana Jones, we were suddenly walking among thousands of calcified formations in this incredible natural preserve which our guide said had remained unexplored for thousands of years until three years ago.

After walking some way through large underground rooms of dry caverns the fun began when we were suddenly swimming through the caves--a refreshing change! Surrounded by the majesty of the beautiful, huge calcium formations and the stillness of these pristine caverns none of us wanted our unforgettable 90 minute guided tour of Rio Secreto to end. But more was in store.....a delicious light lunch was waiting for us as we made our way into the sunlight out of the cavern.

Reservations are highly recommended and the tours are given daily at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. They can be booked with Nayeli at MexicoArte (hot pink gift shop just inside the arches) in Akumal or by telephoning Rio Secreto at 984-803-9999 (in Mexico). The price for the tour is 500 pesos per person and Rio Secreto does offer locals a discounted price with proper documentation. Credit cards are accepted as payment and the guides are fluent in English and Spanish. Rio Secreto is not recommended for young children or those that have trouble walking. You will just need to wear your bathing suit--Rio Secreto provides the rest.

We all loved the adventure of exploring Rio Secreto and know you will too!!