There are so many things to do on a family vacation in or around Cancun, Mexico. If you don’t believe us, take a look at our blog! One of our top choices to include in your itinerary is a day trip to Río Secreto, which lies just down the coast from Cancun, in Playa del Carmen.

You may have heard about the giant asteroid that wiped out the extinction of the dinosaur species, but did you know that it fell just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula? Indeed, the after-effects of the asteroid’s impact can be seen in abundance throughout the area, most notably through the vast underground water system resulting in subterranean caves, cenotes, and rivers.

Río Secreto is a vast system of underground caverns and cenotes, all connected by underground rivers. A guided tour of this natural wonder will have the whole family in awe!

If you have a rental car, Río Secreto can be easily reached from your vacation rental in Cancun: just drive straight down the coast on Highway 307, and you’ll find it just south of Playa del Carmen!

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you have the option to book transportation to and from Cancun when you book your tour!

Led by an experienced guide, you and your small group will hike and swim on a 1km journey through this breathtaking underground network. Marvel at the show-stopping formations of rock and crystals as you clamber around stalagmites and swim through the clear water past limestone pillars and beneath natural cathedral-like ceilings dripping with stalactites!

You’ll be blown away by the natural architecture and the sense of calm that inhabits Río Secreto.

The tour takes around three hours and includes a wetsuit, life jacket, a helmet with a lamp, towels, a regional buffet, and non-alcoholic drinks.

If you’re thinking of expanding your trip beyond the standard tour, then Río Secreto has more to offer! If you’re a family of adventure-lovers, then why not try the Río Secreto Wild Tour, where you can explore some of the ancient surrounding caves that lie above-ground via bicycle!

Or, if you’re the spiritual type, opt for the Rio Secreto Plus, offering an add-on package that provides a visit to the Salón de la Paz, or the ‘Room of Peace’, where you can enjoy a soothing sound and light show projected onto the dazzling natural formations!

As mentioned above, towels, wetsuits and helmets are all included in the price of your tour!

All you need to bring with you is swimwear and a change of clothes (not necessary, but you may want dry clothes on hand just in case), but do feel free to bring snacks, drinks, and a camera; also included in the price is a locker where you can leave valuables or any other belongings.