We were invited by Riviera Maya Tourism to explore the unique activities and diverse nature that Mexico’s Riviera Maya has to offer. This was our first time working directly with a tourism board, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled about our first Press Trip. As travel bloggers, we were definitely proud of this accomplishment.
At the Playa del Carmen bus station, we met a friendly and enthusiastic woman named Jessica, one of the PR Executives at Riviera Maya. Along with our driver, Juan Carlos, the four of us embarked on a day filled with ecological wonders and theatrical excitement!
Our day began with breakfast at the popular restaurant, La Cueva del Chango, where we devoured mollettes, which quickly became one of our new favorite Mexican dishes. These hearty treats consist of toast topped with refried beans and melted cheese.
With our bellies full, we were ready to start our adventure. We walked off our big breakfast by wandering the famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. It felt a bit like Koh San Road in Thailand, but more upscale, lined with high-end shops and restaurants.
However, the beach experience felt more like strolling through a shopping mall, so we decided to explore a few blocks away from 5th Ave. Here, we found a more local, authentic vibe with small eateries and parks, and we didn’t see any other tourists.
After enjoying this more genuine side of Playa del Carmen, we got back into the vehicle to continue our adventure. The Yucatán Peninsula is known for many magical things, but its underground caves, sinkholes (cenotes), and caverns are particularly unique. With plenty of limestone and heavy rains during the wet season, it’s the perfect recipe for creating cenotes.
Rio Secreto, a long network of underground rivers in the Riviera Maya, has over 12 kilometers of semi-sunken caves mapped out. The story of its discovery is almost as incredible as the caves themselves. A Maya man, hunting iguanas, chased one into a hole and heard a splash, realizing there was water below. This discovery led to the eco-tour company Rio Secreto renting the land from him.
We geared up with life jackets, water shoes, wetsuits, and helmets, and set off to explore the underground world with our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. After hiking through the jungle, we arrived at the cave entrance, unsure if it would live up to its hype. But as we walked, swam, and floated down the river system, we found it exceeded our expectations.
We stopped along the way to learn about the stalagmites, stalactites, and cave-dwelling animals. One of our favorite moments was when we all sat in the water, turned off our headlamps, and meditated in complete darkness and silence, hearing only the dripping water.
Our guide’s passion and knowledge about the cave system were impressive, and it was reassuring to be led by someone so dedicated to conserving this ecosystem. Including a delicious buffet lunch and a shot of Xtabentun liquor, the approximately 3.5-hour tour was fantastic, with about 45 minutes spent inside the cave. The tour costs $109, including transport from Playa del Carmen, or $79 for adults and $39.50 for children if you get to Rio Secreto on your own. The fee covers the guide, gear, and lunch. There’s a photographer in the cave, and CDs with photos are available for purchase.
Cameras aren’t allowed inside the cave, and you must shower off beforehand to eliminate toxins. Lockers are provided for your belongings. We found the cave system to be well-preserved and the guide extremely professional. With a maximum of 8 people per group, the experience is intimate and enjoyable, and we never saw another group while inside the cave.
It’s refreshing to join a tour that genuinely cares about the ecosystem. Although the entrance fee might seem high, the company’s efforts to conserve the environment and the professional staff make it worth every penny.
By the end of the tour, Nick and I were pretty tired from our busy day, but our energy spiked when we arrived at the eco-theme park, Xcaret. Stay tuned to hear about our amazing experiences there!
Have you ever been on a tour that was environmentally conscious? Share your experiences with us below.
