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Welcome to Rio Secreto, one of Mexico’s most distinct and alluring nature reserves. Don't be fooled by the small ticket stand you arrive at, for once underground, Rio Secreto feels a world away from the thriving jungle above and the picturesque Mexican beaches a few miles away.
Group Meet Up
Tour stop audio transcript
Before we go underground, this is where the group will gather and everyone will be briefed on the adventure we're about to undertake. If you’re hungry, there's a cafeteria where food and beverages can be purchased, and there are several areas to relax before we head out.
Above the Cave
Tour stop audio transcript
After everyone is briefed, we'll take a 15 minute shuttle into the jungle. Look out for quati—the "raccoon-monkey"—while you're heading out. Many of these curious-looking animals call this area home and if you haven’t seen one before, they’re quite a sight.
Once we arrive, we're a short walk to a jawdropping hole in the earth. Time to head underground!
Entering Rio Secreto
Tour stop audio transcript
The transition of jungle to cave at the mouth of Rio Secreto is quite a unique scene. Many of the trees extend their vines and roots into the depths of the earth to reach the calcium-rich fresh water below. As a result of the high levels of calcium and limestone in the water, many of the trees take on a rigid, almost stone-like form. Still, the trees gladly sip off of Rio Secreto.
Into the Darkness
Tour stop audio transcript
As we begin to head into the depths, we tread slowly so our eyes can adjust to the unreal darkness we're about to experience. Soon it will be pitch-black to the extent that not even a photon of natural light will exist. It’s up to our headlamps to light the way after this point.
Rio Secreto, the Secret River
Tour stop audio transcript
As we head through the the cave there’s a shocking diversity of stalactites and stalagmites that range in height, scale, texture and radically in form. Don’t worry if you grow increasingly more curious as you continue on because your guide will fill you in on pretty much everything as you splash along.
