Underneath the vibrant paradise that is the Mexican Caribbean lies a secret underground labyrinth of rivers and caves called Rio Secreto. So, when you get the chance to go on an underground river and caving adventure in the Mexican Caribbean, you better take it! When the opportunity arose I took it and went on the amazing Rio Secreto Privilege Signature Experience offered by Amstar DMC to explore the underground phenomenon.
At first, what caught my eye was the great significance of this tour’s surrounding ecosystem. These underground rivers and caves litter the Mexican Caribbean area. Creating fresh-water swimming holes that make for a great escape from the Caribbean heat! Something that is highly valuable after spending so much time in the sun on vacation. Another significant thing about this excursion is that it also makes for a great rainy-day activity, you spend time in a cave protected from the tropical rainfall! So, rain or shine, this experience is a great choice.
Although, I found that the most notable aspect of this tour happens to be the format. It’s no ordinary vacation tour, a Signature Experience means that this excursion includes extra amenities that really make it ‘Signature’. The added comfort and convenience of private transportation. As well as a private guide and even food and beverages really enhance the day’s experience. For me, this is a must. Going on vacation means relaxing and letting go of everyday responsibilities. And this experience is made exactly for a low-stress vacation. The only thing you need to do is book it! The rest is taken care of by reliable and responsible travel professionals. That is something I think anyone can get behind.
The interesting history of this area!
There was a time in Mexico’s history when ancient Mayans believed these subterranean caves and rivers were an entrance to the underworld. It’s no surprise to me this was a belief because as soon as I stepped down into this cave system I felt like I had entered a fantasy world. Stalactites and stalagmites cover the caver walls and the water shines with an impossibly blue color.
Here, you not only get to feel as though you entered another world, but you also get to be a part of an exclusive select few who ever enter this sacred Mayan underworld that is the Rio Secreto Privilege Route. This secret underground river is set aside specifically for scientific preservation and visits from the most discerning travelers. That means it’s actually closed off to the normal tour groups and the general public! So, you really get an exclusive look into another world that most people will never see first hand.
Starting my Rio Secreto Signature Experience!
We started this amazing day by being picked up from our accommodations in private transportation. Then we were brought to the Rio Secreto Facilities to enjoy a light breakfast before the tour began.
After we fueled up for the exciting day ahead, my group was brought to the activity location and supplied with all the appropriate gear for this excursion. This was actually a really great experience because we received new equipment rather than used and worn-out gear. We were supplied with Water shoes, a full-body wetsuit, and a helmet with a headlamp.
Before we got all geared up, we were asked to shower off any oils, lotions, or other toxins. This helps keep the protected caves and underground river system clean of pollutants. Something Rio Secreto is keen on, this way the waters and delicate ecosystems in these caverns stay pristine into the future! It was nice to know just how much this tour cares about the natural resource they are using.
Then, we were grouped with an expert guide before entering caves that look straight out of a science fiction movie! Many guides have been with the Rio Secreto project since the caverns were discovered in 2006, so they are very knowledgeable and passionate about all the cavern systems, history, and ecosystems. Our guide had been a part of the project since this underground river system was discovered, making for an incredibly interesting and information-packed excursion experience for my group.
Feeling like a true explorer in a maze of fresh-water caves!
Our guide, Benito showed us how to navigate these intricate caves. These caves are like a labyrinth. And the maze-like way it twists and turns makes it easy for people who explore here to get lost. Benito pointed out a colored string called a Lifeline. This string provides much-needed help to explorers in the dark. With it, you know where you are and how to get to the exit.
If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft then this is the experience you want. I truly got to live my adventure explorer fantasy! I swam, I climbed, and I trekked through the caves. All while our guide provided a premier look and expert insights to this pristine underground river that helps keep the lush Mayan jungle so green.
Then, my private group enjoyed a very unique experience during the excursion when all the lights are switched off inside the cavern. Resulting in a fantastic moment spent in the pitch-black darkness with only the sounds of bats and the dripping of water to fill your ears. This made for a very memorable and interesting sensory experience. Then when the lights come back on, we continued to a spot within these magical caves for a picnic lunch complete with sparkling wine, delicious snacks, beer!
The picnic was very wonderful, especially since the setting is totally out of this world. And it’s only with your private group of friends! We had a perfectly delicious menu of fresh fruit, salad, lime soup, Cochinita Pibil tacos, and fried bananas with sweet syrup as dessert. Which was a great way to take a break from swimming and exploring the intricate river and cave system?
My overall insight into this Rio Secreto Privilege Signature Experience.
By the end of the tour, I was fully satisfied with the whole experience. If you are looking for a unique adventure in the Mexican Caribbean, I wholeheartedly recommend Rio Secreto Privilege. The location was beautiful and interesting, the private transportations and guide were a great touch. Plus, we all thoroughly enjoyed the picnic lunch and sparkling wine. My private group and I felt as if we were real-life explorers! Which is the exact experience I hoped for and Amstar DMC very much delivered! Check out more Signature Experiences from Amstar DMC in Cancun and Punta Cana!
