Okay, this is an excursion that you do NOT want to miss. I traveled to Mexico for work and the ONLY thing I wanted to do for myself was see the Mayan ruins in Tulum - so when presented with Rio Secreto at the hotel I stayed at (Hilton Mar Caribe!) and they offered me an all-day (6:55am-5:00pm) trip that gave me an added bonus of SWIMMING INSIDE A CAVE, I elected to go for it! Now, I am traveled solo, but it wasn’t even an issue.
I woke up and caught the beginning of the sunrise over Cancun, then headed toward the front of the resort to meet the driver. A sprinter van pulled up, and Cesar greeted me with a smile and asked to see my ticket. We traveled to three other hotels to pick up a couple of families (no small children in my tour group, but definitely a baby or two as we went on!) and a couple of couples.
Cesar was knowledgeable about the land, jovial, friendly, played good music, and paid excellent attention to the road. He was such an accommodating driver and I’m grateful to have met him! We stopped at a gas station after about 45 minutes or an hour to allow anyone on board to use the restroom, and I purchased a bottle of water.
When we got to Rio Secreto, we met Tainara - our tour guide. All smiles and bouncy personality, she prepared us for what was to come: she taught us about respecting the space we were about to enter, she was playful and thoughtful, and kept close watch over the elders in our group. First, we put on our required water shoes and swimsuits, then locked our belongings in a locker that we received a lock and key for: our clothes, phones, cameras, and other valuables went into the locker.
Next, we took a shower that drew water directly from the cave and used that as a basis to determine who would be more comfortable in a wetsuit. (I elected to have one!) The wetsuit was relatively easy to put on, and had a long string you can use if you’re traveling solo! What a relief! At this point, you are given a hardhat with a light affixed and a life vest that Tainara ensured fit each of us the right way.
Here, we met Lareidis - our photographer for the cave experience. He took wonderful photos (yes, we bought them!) throughout the duration, assisted us as the ground became more difficult to navigate, and also helped get someone back to surface when she realized that an underground cave filled with water really wasn’t her idea of fun! Let’s backtrack though - before entering the cave, we were invited to participate in a ceremony by a Mayan elder who blessed us from wherever we came, and invited safety on our journey.
What a beautiful place! It was living art, and my goodness I was so thrilled with how excited Tainara was as she led us through the environment. I had the most amazing journey and experience - we swam together, played a little bit, meditated, and learned about the life underground. As we had many in our party who weren’t fluent in Spanish, she spoke fluently in English and honored us with Spanish when someone spoke Spanish to her.
There were a couple of cenotes in the cave, which were such a holy feeling to witness. The grounds are kept well preserved - it’s literally swimming inside a natural history museum! Each time one of our group elders needed extra assistance, either of our guides stepped in without even being asked! It felt like the reverence that was due to the place of worship was greatly honored and it was such a pleasure to have this experience. I will definitely be bringing people back as much as I can!
When we finished the cave system, I had 10 new friends, I swear! We trekked back to the starting point and then got back into the clothes we started in, depositing the borrowed lock and key, water shoes, wetsuit, and life vests.
Time for buffet! We started with a shot of traditional Mayan alcoholic drink - shoot it! It was reminiscent of anise and very, very good! What interesting dishes and fresh Jamaica tea! We got to view the photos and had the remaining 25 minutes before disembarking for Tulum! Once back inside the van, we drove for 45 minutes and some napped and some stayed awake - most importantly, our driver from before - Cesar!
Two hours was the time allotment for the Mayan ruins - and again, here Tamara stood out - she gave us so much juicy information about the culture, the collapse, the disappearance of, and the gods of the Mayans. She knew about their foods, drinks, animals, planting seasons, and had some of her own curiosities that haven’t ever been answered - why seven fingers? She showed us photos of what the ruins would have looked like in the 1200’s - what exquisite beauty! I had no idea and I am so glad that I took a chance.
Anywho… I’m sure that if you have read this far, you’re going to go on your own journey here - one of the BEST decisions you will make in your lifetime.
Words of advice: eat before you go! This is hard work!
If you decide that it isn’t for you, be brave and speak up! There is no shame in deciding that you cannot continue!
Take pictures at the ruins - I am sure that with the continued hurricanes, they won’t be here forever.
Bug spray and sunblock are good friends of yours.
Get rid of the plastic water bottles - they aren’t allowed in Tulum!
No, you can’t bring a tripod, I •tried•
You can bring a camera though!
Please tip your driver, guide, and food helpers, consider leaving a review. They survive on tourists!