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Discover Underground Rivers, Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya's "cenotes," or fresh-water river caves, provide unforgettable adventures.

Jungle Walk

It's roughly a half-mile trek through a winding trail to get to Rio Secreto's cenote from the outfitter's home base.

Into the Cave

The Yucatan Peninsula has scores of cenotes, many of which are open for guided tours.

Cave Opening

The cenote's air and water temperatures are in the 70s.

Easy (Initial) Stroll

Ten to 20 yards from the cenote's opening, the water is ankle-deep and easy to navigate.

Pristine Water

The Yucatan Peninsula is like Swiss cheese; rainwater filters through the ground, forming fresh-water rivers, stalagmites and stalactites.

Ancient Sweat

Water beads on stalactites in the cenote.

Underground Cathedral

There are many "beaches" along the river that winds through each cenote. The entire space is illuminated by the flash of a camera.

River Swim

Each cenote offers varying water depths; here, a group swims in 7 feet of water.

Cave Critters

Cenotes are home to a range of wildlife, including salamanders.

Albino Fish

Blind albino fish have adapted to the pitch-black cave environment.

Journey's End

Just after this photo is taken, our guide asks us to turn off our headlamps and simply "listen to the darkness of this ancient space."