Ride in the Cave
Mountain biking through the jungle and inside the caves, with a guide, a bike and a lamp on your handlebars.
The way we see it
The ride starts on a wide, easy gravel road and turns into a narrow singletrack through the jungle. Then the trail goes underground: four cave systems, three ridden by bike and one explored on foot, with stalactites, stalagmites and bats, in places where the only light is the lamp on your handlebars.
Your guide tells the story of the caves along the way: Xibalbá, the Maya underworld, the ceremonial use of the caves, the Caste War and the era of the chicle tappers. Inside the caves the temperature stays between 22 and 24 °C, and the tour runs rain or shine.
Why we recommend it
It is a ride you will not find on a regular trail: real mountain biking, a jungle singletrack and three caves under your wheels, in small groups of up to ten riders.
Shared departures from 4 riders: you may ride with other visitors to complete the minimum. Book at least 48 hours ahead. Private departures, transportation and meals are quoted separately.
Getting there
Meeting point: Paamul, Quintana Roo, between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras. Arrive 20 minutes early to gear up. Transportation is not included; we quote private transportation from your villa or hotel.
What's included
- Trail and cave guide
- Aluminum 29er hardtail mountain bike, 1x10, with disc brakes
- Mountain bike helmet
- Handlebar lamp
- Water bottle, granola bars and fruit
- Photos and video from your guide's phone, shared by WhatsApp
What to bring
- Closed, non-slip shoes (no sandals)
- Sport clothing with sleeves
- Biodegradable insect repellent
- A towel and a dry change of clothes
- A small backpack or waist pack; there is no phone signal, Wi-Fi or GPS in the caves
Not permitted
- Food, drinks other than water, gum or tobacco inside the caves
- Medium or large backpacks, frame packs or child carriers
- Speakers, headphones or jewelry
- Walking sticks, tripods, strollers or pets
- Touching the formations: it is prohibited and punishable by law
Before you book
- Moderate to high fitness and good balance; the ride is hot and humid
- You need to shift gears and handle a mountain bike; helmet on at all times, moderate speed, single file and on the trail
- Riders under 15 years old come with a parent or guardian; younger riders join if they can handle the smallest 27.5" bike (XS) and pedal 12 to 13 km
- Not recommended during pregnancy, with health conditions, overweight, recent surgery or reduced mobility, or with claustrophobia or fear of the dark
- After the tour: a small pool, bathrooms and changing rooms; food can be arranged on request
- Prefer to walk? The Hike in the Cave option is for ages 8 and up who can walk about 10 km, and we quote it on request
Ideal for
Active couples, friends and families with older kids who ride, and anyone who wants a real adventure between beach days.
Questions we hear often
The rate is on request: we quote it for your date and group size, shared (4 to 10 riders) or private. Transportation and meals are quoted separately, and your written quote confirms the total.
You need to be comfortable shifting gears and handling a bike on gravel and singletrack, with moderate to high fitness.
The tour runs in sun, clouds or rain.
Yes, from about 8 to 10 years old if they can handle the smallest bike and ride 12 to 13 km. Under 15 years old, they ride with a parent or guardian.
Write to us and we confirm availability and the details for your dates, your group and where you start. Here you have Lau and Fede.