Rio On Pools

beautiful area for kids and adults of all ages. There’s very shallow pools and deep areas. We brought our 7 month old , 2.5 year old and 7 year old and it was fun for everyone. It really goes on forever but a few recommendations : water to rinse your feet off before the car or atleast a bucket to fill from the pools to bring back to the car, definitely water shoes or you are 50% likely to break a toe or twist an ankle…. It’s VERY slippery on the wet rocks, just 1 towel per two people. Most will dry off just fine on the walk back to the car and it’s less to tote, and but g spray if you’re planning to leave at dawn. I’d say we really only needed to budget in an hour maybe hour and half for this activity with our private tour. There’s not a whole lot to do besides swim obviously but for river or waterfall enthusiasts, you could probably stay all day and go explore down further where no one really goes. I’d say you can only do that alone with adults only. It would be very hard and dangerous for kids to go past what you can see as you enter the area.

The road to Rio On Pools is still under construction (as of February 2025), but it’s safe and easy to drive. Parking is a bit tight, and some road edges have holes, so be cautious. The walking path is clear and easy to navigate. Changing rooms are well-maintained and seem mostly clean, though the toilets are unfortunately quite dirty: something that depends on visitors being considerate (leave them as you’d like to find them). Despite this, Rio On Pools is spacious, offering plenty of room to swim, walk around, relax, and even stand under a small waterfall for a refreshing massage or great photos.

Wow, this place was awesome and free. Newer highway made it ultra easy. Wish we brought camping gear to camp near or along highway. Everything about this area was awesome. If you see my photos and want to go there just head down river, but be careful. Some rocks are slippery, especially after rains.

Great way to enjoy a few hours in the beautiful, refreshing natural pools. Tough road to get there but take your time and it’s well worth it!

Beautiful spot, with a small waterfall, and many little pools to swim or wade in. Change rooms, didn't use the washroom facilities. Please take your garbage with you!!

The swimming is amazing. Definitely worth stopping by after visiting Caracol. I cannot emphasize this enough- don’t go to the bathrooms!! Never in all my life have I ever seen anything so vile. You will have nightmares.

A short walk will take you to these amazing pools. Families with children of all ages were picnicking. There was enough water for all of us. There are dressing rooms right by the pools and bathrooms off to the side half way down the trail. However, they were not usable. The rocks are hot and water shoes are recommended.

Absolutely gorgeous. It was pretty busy, but there's so much space along the river you could still find a spot that was private. There are no vendors or anything (so bring your own snacks), but changing rooms are provided. Lots of parking space along the road and just a short walk into the pools. A wonderful thing to do on a hot day.