Visit Mexico's Bright Blue Cliffside Hot Springs, Thermal River, and Steamy Caves in Las Grutas Tolantongo
With bright blue cliffside hot springs with mountain views, a teal hot spring river, and steamy, thermal caves you can swim and walk through, Las Grutas Tolantongo quenches the traveler’s thirst for adventure and soothes the hardcore spa-goer’s soul. It’s an absolute MUST if you’re in the Mexico City area. Here’s everything to know to visit Las Grutas Tolantongo hot springs for yourself!
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FAQ:
Where is Las Grutas Tolantongo
Las Grutas Tolantongo is about 4 hours (160km) north of Mexico City in the Hidalgo State.
How Much Does it Cost to Enter Las Grutas Tolantongo?
$180 MXN (almost $10 USD) per person for all-day access (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and gives access to all the park’s attractions and most facilities. A parking permit is separate (30 MXN/day, or a little less than $2 USD), and guests can stay overnight if they choose to camp or book a room in the onsite hotel.
Who Owns Las Grutas Tolantongo?
Tolantongo runs under the ejido system, which means it’s owned by members of the local community, kind of like a co-op system!
How hot is the water at Las Grutas Tolantongo?
It varies depending on where you are in the park, but Las Grutas' Tolantongo’s water temperature typically fluctuates between 95°F-75ºF. It’s super comfortable–not too hot, not too cold!
Why is Tolantongo water blue?
Its gorgeous blue-gatorade water rises out of a thermal spring below the surface where there’s a lot of calcium and magnesium in the rocks. This high mineral content turns the waters this milky baby blue!
What is the best month to visit Grutas de Tolantongo?
I’d recommend visiting in fall or winter when the weather is cooler, and the crowds are smaller. January is the coldest month with highs reaching 69ºF and lows 44ºF. I love a good hot spring sesh when there’s a little chill in the air. It’s hottest in April is its hottest month (temperatures can get up to 85ºF during the day, and 56ºF at night). Avoid Semana Santa (Holy Week) if possible! It’s considered the worst time to travel anywhere in Mexico.
How to Get to Las Grutas de Tolantongo
By Car
We chose to go by car and we were so happy we did! I loved the flexibility it gave us and we didn’t need to worry about bus routes or schedules. We were on our own time!
Car directions will vary depending on where you come from. I’d recommend using Google Maps to plot your best route!
By Shuttle
It’s a long drive, but you can bus if you want the cheapest route. If you’re coming from Mexico City, head to the North Bus Station and hop on the Ovnibus or Flecha Roja line from Platform 7 or 8 towards Ixmiquilpan Hidalgo City. Once you arrive, find the Microbuses Station in the San Antonio parking where you’ll be able to hop on a bus to Grutas Tolantongo. (Shuttle Service Schedules)
Las Grutas de Tolantongo
There’s SO much to see at Las Grutas Tolantongo, so give yourself at least an entire day to enjoy all its magic. At least. I honestly felt like one day wasn’t enough! I fully plan on heading back down there at some point to camp!
With towering cliffs that reach up to 492 feet, Las Grutas Tolantongo is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers looking for adventure. The region is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including cacti, agave, and various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, providing nature lovers with plenty of opportunities to explore and observe the local wildlife.
For those who are more adventurous, Las Grutas Tolantongo also offers a range of activities that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Visitors can hike through the stunning canyon, rappel down the cliffs, or go zip-lining, giving them an opportunity to see the natural beauty of the region up close and personal. There are also guided tours available that take visitors to the area's hidden caves, where they can explore the geological formations that have been carved out over time.
Its activities can be roughly divided into three categories: the hot springs pools, the river, and the caves. Let’s dive in, shall we! *shameless pun. Not sorry.
The Hot Spring Pools
Once at the gated entrance, hang right for the holy grail of hot springs. The warm waters, which are enriched with minerals, flow through a series of cascading pools that are set into the cliffs. It’s becoming Instagram famous for good reason!
We went on a Saturday and while it was busy, we still managed to get multiple pools to ourself! There are TONS to choose from, and each one is totally unique. The hottest pools are at the top of the hill and get progressively colder as you make your way down the mountainsidee. Why? Each pool cascades into the next.
Is Grutas Tolantongo Natural?
Yes, for the most part! The water is all natural and free flowing, but the pools are manmade. I’ll be honest, I’m usually not one who goes for the manmade hot spring structures, but they did these so well! They’re covered in calcium, which gives the pools their yellow-white walls and make them feel a little more natural than other manmade hot spring resorts. They have waterfalls, little caves, and other features that make you want to visit each and every one, which honestly feels like an impossible feat.
The Hotel Paraiso Escondido, a few restaurants, and a zipline is located in the part of the park as well!
The Hot Spring River
At the entrance gate, hang left to continue down the winding road that leads to the second half of the park. This is where you’ll access the hot spring river and caves, which we’ll dive into next!
The river is partitioned into sections to create pools deep enough to swim in and is this unreal shade of blue. Like someone took a bottle of blue gatorade and dumped an entire ocean’s worth into this ravine–don’t drink it, though. But DO grab a handful of mud from the riverbed and give yourself a nice exfoliating facial while you’re swimming around!
Hungry? This area has a few more restaurants to choose from and plenty of space to spread out and soak up some rays. It’s also where the overnighters set up camp.
Tolantongo cave and tunnel
Walk up river for maybe a half mile to find the epic Tolantongo Cave and Tunnel. I’d recommend renting a locker to store your belongings for this part! You’re gonna get wet. Like super wet. Trust me.
At the end of the pathway, you’ll see an insanely gorgeous waterfall that may just be the most beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen in my life. No joke. And at the base? The entrance to a massive cave.
The waters that flow from this cave and tunnel feed out to the entire site and travel all the way to the end of the Tolantongo canyon. That’s a hell of a lot of water, which also means the current is pretty dang strong.
Pro tip: Only enter the cave if you’re a strong swimmer. It’s deep and the current can sweep you off your feet.
The tunnel, which is carved into the mountainside, is almost 500 meters long and provides visitors with a stunning view of the canyon as they make their way to the pools. The tunnel's walls are adorned with colorful murals that depict the history and culture of the region, making the journey to the hot springs an immersive experience.
The main chamber has a massive hole in the roof where gallons upon gallons of hot water aggressively rushes out per minute. It honestly made me a little nervous. All of a sudden, I was way too aware of the fact that I was standing under a ton of heavy water forcing its way through a hole in the ceiling. So what did I do? I went in further. I know, I know. Proceed at your own caution.
In the back, right-hand side of the cave, you’ll see a small, dark opening. If you brought a waterproof headlamp, now’s the time to break that baby out. Head over to the cave wall and pull yourself along it–the current is too strong to swim. Once you get close, you’ll be able to feel a rope fastened to the wall under the water. Use that to help pull you through the opening and into the second chamber. At the far end you’ll find another hot waterfall–stand under it for a little massage, and when you’re ready, let the current float you out the opening and back into the main chamber. It’s super fun.
Restaurants in Las Grutas Tolantongo
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, all offering local cuisine, including barbacoa, tacos, and tamales, which are made using traditional cooking methods and locally-sourced ingredients. The region is also famous for its pulque, a fermented beverage made from the agave plant, which has been a staple of Mexican culture for centuries.
Restaurante Paraíso Escondido
You’ll be able to find a variety of Mexican dishes at the hotel restaurant and bar. It’s also located right next to the hot spring pools!
Pollo Rostizados
On the other side of the park by the thermal river and caves, you’ll find this little chicken joint. I didn’t try it myself but love me a some tasty chicken!
Restuarante Melacón
We went here for the indoor seating and the thermal river view–top-notch people watching.
Restaurante Las Palomas
A little closer to the caves, Google says this is a pizza spot, but it also offers Mexican food? Not sure, but the location was awesome. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Where to Stay in Las Grutas Tolantongo
Hotel Paraíso Escondido
This is the only resort Las Grutas de Tolantongo hotel (that’s actually located within the park). The Las Grutas de Tolantongo resort price is only about $60 USD a night, but it doesn’t include park entry tickets, which need to be purchased separately. (If you’re staying one night, you’ll need two day passes).
Camping is such a sweet option for visitors who want to get up close and personal to the natural park’s natural beauty (and swim in thermal springs all night long ayoooo). Here are some steps to help you plan your camping trip to Las Grutas Tolantongo:
Make sure you have all the necessary camping gear, such as a tent, sleeping bags, camping stove, and cooler. It's also a good idea to bring warm clothing and rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent an entire camping package for a super reasonable price: A tent, blanket, and sleeping pad for about $24 USD per night. They’ll even set it up for you! All you have to do is tell them where you want it. Ideal.
Firewood, a padlock, ice, a grill, a table and chairs are also available to rent if you’d like! Check out all your options and prices here.Pack food and water: While there are restaurants and food vendors at Las Grutas Tolantongo, it's a good idea to bring your own food and water as well. Save money, live better, right? Bonus points if you know where that slogan comes from :)
Follow the campground rules: Once you arrive at the campground, make sure to follow the rules and regulations. These include quiet hours, campfire restrictions, and proper waste disposal.
