Grutas De Tolantongo From Mexico City: Everything You Need To Know BEFORE You Visit
Grutas de Tolantongo is one of Mexico’s most stunning natural thermal springs, and after spending months exploring Mexico over multiple trips, I can confidently say it’s an experience unlike any other.
I spend about 5 months a year in Mexico City, and this day trip from CDMX ranks among my top recommendations for travelers looking to escape the city for something completely different (maybe just after hot air balloon rides over the pyramids!).
Tolantongo is about 3-4 hours north of Mexico City, and it has amazing turquoise pools carved into the mountainside. It almost looks too beautiful to be real. I’ll dive into what to expect, whether you should do a tour or drive yourself, and pro tips to make sure the day goes exactly how you want it to!
Quick Guide: Best Tour for Grutas de Tolantongo
Just looking for the best way to get to the Grutas de Tolantongo with the least amount of hassle?
👉 I strongly recommend this tour! They take care of all the details, break up the long drive with multiple interesting stops, and have over 1,000 5-star reviews for a reason.
What Are The Grutas de Tolantongo?
The Grutas de Tolantongo are natural thermal springs and caves located in the state of Hidalgo, about 120 miles northeast of Mexico City. The name literally translates to “Tolantongo Caves” and this place is basically nature’s version of a luxury spa resort (thanks to a little manmade help).
The main attraction at Grutas de Tolantongo is a series of turquoise thermal pools that cascade down the mountainside like natural infinity pools. The thermal springs are natural, the pool formations you’re seeing on Instagram are manmade (but still very beautiful).
The water stays around 100°F year-round, heated by underground thermal activity. You’ll find different areas to explore, including caves you can swim through, river pools, and terraced hot spring pools with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
What makes Grutas de Tolantongo so special is how the thermal water has carved these natural pools into the limestone over thousands of years. The mineral-rich water gives everything that gorgeous blue-green color that looks incredible in photos and even better in person.
The History and Origins of Tolantongo
The thermal springs at Grutas de Tolantongo have been around for millennia, formed by geothermal activity deep underground. The Otomí people were the first to discover and use these springs, considering them sacred healing waters.
The area that is now Grutas de Tolantongo was relatively unknown to tourists until the 1960s when local families began developing basic infrastructure to share this natural wonder with visitors. Today, it’s managed by an ejido (community cooperative) that maintains the site while preserving its natural beauty.
What I love about Grutas de Tolantongo is how it still feels very nature-based compared to some of Mexico’s more commercialized attractions. The local community has done an amazing job balancing tourism with conservation here.
What to Expect at Grutas de Tolantongo
I’ll tell you now that visiting Grutas de Tolantongo is a long day.
It’s about 3-4 hours from Mexico, and you’ll want to spend a while there, so all told this is at least a 12-hour day.
If you go in knowing that, it’s pretty magical to get so close to nature from the urban life of Mexico City. If that’s too much for you (fair!), there are plenty of other amazing things to do in CDMX.
When you get to Grutas de Tolantongo, it’s not just one hot spring – it’s got tons of different areas to explore. Each spot has its own vibe, from adventurous cave swimming to chill infinity-style pools where you can just relax.
The whole thing is built into a truly beautiful canyon. You’re walking on paths carved into the mountainside, climbing stone steps, and moving between different pool areas. It feels like you’re in some natural amphitheater with hot springs all around.
The Grotto (La Gruta)
Though the Paradise Pools are what you see most on instagram, the grotto is actually the start of Grutas de Tolantongo.
It’s a huge natural cave with a thermal pool inside. This is where all the hot water starts before it flows through the rest of the place. Swimming into this cave is wild. The water stays perfectly warm, and every sound echoes in the coolest way.
Bring a waterproof phone case because it gets dark as you swim deeper in, and your phone flashlight is helpful (I have this cheap one from Amazon). There’s a small waterfall inside, and you can actually swim behind it. When your light hits the cave walls, you can see some really beautiful mineral formations.
The Tunnel (El Túnel)
Above the main cave, there’s another cave system called the tunnel. This one’s more adventurous and you can swim completely through it, sort of like a lazy river. The current is gentle but steady, and you pop out into this beautiful pool on the other side.
You need to be comfortable swimming in darker water. The tunnel gets narrow in some spots. But coming out of that tunnel into the bright turquoise pool is incredible.
The Thermal River
This might be my favorite part of Grutas de Tolantongo. It’s not just a stream – it’s a real river with different depths and temperatures. The water here is often this milky, turquoise color that’s even more intense than the pools and reminds me a lot of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
The river naturally dams itself at different spots, creating connected pools. You can walk or float from one section to another. Some areas are deep enough for swimming, others are shallow enough to just sit and soak.
The mineral content here seems higher than other areas – you’ll see white mineral deposits forming on anything that stays in the water. Lots of people think this area has the strongest healing benefits (though to be honest, I’m not an expert on that!).
The Paradise Pools (Infinity Pools)
These are the Instagram-famous pools built into the mountainside. Grutas de Tolantongo uses the natural hot water to create these infinity-style pools cascading down the cliff.
The bright turquoise water against white limestone creates those amazing photos you’ve seen everywhere. Each pool has different views – some look out over the whole valley, others focus on the canyon walls.
These pools get packed, especially on weekends. But early morning or late afternoon, you can often get a pool to yourself.
The Waterfall and Natural Pools
All around Grutas de Tolantongo, the hot water creates waterfalls as it flows down the canyon walls. The main waterfall has enough pressure to give you a natural massage if you stand under it. Since it’s heated, it feels amazing even on cooler days.
Around the waterfalls, you’ll find more natural pools formed by the flowing water. These are usually less crowded and give you a more secluded soaking experience.
Adventure Activities
Grutas de Tolantongo also has some adventure stuff beyond just the hot springs. There’s a zipline that takes you flying over the thermal river and the views are insane.
The whole place has good paths and stairs, but be ready for lots of walking and climbing.
Grutas de Tolantongo Tour vs Going Solo
Here’s the deal: while you technically can drive to Tolantongo yourself, I strongly recommend taking a tour, at least for your first visit. Here’s why:
Driving in Mexico can be tricky. It is definitely possible to drive, but unless you’re an extremely proficient Spanish speaker, I wouldn’t recommend it. Personally, I don’t speak well enough to navigate an accident or getting pulled over. But everyone has their own risk tolerance!
The roads are challenging. The last stretch involves winding mountain roads with lots of speed bumps and poor cell service. Multiple travelers on Reddit have mentioned getting lost or struggling with the drive, especially the return trip when you’re tired.
Tours handle all the logistics. No worrying about parking, entrance fees, or timing. Your guide knows exactly when to arrive to beat the crowds and how long to spend at each area.
You can actually relax. Instead of stressing about driving those mountain curves, you can enjoy the scenery and maybe even take a nap on the way back.
The Specific Tour I Recommend
I recommend this specific tour: “Exploring the Waters of Tolantongo” on Viator. It starts at 5:30 AM from Mexico City (I know, early!) but that timing is perfect for beating the crowds. The tour includes:
- Round-trip transportation from Mexico City
- Entry fees to all areas
- Free time to explore the pools and caves
- Breakfast stop in Actopan
- Lunch by the river
- Visit to traditional pastes (local pastries)
- Professional guide who knows the area
At ~$129 per person, it’s totally worth it for the convenience and local expertise.
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay at Grutas de Tolantongo
That being said, if you’re comfortable driving then making your own schedule can be quite nice! Most people visit las Grutas as a day trip from Mexico City, but staying overnight is also an option if you want a more relaxed experience.
Day Trip
A day trip gives you about 5 hours at the springs, which is enough to experience the main highlights. You’ll visit the different pool areas, explore some caves, and have time for lunch. The downside is it might feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re someone who likes to really soak (literally) in an experience.
Overnight Stay
Staying overnight means you can enjoy the springs before the crowds arrive and after they leave. There are five on-site hotels you can stay at and camping options right at the thermal pools that will rent you everything you need.
The hotels aren’t luxury resorts, they’re very simple accommodations but will totally do the trick.
⚠️You can’t reserve a hotel ahead of time. You have to do it on-site and pay cash. That being said, there are about 350 rooms and I haven’t heard of people getting turned away.
Yes, it’s a risk, but waking up to those thermal pools with barely anyone around is pretty special.
Essential Tips for Visiting Grutas de Tolantongo
Here are the most important tips for visiting Grutas de Tolantongo to make the most of your visit:
Timing is Everything
Go on a weekday if possible. Weekends get absolutely packed, especially Sundays. If that’s all you can do, it’s still worth it! Just know it’ll be busy.
Arrive early. Whether you’re on a tour or driving yourself to Grutas de Tolantongo, getting there early means smaller crowds and better swimming and photo opportunities. I’m not a morning person (to say the least) and I think it’s worth the 5am wakeup.
What to Wear and Pack for Grutas de Tolantongo
- Water shoes are essential. The rocks at Grutas de Tolantongo can be slippery and sometimes sharp. Flip-flops are not enough – you need something that stays on your feet. I absolutely love my Teva’s and can’t recommend them enough.
- A swimsuit you don’t care about. The water has lots of minerals in it and it can streak your suit. I’d go for an Amazon basic swimsuit for this trip.
- Waterproof phone case. You’ll want photos in and around the pools at, so protect your electronics. I have this one.
- Cash (pesos). Bring small bills for bathroom fees, food, and tips. Some stops charge small fees for bathrooms.
- Sunscreen and hat. You’ll be in the sun quite a bit at Grutas de Tolantongo, and the reflection off the water intensifies everything. I am sunscreen police and I make no apologies. My two favorites are in this list.
- Towel. Some tours provide these, but you can bring your own to be safe. I love this travel towel.
When to Visit Grutas de Tolantongo
Grutas de Tolantongo are open year-round, and since the water is naturally heated, you can enjoy them in any season but honestly, I recommend dry season only. Here’s what to expect:
Dry Season (November – June)
This is peak season for Grutas de Tolantongo with the best weather. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool. The crowds are bigger during Mexican holidays and winter months when people want to escape Mexico City’s cooler weather.
Heavy Rain Season (July – August)
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Mexico, but they usually don’t last long, unless you’re there in July or August.
To be honest, when it rains in Mexico, it really rains. I wouldn’t visit if there might be a thunderstorm.
Best Days to Visit Grutas de Tolantongo
Monday through Thursday are your best bet for smaller crowds. You’ll want to avoid holidays and long weekends when possible, if you’re trying to skip the crowds.
How to Get There
With a Tour (Recommended for First Timers)
Tours to Grutas de Tolantongo like the one I recommend typically pick up from central Mexico City hotels around 5:30 AM. The drive takes about 3-4 hours with stops for breakfast and supplies.
Driving Yourself
If you decide to drive to Grutas de Tolantongo, here’s the route on Google Maps. You’ll take Highway 85D north toward Pachuca, then continue to Ixmiquilpan and follow signs to Grutas de Tolantongo. The last 30 minutes involve mountain roads that require careful driving.
Pro Tip: Download offline maps before you go. Cell service becomes spotty in the mountains.
By Bus
You can take a bus from Mexico City to Ixmiquilpan, but it’s not a direct route and honestly, as someone who loves public transit, I don’t recommend it.
Grutas de Tolantongo Frequently Asked Questions
About 3.5 – 4 hours each way. It’s a long day, but it’s stunning!
If you have more than 5 days in Mexico City, it could be worth it. For less than that, I’m not sure I would jam it in. Yes, it’s a long day, but the experience at Grutas de Tolantongo is unlike anything else near Mexico City. The thermal pools are genuinely stunning, and it’s a unique break from city life.
Entrance fees to Grutas de Tolantongo are around 50-80 pesos per person (about $3-5 USD). Tours from Mexico City typically cost $120-150 per person including transportation, entry, and meals.
The thermal water stays around 100°F (38°C) year-round, so you can really visit any time of year. Some pools are slightly warmer or cooler depending on their location and depth.
Yes, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on kiddos just because there’s lots of slippery stairs. The caves require swimming ability.
Basic Spanish is helpful but not required, especially if you’re on a tour with an English-speaking guide. The staff at Grutas de Tolantongo are used to international visitors.
You can bring snacks and water, but glass containers aren’t allowed. There are basic food vendors on-site, though options are limited.
Grutas de Tolantongo are unique because of the cave systems and the way the pools are naturally carved into the mountainside. The setting is more dramatic than most other thermal springs in Mexico.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Grutas de Tolantongo
Grutas de Tolantongo is one of those places that proves Mexico has incredible natural wonders beyond its famous beaches and cities.
Yes, visiting is a commitment – you’re looking at a long day and an early morning start. But soaking in those impossibly blue thermal pools surrounded by mountains is an experience unlike any other.
The key to having an amazing experience at Grutas de Tolantongo is managing your expectations and planning ahead. Go with a reputable tour, pack the right gear, and embrace the adventure.
Cheers to your next adventure and send me all your stunning turquoise photos 🇲🇽👙
