Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs: What to Know Before You Go

Located in the mountains of central Mexico, Grutas de Tolantongo is an expansive resort complex of caves, natural hot springs, and thermal pools.

At an altitude of over 4,000 feet (1280 meters), the Tolantongo hot springs flow from the volcanic mountains into a cave and turquoise river that is simply breathtaking.

Plus the stunning backdrop of mountains and desert surrounding Tolantongo, Hidalgo makes for incredible views as you soak in the thermal mineral waters that are said to have healing properties.

And while this is a touristy site, I was pleasantly surprised by the delicate balance of nature with the developed resort.

This travel guide covers everything you need to know. It includes things to do, where to stay, and how to get there whether you decide to stay overnight or take a day trip to Grutas Tolantongo.

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What is Grutas Tolantongo?

Grutas Tolantongo is a system of caves and hot springs that flow through a canyon located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. The local community has developed these natural hot springs into a tourist attraction that preserves its natural aspects.

Is Grutas de Tolantongo Natural?

Grutas Tolantongo is both natural and man-made. The hot spring pools on the side of the mountain are man-made while the thermal cave and stunning blue river are both natural. And yes, the pools are as blue in real life as you see in the pictures!

Is a day trip to Tolantongo worth it?

Yes, if you like soaking in hot springs, a day trip to Tolantongo is totally worth it. While it is a long journey to get to Tolantongo, I found the scenery and hot spring mineral waters to be incredibly relaxing.

Tolantongo Tours

If you prefer to book a tour to Tolantongo from Mexico City, there are some great options. While I go into detail more later, here is my top pick for a day trip to Grutas Tolantongo.

Can you go to Tolantongo on your own?

Yes, you can go to Tolantongo on your own. To get to Tolantongo hot springs on your own you can rent a car and drive or take a bus to the town of Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo and then take the shared shuttle to Grutas Tolantongo.

Visiting Grutas de Tolantongo in Hidalgo

Las Grutas de Tolantongo includes 3 main attractions – the thermal river, the cave and tunnel, and the hot spring pools built into the side of the mountain. They’re all incredible and why it made my list of most unique places to visit in Mexico.

I’ve detailed all the things to do in Tolantongo below, including the zipline. And I included information about the restaurants and snack bars.

The Hot Spring Pools

The most picturesque part of Grutas Tolantongo is the series of hot spring pools featuring beautiful mountain views. I also found this was one of the most accessible areas of the Tolantongo hot springs since there are walkways.

These pools get busy! Although it’s possible to find smaller pools with fewer people at the far end towards the top. Also, the vantage point at these further pools opens up to some of the best mountain views.

While these pools are warm enough for most visitors, I found myself seeking warmer waters. There isn’t much temperature difference between each pool, but those with a direct pipe of hot spring water do feel slightly warmer.

Turquoise Blue Thermal River

Before I arrived, I thought the blue pools would be the highlight of Grutas Tolantongo. But I really enjoyed the natural river area. At first sight, its rich turquoise color of seemingly endless thermal waters literally took my breath away.

Plus, its milky color made me wonder if the river contains more minerals than the other Tolantongo hot springs. And then, the mineral deposits left on my waterproof cell phone case confirmed my suspicions.

So if you’re looking for the most therapeutic benefits, I think the river is a great place to soak while enjoying the stunning views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.

The long river is damned at consistent intervals to create pools of thermals waters. It’s hard to find shade along the river, so you may want to time your visits for the early mornings or late afternoons. Alternatively, you can rent a table and chairs in the shade to take a break from the sun.

The Cave and Waterfall

The cave is located at the back of the canyon and accessed via a paved walkway. As you walk to the entrance, a light trickle of cold water falls down from the waterfall above. Inside the cave you’ll find hot thermal waters and a powerful waterfall flowing through the center.

Since it’s close to the source of the hot springs, the cave is also where you’ll find the hottest water in Tolantongo. The cave itself also creates a sauna effect, though not as much as the narrow tunnel (see next).

On the right is a second small cave that is a little difficult to enter because of the current. However, if you can swim into the force of the water on the right, there is a rope to help you pull yourself inside.

Tip – You can’t bring anything into the cave that you may lose. You can bring your cell phone in a waterproof case, but you are required to hang items such as extra clothing, sunglasses, and hats on the fence. There are security guards patrolling this area with a whistle.

The Tunnel

While you probably won’t spend a lot of time in the tunnel, it is a cool thing to do at Grutas Tolantongo.

To access the tunnel, climb the steps on the left side of the cave. Navigating the tunnel requires a bit of physical fitness and comfortable water shoes. The tunnel itself is quite dark so it’s best to bring a waterproof flashlight as well.

As you enter the narrow tunnel, hot spring water flows down the sides. Some people were content just sitting in this area. If you’re physically able, you should explore the tunnel which opens to a grotto (small cave) in the back.

Do you love hot springs? You’ll also want to read about La Gruta Hot Springs near San Miguel de Allende.

Zipline at Grutas de Tolantongo

Other than soaking in the hot springs, the zipline was my favorite thing to do in Tolantongo. My mom and I both went on the zipline which took us flying over the thermal blue river.

The Tolantongo zipline is over 6,000 feet (1800 meters) long and split into four sections. The first two are the shortest and a bit of a warm-up. The last two sections are twice as long and take you through the canyon with beautiful views of the turquoise river.

The zipline starts behind Hotel Paraiso Escondido near the blue pools and ends close to Hotel La Gruta by the river. So if you’re staying at Paraiso Escondido, it’s also a great way to get to the river and cave for the day if you aren’t bringing many items with you.

Grutas Tolantongo Restaurants

There are over a dozen snack bars and restaurants at Grutas Tolantongo. I was pleasantly surprised by the options but you shouldn’t expect it to be the best food in Mexico you’ve ever eaten.

The food is decent and prices aren’t as elevated as I feared. We ate the best food in Grutas Tolantongo at Restaurante Paraiso Escondido. And while I was really excited to see two restaurants serving barbacoa, they are only open on Sundays which isn’t the best time to visit Grutas Tolantongo.

Do you love visiting waterfalls and other natural attractions? You’ll also want to read my guide to Huasteca Potosina, an area full of incredible waterfalls in the state of San Luis Potosi.

Where Is Grutas Tolantongo?

Las Grutas de Tolantongo is located in the state of Hidalgo in central Mexico. Grutas Tolantongo is 4 hours from Mexico City, 3 hours from Queretaro, and 2.5 hours from Pachuca, Hidalgo.

Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo is the largest town near Grutas de Tolantongo. It takes about an hour to drive through the mountains from Ixmiquilpan to Tolantongo.

How To Get To Grutas Tolantongo

There are three ways to get to Grutas Tolantongo – by bus, by car, or a tour. The best way to get to Grutas Tolantongo for you will depend on travel style, budget, and the number of people in your group.

I’ve detailed how to get to Tolantongo below. For each option, you will first need to travel to the town of Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo.

Grutas de Tolantongo from Mexico City

Most travelers will visit Grutas Tolantongo from Mexico City which takes about 4 hours by car. Even though it’s a long drive, I think Grutas Tolantongo is one of the best day trips from Mexico City.

Here are three ways to travel from Mexico City to Grutas Tolantongo.

Grutas Tolantongo Tours From Mexico City

If you want to take a day trip to Grutas Tolantongo from Mexico City, a Tolantongo tour is the only way to go. The reason is that the travel is already long and you don’t want to make it longer by taking public transportation. Here are my top picks for a Grutas Tolantongo tour from Mexico City.

Mexico City to Tolantongo Bus

If you plan to stay overnight, taking a bus from Mexico City to Tolantongo is a great way to travel. The Mexico City to Tolantongo bus leaves from the north bus station (map) and takes you to the town of Ixmiquilpan. From there you’ll need to taxi or take a microbus to Las Grutas de Tolantongo (see next).

Ovnibus has the most departure times with the earliest leaving at 6 am (choose Mexico Norte as the departure). Since the bus to Tolantongo departs from the north of Mexico City, it takes about 3 hours to get to Ixmiquilpan by bus.

Once you arrive in Ixmiquilpan you have two choices

1. Take a taxi all the way to Tolantongo caves for about 1000 pesos (up to 4 people).
2. Take a taxi to the Tolantongo shuttle located in the San Antonio parking lot (map), just north of the church. The cost for the microbus shuttle is 70 pesos per person, each way. But departure times are limited (see next).

Ixmiquilpan to Tolantongo Shuttle Times

The Ixmiquilpan to Grutas de Tolantongo bus schedule is approximate since it will also leave when full. If possible, give yourself some extra time to arrive and avoid needing to wait an hour or two for the next departure.

• Monday – Thursday: Every two hours from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (9:30, 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30)
• Friday – Sunday: Every hour from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

If you arrive and find you do have extra time, there is a Dino’s Pastes shop at the entrance to the parking lot. Pastes are a typical food of Hidalgo that was brought over by miners from Cornwall, England in the 1800s.

It’s best described as a meat pie with a variety of fillings to choose from, including mole. While Dino’s is a chain restaurant, they are a decent quick snack to hold you over on the hour long bus to Tolantongo from Ixmiquilpan.

Tip – The bus from Ixmiquilpan to Tolantongo will drop you off near La Gruta Hotel. If you prefer to stay at Paraiso Escondido, there is an internal minibus on the right that will take you there with your luggage.

Tolantongo to Ixmiquilpan Shuttle

The bus to return to Ixmiquilpan leaves from the area near La Gruta Hotel. Times are posted on a large sign nearby. We took the 11:30 am bus back on a weekday and had no issues finding a seat.

I was told the later departure times fill up, so you may want to plan to arrive early to reserve a space. The Tolantongo to Ixmiquilpan shuttle bus leaves every day at 7:30, 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, and 5:30.

Tolantongo from Querétaro

You can also visit Tolantongo from Querétaro by bus or a tour. By the way, if you’re in this area I highly recommend checking out Peña de Bernal, a pueblo mágico just 30 minutes from Querétaro.

Grutas Tolantongo Tour From Querétaro

If you’re staying in Queretaro, you can book this Grutas Tolantongo Tour with an English-speaking guide. It includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and the entrance fee to Grutas Tolantongo.

Once you arrive, you’ll be able to visit all the attractions within Tolantongo – the cave, tunnel, river, hot springs, swimming pools, suspension bridge, and zipline – with the help of your guide.

Queretaro to Grutas Tolantongo Bus

To take a bus from Queretaro to Grutas Tolantongo, you’ll need to arrive at the main Queretaro bus station (map). From there Estrella Blanca has many departures under the name Conexión.

The travel time is slightly shorter than to Tolantongo from Mexico City, so the 6 am departure will arrive just before 9 am, which is the perfect time to arrive at the shuttle to Tolantongo caves. (See detailed instructions and schedule above).

Rent a Car and Drive to Tolantongo Caves

For the ultimate freedom, you can rent a car and drive to Grutas Tolantongo. This option is great for groups who are comfortable driving in Mexico.

The drive is about the same distance whether you rent a car in Mexico City or rent a car in Queretaro. My preference would be to go to Grutas Tolantongo from Queretaro since it’s a smaller city and easier to navigate.

Regardless of which one you choose, Google maps is pretty clear about navigating to Grutas Tolantongo from Mexico City and Queretaro.

Closest Airport to Grutas de Tolantongo, Hidalgo

There is no airport at Grutas Tolantongo. Most people will fly into Mexico City Airport (keep in mind, there are two now) as this airport offers the most international flight options.

And it’s a toss-up for the closest airport to Tolantongo, but technically, Queretaro International Airport (QRO) is closer by 15 km. While there may be fewer flight options to Queretaro, I find this city and airport much easier to navigate. The airport is quite small, yet new and modern.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are many more options for Grutas Tolantongo tours from Mexico City if that is your preferred way to get there.

Best Time to Visit Grutas de Tolantongo

The best time to visit Grutas de Tolantongo is during the dry season from November to March. But this area has spring-like weather year round (perfect for soaking in hot springs). It’s best to arrive as early as possible and go during the week since weekends and holidays are busy.

That being said, my mom and I visited Grutas Tolantongo in August, which is the rainy season in Mexico. We lucked out with great weather, but you may not want to risk it by camping this time of year.

In the winter, you may need a jacket for the chilly mornings and nights. It’s also important to note that April and May are typically the hottest months, with daytime highs reaching the high 70s to low 80s.

Grutas Tolantongo Hours

Grutas de Tolantongo is open 365 days per year, including holidays. The outdoor activities in Tolantongo have different hours, which I’ve detailed below. But keep in mind, these hours seemed to change slightly when I was there.

For the hot springs especially I was told different hours by different people and some of it seemed to change based on the time of year, though it roughly follows daylight hours.

Also, the hours for the grocery stores and restaurants are a general time. Not every store or restaurant is open during all of those hours but at least one is, so you can guarantee you can find food and drinks.

• Cave, Tunnel, Waterfall, Swimming Pools – 8 am to 5 pm
• Hot Springs and River – 8 am to 9 pm
• Restaurants and Snack Bars – 8 am to 9 pm
• Small Stores – 8 am to 9 pm
• Ticket Office – 6 am to 10 pm

How Many Days Do You Need in Grutas Tolantongo?

For my mom and I, two nights in Grutas Tolantongo was perfect. And if you like hot springs as much as we do, you may want to plan for a third which would allow you to visit La Gloria Tolantongo as well.

We were planning to only stay one night in Grutas Tolantongo which would have given us two half days for the hot springs. But when I realized there was an extra day in our trip, I added it to our time at Grutas Tolantongo. It was a great decision!

Where To Stay in Grutas Tolantongo

The best place to stay in Grutas Tolantongo is at a hotel inside the complex or at the campsite along the river. The less expensive hotels at Grutas Tolantongo are not available to reserve ahead of time, so it’s important to arrive early.

I’ll detail both below including the costs of Grutas Tolantongo. A quick reminder, Grutas de Tolantongo is CASH ONLY and the closest ATM is an hour away in Ixmiquilpan.

Update 2025 – There are two new hotels with A/C and wifi that you can now reserve on WhatsApp (in Spanish). But they are the most expensive Grutas Tolantongo hotels, starting at 1500 pesos per night for a room with one bed. The contact information is below.

Paraiso II Contact: +52 7721220889
Hotel Rancho Contact: +52 7713656824

Grutas de Tolantongo Hotel

There are now four Grutas de Tolantongo hotels open during the week – Paraiso Escondido, Paraiso II, Hotel Rancho, and Hotel La Gruta. All offer rooms with one and two beds as well as the option of a balcony.

You cannot reserve a the less expensive Tolantongo hotels ahead of time, which is why it’s recommended to go as early as possible and inquire about a room as soon as you arrive. Then rent a locker to put your things and enjoy the hot springs while you wait for check-in at 3:30 pm.

My mom and I chose to stay at Paraiso Escondido because I thought it would be best to be close to the gorgeous pools. And it was great but I think if I were to do it again, I would stay at Hotel La Gruta to be closer to the cave and river which had hotter water.

When we arrived in the early afternoon, it was a little late but I hoped since it was a weekday in August we wouldn’t have any issues reserving a room.

The only request that wasn’t available was a room with a balcony. Although I later realized most face the swimming pool. Instead, we lucked out with an incredible mountain view from our room.

Grutas de Tolantongo Camping

If you’re visiting during the dry season, camping at Grutas de Tolantongo is a great way to visit these hot springs on a budget. The main camping area is located along the turquoise river that runs through the canyon. It’s a wide open space with just a few trees for shade.

And the amazing thing is, you can rent everything to need to camp at Grutas Tolantongo on site. In addition to tents and the basic necessities, there are also tables and chairs, grills, charcoal, and wood available to rent or buy.

Campers have access to the shower, bathroom, and changing room facilities 24 hours per day. There is also cell phone charging stations near the main camping site. If you do choose to camp, I definitely bring a portable battery charger.

Keep in mind – It’s recommended not to camp very close to the river during the rainy season in case the river unexpectedly swells. And in the winter months, from December through March you will likely need to rent or bring a blanket as well.

Grutas de Tolantongo Costs

I know I’ve said this already, but the biggest thing to keep in mind when you’re thinking about the costs of Grutas Tolantongo is that only accept cash pesos is accepted. The closest ATM is an hour away in the town of Ixmiquilpan. In instances like these, I find it’s best to bring more cash than you think you will need.

Tip – Make sure you keep your entrance ticket as you will need to present it to rent a hotel or camp at Grutas Tolantongo.

Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Grutas Tolantongo is 230 pesos per day. If you take a day trip to Grutas Tolantongo, you simply pay 230 pesos cash when you arrive.

If you decide to stay overnight, it gets slightly more complicated as the ticket is valid for the day, not 24 hours. So if you plan to stay two nights, you’ll need to pay 460 pesos. If you plan to stay 2 nights, the cost is 690 pesos. Children under 5 years old are free.

The entrance fee gives you access to everything at Grutas de Tolantongo (the cave, tunnel, river, hot springs, and swimming pools). However, it does not include hotel costs, camping, food, drinking water, the zipline, etc.

Cost to Camp at Grutas Tolantongo

If you bring everything you need to camp at Grutas Tolantongo (tent, blankets, etc.) then there is no cost for the campsite itself. You would only need to pay the entrance fee to Grutas Tolantongo for the days you will be there. The cost to rent a tent is 250 pesos, plus a refundable 200 peso deposit. A sleeping pad is 200 and blankets are 140 pesos.

Cost of Transportation within Grutas Tolantongo

From 7 am to 8 pm there are minibuses to transport visitors within Grutas Tolantongo. The cost is 15-20 pesos per person. The minibuses leave when there is a group of people, which from my experience never took long. At each waiting point, there are chairs and a tent cover for shade.

Other Grutas de Tolantongo Costs to Expect

• Colectivo to Tolantongo from Ixmiquilpan – 70 pesos each way
• Car Parking – 50 pesos per day
• Lockers – 150 + 50 returnable deposit (available 8 am to 5 pm)

Map Of Grutas Tolantongo

Use this Grutas de Tolantongo map to familiarize yourself with the grounds, different attractions, hot springs, restaurants, and hotels.

What To Pack For Las Grutas Tolantongo

I’ve detailed a few things you should pack for Grutas Tolantongo that you either may not think about or need help deciding which to choose.

After this list is a shortened, more complete packing list that includes the little things you are likely already bringing to Mexico.

• Cash (Pesos) – The entire Tolantongo resort (entrance fee, hotel, restaurants, etc.) only accepts cash and the closest ATM is an hour away. The amount of cash you need will depend on where and how long you stay. I recommend bringing more cash than you think you will need.
• Waterproof Cell Phone Case – While you may want to disconnect, you will certainly want your phone to take pictures. I highly recommend a reliable waterproof phone case. Or a waterproof waist pack if you want to carry more than your cell phone. My mom brought one of these and it was really useful to carry several items at once.
• Comfortable Water Shoes – I prefer a pair of water sandals like Keens, which also doubles as a hiking shoe. They were especially useful in the cave and river where I encountered rocks but I also wore them to walk to the pools.
• External Battery Pack – A day trip to Grutas Tolantongo is a long excursion and you’ll probably take lots of photos An external battery pack will ensure you can recharge your phone. Plus I find this to be a top item I use when traveling through Mexico.
• GoPro or Other Waterproof Camera – If you want more flexibility than your phone camera, a waterproof sports camera is the way to go. I prefer a waterproof GoPro as I find it produces superior pictures to an action camera with a separate waterproof case.
• Microfiber Towel – Another essential that I always travel with is a quick dry microfiber towel. Not only does it dry quickly, but it also packs small.
• Dry Bag – This isn’t a necessity but a waterproof dry bag is handy to have to keep your towel, coverup, or other items dry and not scattered about.
• Bathing Suit
• Sun Protection Hat
• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

La Gloria Tolantongo Hot Springs

After all that explanation about Grutas de Tolantongo, there is adjacent hot spring resort that you should also know about. Although there are parts that are also manmade, La Gloria Tolantongo seems to have a more natural feeling since many of the pools are in a natural setting.

And while it’s also less busy than Grutas Tolantongo, it seems to lack the mountain views that I enjoyed while soaking in the hot springs. Similar to Grutas de Tolantongo, La Gloria has hotel rooms and camping with the ability to rent gear.

Previously, you needed to go through Grutas Tolantongo to access La Gloria, which means paying the entrance fee to both. As a result, I didn’t even consider staying at La Gloria. I thought we would likely visit for one day but we would have needed an extra night.

However, I’ve learned you can access La Gloria Tolantongo by driving or taking a taxi through San Miguel Tlazintla, Hidalgo. This route does add about 30 min travel time from Ixmiquilpan, so you’ll need to determine which is best for your schedule.

If you decide to access La Gloria from Grutas Tolantongo, there is a walking bridge to the right of the cave. The cost to enter La Gloria is 150 pesos.

Is Grutas Tolantongo Worth Visiting?

Grutas Tolantongo is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy hot springs, nature, and/or beautiful places. While it takes a bit of effort to get to, you’ll be in awe of the beauty of Grutas Tolantongo. If you have the time, it’s also worth it to stay one or two nights at one of the hotels.

Questions About Grutas Tolantongo, Hidalgo Mexico