Have you ever discovered a place or destination and immediately thought, no matter what, I need to book a flight and visit ASAP? Yea, well, I had the same sentiments about Grutas Tolantongo.
A friend introduced me to Grutas Tolantongo, and for months, the magical thermal water park kept blessing my social media timelines. It was a sign that I needed to go and visit the enchanting oasis for myself.
During a recent visit to Mexico City, I booked my first excursion with Viator to visit Grutas Tolantongo. I was so excited to go; I barely slept the first night we arrived in CDMX.
If you’re visiting Mexico City, I recommend dedicating one day to making your way out to Hidalgo to experience Grutas Tolantongo for yourself. Companies like Viator make it convenient to explore Mexico with a local expert.
Here is a guide to help you prepare for your visit, whether you book with a tour company like Viator or venture out on your own. Either way, get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
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How to Visit Grutas Tolantongo from Mexico City
What is Grutas Tolantongo?
Grutas Tolantongo, from the Nahuatl language, meaning “place of moving waters,” is an unbelievable thermal water park consisting of caves, hot springs, thermal pools, hiking trails, campsites, the highest zip line in the area, and more.
This popular outdoor gem is located in Hidalgo, Mexico, about a 3-4 hour drive from Mexico City.
Address: San Cristóbal Municipality of Cardonal, Hidalgo, México. Zip Code: 42370
What is So Special About Grutas Tolantongo?
Aside from the beautiful surrounding scenery of the mountains, Grutas Tolantongo is home to the most impressive turquoise blue river due to the limestone mineral salts picked up through the mountains.
The canyon has hot springs and geothermal pools, which heat the water throughout the Grutas Tolantongo. It’s essentially an outdoor spa! You’ll soon find out that the minerals found in the water rejuvenate your skin!
My favorite thing about my visit was swimming in the river and the thermal pools!
How to get to Grutas Tolantongo?
Getting to Grutas Tolantongo requires planning, especially if you are coming from Mexico City. The roads leading to Grutas Tolantongo are windy and primarily uphill, but don’t let the trek stop you from visiting one of the many gorgeous places in Mexico!
The options listed below are how to get to Grutas from Mexico City.
By Car
If you prefer to be on your own time, your best bet is to get a car rental from Discovercars.com. They offer reasonable prices and good customer service. Before hitting the road, you’ll want to pack snacks and prepare for your 4-hour ride.
Take the México – Pachuca Highway, also known as Mexico 85, to Pachuca. Next, take the exit towards Actopan – Ixmiquilpan and take the main road to Ixmiquilpan City.
Once you arrive in Ixmiquilpan City, you will see a big supermarket called Soriana with two traffic lights nearby. Drive towards the second traffic light towards the OXXO store, then turn right and take the main road called Libramiento a Cardonal.
Continue driving down Libramiento a Cardonal and follow the signs until you reach Grutas Tolantongo.
Insider Tip: Download Google Maps offline if you lose signal once you’re in the mountains.
By Bus
From Mexico City, the best way to get there is by catching a bus from the North Bus Station and taking the OVINBUS or FLECHA ROJA line from platform 7 or 8 towards Ixmiquilpan Hidalgo City. From the Ixmiquilpan bus station, you’ll need to head to “Morelos Market.” From there, you can take a shuttle bus to Grutas Tolantongo.
Day Tours
I recommend booking a tour if you want the ease and convenience of getting to and from Grutas Tolantongo. We booked our tour with Viator; honestly, it was the best thing we could’ve done! The excursion included round-trip transportation, and our guide, Eduardo, shared incredible history about Mexico City and the surrounding areas. If you can’t book with Viator, consider booking your tour with GetYourGuide.
By Plane
From Benito Juarez International Airport, you must head to Terminal #1 or 2 and take the bus from CONEXION, FUTURA, or ESTRELLA BLANCA to Pachuca City. You can buy your tickets in advance here.
Once you arrive at the Pachuca City bus station, you can take one of the following buses to CONEXION, AVM, or PAI to Ixmiquilpan City. Get your tickets here. From Ixmiquilpan City, take a minibus to “Morelos Market” and catch a shuttle bus to Grutas Tolantongo.
Best Things to Do at Grutas Tolantongo
We had 4 hours to explore Tolantongo Park, allowing us time to check out both sections: El Paraiso Escondido and La Gruta Zone. Here is a list of the best things to see and do while you are there.
Stop at the Tolantongo Thermal Cave & Tunnel (La Gruta)
Start by checking out the thermal cave and tunnel. You know you’re in the right place because you’ll be greeted by a beautiful waterfall. Inside, the tunnel is dark and steamy, so make sure to bring a flashlight or use your phone. You’ll also want to get a waterproof bag to protect your phone.
Parts of the tunnel can be unexpectedly deep, so if wandering around in a dark tunnel isn’t your thing, down to the shaded grotto underneath the thermal cave for more visibility.
You can swim freely and admire the stalagmites and incredible icicle-shaped rock formations. Water temperatures range from 36-38C/96.8-100.4F.
The waterfall inside the cave was such a lovely surprise!
Swim in the Thermal River (La Gruta)
After exploring the thermal cave and tunnel, head to the river for more swimming or to admire the beautiful cotton candy blue water. The water temperature in the river is a bit cooler than in the caves, 34-36C/93.2-96.8F.
I preferred it because there was more space. So if you’re claustrophobic or don’t like small or tight spaces, the river will be perfect for you! The river was shallow enough to walk freely, but we did bump into a few huge rocks underneath the water, so we moved cautiously!
Water shoes were necessary for your entire time at the water park.
Hanging around the river was such a treat! I loved the feeling of the warm water against my skin.
Seeing how we were in the mountains, the temperatures dropped slightly, making the warm water feel even more inviting.
While swimming, we enjoyed Tecate (local beers and fancy margaritas). However, park officials later informed us that drinks weren’t allowed while swimming in the river. Oops!
Walk Across the Susepnsion Bridge (El Paraiso)
Before taking a dip in the thermal pools, walk across the swing bridge and admire the impressive lush landscape and surrounding mountains. The views from the bridge give you a new perspective of the river and canyon. It’s a real treat!
Explore Tolantongo Hot Springs (El Parasio Zone)
The stunning thermal pools initially drew me to want to visit in the first place. There are over 30 infinity-styled pools ranging in temperature from 36-38C/96.8-100.4F. You can’t go wrong with hoping in and out of them to get the whole experience.
We got lucky and lounged in a few pools by ourselves and enjoyed the stunning views of the mountain and canyon behind us, which made for beautiful photo opportunities!
Don’t Miss Ziplining
If you’re looking for an exhilarating and dry adventure, you want to take advantage of the chance to go ziplining across the stunning canyon. It’s the highest zipline in Hidalago.
Tickets to the zipline are an additional cost on top of the park’s admission fee. Unfortunately, we ran out of time but would’ve totally gone, but I had too much fun lounging in the thermal pools!
Check out the Swimming Pools
The swimming pools are ideal if you want to do more swimming than lounging in the river or thermal pools. Like the rest of the park, the pools are surrounded by beautiful mountains. The pools have a diving area, a small bridge, and waterfalls.
Go Hiking
We did not go hiking, but I would’ve appreciated the natural scenery. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes on the trails if you decide to hike. Designated hiking paths are available around the park, especially if you want a different perspective.
Visit the Waterfalls
There are a few waterfalls around the park. Guests cannot climb them, but they make beautiful backdrops for selfies!
Dine at the Restaurant
Save your appetite and enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch at the restaurant on-site. The menu offers a variety of options, including full meals, a la carte, and seafood options. I ordered the pollo asado (grilled chicken) with rice, black beans, and salad. Lunch was complimentary as part of our tour.
What to Bring with You to Grutas Tolantongo
We stopped at a local store to pick up items we would need for our day trip to Grutas, but in hindsight, I had most of the things at home and was frustrated that I didn’t think to pack them. So don’t be like me and save your pesos and plan. Here’s what you will need to bring with you.
- Towel – Consider investing in a lightweight, fast-drying towel. I promise it will come in handy!
- Bathing suit
- Waterproof phone case
- Water shoes
- Sandals
- Change of clothes
- Small reusable bag
- Sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Cash
Where to Stay at Grutas Tolantongo
Hotel
Grutas Tolantongo has a hotel on the property that can sleep up to two to six people per room. You can’t book the rooms in advance; they are on a first-come, first-served basis.
The rooms are basic and include a bed, shower, and toilet. TVs and Wifi are not available.
Credit card payments aren’t accepted, so bring plenty of cash. Pet is also allowed in the rooms.
Entrance tickets to the park are sold separately.
Camping
The campground is open for guests 24 hours a day, year-round. Alternatively, tents and equipment are available for rent at the park, with the option to have the staff help set everything up for you.
Music is allowed around the campgrounds, but quiet time begins at 11:00 pm. Campers can bring food and drink and must use the on-site trash facilities.
Insider Tip: Temperatures drop from December to March, and the area experiences heavy rain in July and August. During the rainy season, it’s best to avoid camping near the river.
Best Time to Visit Grutas Tolantongo
Grutas Tolantongo is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. To avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning and during the week. Arriving early ensures you have the best photo opportunities and a few hours to yourself!
We visited the park on a Monday and couldn’t have picked a better day! Given the park’s natural beauty, weekends tend to bring many visitors.
FAQs
How much does it cost to enter Grutas Tolantongo?
The general entrance ticket is $180 pesos or $10 per person. All payments must be made in cash; Mexican pesos and U.S. dollars are accepted.
Is the park accessible for people with disabilities?
Due to the steep inclines, stairs, and slippery walkways around the hot springs and pools, it is not accessible for people with wheelchairs or mobility issues. However, the park is working on creating dedicated areas for persons with disabilities to enjoy the park.
Are there bathrooms and changing rooms available?
Yes, bathrooms and changing rooms are available 24 hours. Showers are also available 24 hours.
Where can I keep my belongings while at the park?
Lockers are available to rent for an additional price. Alternatively, you can leave your belongings in our tour bus or car at your own risk. Only towels, water shoes, and phones are allowed in the thermal pool, river, and cave areas.
How much does it cost to park at Grutas Tolantongo?
If you’re driving to the water park, it is $30 pesos or $1.67 USD per car daily. Check the website for the most accurate price, as it may vary.
Is Grutas Tolantongo worth visiting?
YES!!! Grutas Tolantongo is worth visting! It’s a piece of heaven nestled in the Hidalgo mountains.
What was included in the full-day Grutas Tolantongo Tour with Viator?
As I mentioned above, I visited Grutas Tolantongo with Viator, and here’s what the full-day tour included:
- Breakfast
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vechile
- Beverages (Coffee or tea)
- Transportation between both sections of the park
- Lunch (not offered with all tours)
- Eduardo, our fantastic tour guide!
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
My day at Grutas Tolantongo exceeded my expectations more than I imagined! It was truly marvelous!
Booking my full-day tour with Viator was the best thing I did during my visit to Mexico City. Our guide, Eduardo, was funny and warm, making our day fabulous. On our way back to CDMX, he introduced us to Micheladas, and boy, what a treat they were!
If you’re visiting CDMX and looking for an awesome day trip, book an excursion with Viator to get up close and personal with the magical hot springs at Grutas Tolantongo.
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