How To Visit Las Grutas de Tolantongo from Mexico City [2024]
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Wondering about how to visit Las Grutas de Tolantongo, stunning natural hot springs in Hidalgo, Mexico? Read on to learn how to get from Mexico City to Grutas Tolantongo and how to make the most of your visit!
If you thought Tulum was the best Mexico had to offer in terms of scenery, Las Grutas de Tolantongo is here to give it a run for its money.
Las Grutas de Tolantongo (also known as the Tolantongo Caves) are natural thermal waters located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. They are part of a system of rivers, caves, rock formations, and waterfalls that emerge from the surrounding mountains.
While the thermal springs are natural, the site is owned and operated by a local organization, kind of like an eco-park! They have developed infrastructure on the site to make it easy to visit.
You’ll find amenities like bathrooms, food vendors, and accommodation. Plus, there are manmade pools, suspension bridges, and even fun features like zip lines to take advantage of at the hot springs. That said, the area doesn’t have an amusement park feel, it’s very much a natural site with simple amenities added.
They may be a little off the beaten path in terms of location, but Tolantongo is well worth visiting. Those travelers who are willing to make the trek will be rewarded with a very unique experience.
Keep reading to learn more about Las Grutas del Tolantongo and find all the information you need to plan your trip. We’ll also dig into the best ways to get to Tolantongo from Mexico City and the pros and cons of each option.
Where is Las Grutas de Tolantongo, Mexico?
The Grutas de Tolantongo is located in the state of Hidalgo in central Mexico. It’s approximately 3.5 hours north of Mexico City by car, making it a realistic day trip for those looking to explore beyond the capital.
Grutas de Tolantongo is located very close to the town of Ixmiquilpan in Hidalgo State.
The hot springs have a mountain setting, making for an impressive landscape that gives way to waterfalls, caves, and rivers. The views are unparalleled. But…this also means it’s a little challenging to drive there.
Tolantongo Map
Use this map to orient yourself to the location of the hot springs.
What’s the best way to get from Mexico City to the Tolantongo Caves?
We’ll dig into this in more detail below, but the best option for getting to Tolantongo as a solo traveler is by taking a group tour.
The road to Tolantongo is windy and steep in sections, making it a potentially challenging drive, especially for those who aren’t familiar with driving in Mexico.
Day tours simplify the entire experience. You don’t have to spend time trying to rent a car in Mexico City, and there’s no need to worry about driving, fuelling up, or any of the other logistics that come with a road trip. Just climb in the shuttle and go!
What’s the best time to visit Tolantongo?
The Tolantongo hot springs are a wonderful destination all year long, but it is highly advisable to visit mid-week.
The springs are popular among Mexican nationals and international travelers, so there’s often a big crowd on the weekends and during public holidays. Going mid-week gives you a better chance of having a tranquil experience in the pools.
In terms of climate, the best time to visit the springs is during the winter dry season, which runs form November through April. Not only will soaking in the springs be more pleasant on a nice day, but it will be easier to get there, too.
Travelers who choose to camp will appreciate not having to contend with rain showers.
Tolantongo is still nice to visit during the rainy season, May through October. However, wet weather can cause potential landslides on the mountain roads leading to the springs. Rain can also make for poor visibility, making the drive more challenging than usual.
April and May are the hottest months at the Grutas, with average highs in the 80s. Soaking in the hot springs may not be as refreshing or enjoyable at these temperatures, but it’s still a lovely setting!
How to get to Tolantongo from Mexico City
It’s easy to get to Grutas Tolantongo from Mexico City. You have a few options to get there:
Driving from Mexico City to Las Grutas de Tolantongo
If you have a rental car, you can take a road trip to Tolantongo from Mexico City. Make sure you have a local SIM card, so you can access Google Maps for directions while you’re driving.
- Drive north to get onto the México-Pachuca highway, Highway 85D.
- Before arriving at Pachuca, you will see an exit to Actopan, Hidalgo.
- Following this direction, you will take the Pachuca-Ixmiquilpan highway and drive until you reach Ixmiquilpan.
- Once there, on the main avenue, you will see the big supermarket Bodega Soriana, then take the exit to the right, located after two traffic lights passing the supermarket. You can use the OXXO store as a reference.
- The right exit will direct you to the “Libramiento a Cardonal.” On that route, follow the signs until you reach Las Grutas de Tolantongo.
This route will take approximately 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and driving conditions.
Be aware that there is a toll road on this route. Have cash on hand to cover the fee.
My preferred way to find rental cars in Mexico is on the Discover Cars platform. They are a car rental aggregator that will show you the best prices from every company.
I highly recommend reading the reviews from each company both on and off the Discover Cars platform in order to find the most reputable option, as it varies from town to town.
Safety Tip: Always drive in good weather conditions and never when you’re tired. The highways in Mexico can be dangerous at some points, and the route down to Grutas de Tolantongo is very steep. Always pay attention to the signals and drive with extra caution during rain or storms.
IMPORTANT: Always drive in good weather conditions and never when you’re tired. The highways in Mexico can be dangerous at some points, and the route down to Grutas de Tolantongo is very steep. Always pay attention to the signals and drive carefully during rain or storms.
Planning to rent a car in Mexico? Use Discover Cars to find the best rates!
Getting to Tolantongo from Mexico City on public transportation
It takes about 4 hours to reach Tolantongo by bus from Mexico City, and it will cost about 350 pesos per person each way (plus whatever it costs you to get to Central del Norte in Mexico City).
Follow these steps using Mexico’s bus system:
- You will depart from the Central del Norte bus station in Mexico City. You can get there in an Uber from wherever you’re staying. Or, if you prefer to take the metro, use Google Maps to plot your route from where you’re staying. Metro Line 5, Politécnico-Pantitlan, is the one that connects to Central del Norte.
- When you arrive at Central del Norte, find the ticket window for either the Ovnibus or Frontera bus lines. These are the buses that go directly to the Ixmiquilpan bus station. Use their websites to check the schedules in advance and plan your departure time accordingly. At the time of writing (January 2024), Ovnibus has departures every 20-30 minutes, beginning at 6 AM. Frontera’s earliest departure is 8:30 AM. The journey from Mexico City to Ixmiquilpan takes about 3 hours, so I’d leave as early as possible. Tickets cost 200-220 pesos per person.
If you prefer to plan ahead, book your bus ticket from Central del Norte to Ixmiquilpan online using Busbud. Just enter “Mexico City Norte” in the “origin” box, and you’ll see the option for Central del Norte pop up.
- Once arriving at Ixmiquilpan, grab a taxi and let them know you want to go to the Mercado Morelos or the Iglesia de San Antonio (this is where the shuttles for the Tolantongo Grutas depart from). I recommend stopping at the market first to grab a quick bite to eat before you head to the hot springs. Taxi fare will cost about 50 or 60 pesos.
If you’d like to save a few extra pesos, you can take a bus from the Ixmiquilpan bus station to the Mercado Morelos. Just look for the buses that say Mercado Morelos on the windshield.
- In the market, ask someone where the San Antonio Church is. You will also see signs around the perimeter of the market that say “Grutas de Tolantongo,” so it’s easy to your way on your own. It’s a couple of blocks from the market and will take you about 5 minutes to walk there.
- At San Antonio Church, you’ll find a large parking lot where buses leave for Las Grutas del Tolantongo. These buses are a shuttle service run by Tolantongo Park. The bus fare is 70 pesos per person.
The shuttle from the San Antonio parking lot runs every 2 hours beginning at 9:30 AM, with the last shuttle leaving at 5:30 PM. Click here to see the schedule, as it varies slightly on weekends.
The last bus leaving Tolantongo and returning to the San Antonio parking lot in Ixmiquilpan departs at 5:30 pm.
Grutas de Tolantongo tours from Mexico City
One of the most convenient ways to get to Las Grutas de Tolantongo is on a tour from Mexico City. It’s a long day, but taking a tour means you don’t have to worry about any of the travel logistics. All you need to do is show up for the shuttle!
This is especially ideal for solo travelers who don’t speak Spanish well. You don’t have to worry about getting off the bus at the wrong location, or misinterpreting directions to the site. Your tour guide will take care of all of that!
Tours to the hot springs typically leave Mexico City at 6 AM and return 14-16 hours later. It’s a long day, but it’s worth the effort.
This full-day Tolantongo tour includes stops at several different sites around the springs, including an area where you can ride a zip line! It’s a great option for those who want to make sure they see everything without having to coordinate an overnight stay.
What to Pack for Tolantongo
- Cash – None of the hotels, restaurants, or other amenities at Tolantongo accept credit cards, and there are no ATMs on-site. You must bring sufficient cash for the day. Since you’re liable to be in and out of the pools all day long, stash your cash discretely in your backpack when you’re swimming.
- A waterproof case to stash your cash and cell phone while you’re exploring the hot springs. Theft isn’t a major concern at this attraction, but it would be a huge hassle if it happened, so I do suggest playing it safe. There are lockers available for rent on-site, too.
- Water shoes or sandals – You’ll be in and out of the water, scrambling over the rocky river bed or the stone formations in the pools, so pack water shoes or sandals to protect your feet. A pair of Tevas or Chacos or this pair of water shoes would be good options.
- A dry bag – A dry bag is a practical way to protect items like your camera or even your clothing while you’re enjoying the thermal pools.
- Swimsuit – you won’t be able to resist soaking in the natural pools, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit. Read my guide to the best swimsuits for Mexico for ideas!
- Travel towel – A quick-drying microfiber towel is the best way to dry off after a day in the water. They’re also super light and compact, so you won’t mind carrying one around all day.
- Sunscreen – Nothing cramps your vacation style more than an embarrassing sunburn. Pack your favorite biodegradable sunscreen (or pack my favorite!) for your trip to Las Grutas.
- Portable charger – Whether you’re spending the day or planning to camp overnight, there’s a good chance you’ll use a lot of phone battery in Tolantongo as you snap photos of the beautiful spots. Pack a portable charger, just in case.
- A padlock – You can rent lockers onsite to stash your valuables, but having your own lock will give you additional peace of mind.
- Waterproof headlamp – A headlamp will come in handy for improving your visibility if you want to explore the Tolantongo cave!
Entrance fee: How much does Tolantongo cost?
The Grutas de Tolantongo are privately owned, so there is an entry fee of 180 pesos to enter the site. If you stay overnight, you’ll be required to pay the fee both days, so a total of 360 pesos. There is an extra cost of 30 pesos to park at Tolantongo.
The site is part of a local ejido system, which means it’s owned and managed by members of the local community, known as ejidatarios. They are responsible for the infrastructure of the site and work to preserve it while making it appealing to visitors.
Main Attractions at Las Grutas de Tolantongo
The Grutas de Tolantongo is divided into four parts: the main cave, the tunnel, the pools, and the river. All of them with naturally hot water!
Tolantongo cave
This place is the main source of warm water in Tolantongo. The fact that you enter the cave through a beautiful waterfall just makes the experience more memorable.
Even if the water inside is very warm, the waterfall is very cold, so just be ready for the cold entrance before enjoying the pool. Inside you will be able to see some of the traces that the water has been carving for thousands of years.
The exit of the cave has a security net to avoid accidents, don’t cross it!
Tolantongo tunnel
Next to the cave, you’ll find a 40-meter-long tunnel inside the rock. It’s also a water source. so it’s very warm, but you need to take care because it’s totally dark.
Bring a lamp so you can watch the path and move around without falling off or hitting a rock. The darkness and the warm water create a magical atmosphere inside the cave.
Even though the tunnel has some security guards with lamps inside, it’s better to bring a waterproof lamp with you. Take small steps, and don’t go too fast inside to avoid injuries.
The Tolantongo River
You can swim in a lot of rivers in the world, but in how many places can you find a river with warm water? The river has a stunning blue color, and it‘s divided into little quadrants where you can swim and relax.
The water flow of the river gets a bit stronger at the lower edge of each quadrant, so take care when you swim next to them, but if you swim in the middle, you won’t have any problems.
The bottom of the river is short, so you can just walk or chill in place if you don’t want to swim.
Thermal Pools at Tolantongo
This section of Grutas is in an elevated zone of the canyon, where you can watch the amazing sight of the river and the mountains that surround the pools.
These little pools are also supplied by a spring located at the top of the mountain. These are man-made pools, but that doesn’t take away from the magic. You can soak in the natural beauty of the area as you look out over the lush vegetation of the canyon.
The route between the pools and the base of the river is long and steep. You can take a little bus for 10 pesos to take you to the top and back.
Zipline
If soaking the thermal pools isn’t enough, you can zip through Tolantongo on a 4-part, 1890-meter zipline system. It’s not my cup of tea, but for anyone who isn’t petrified of heights, it’s probably super fun!
There’s a 250 peso fee for the zipline, and it is open from 8 am to 5 pm.
The zipline is located behind the Hotel Paraíso Escondido. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but don’t worry because there are shuttles within the park to help you get to and from each of the attractions.
Suspension Bridge
If you’re okay with heights but not quite daring enough to try the zipline, you’ll probably enjoy walking across the Tolantongo suspension bridge! It’s a great way to get a beautiful view of the area from a different perspective!
Looking for the best things to do in Mexico? This is my favorite platform for booking tours!
Where to Stay at Las Grutas de Tolantongo
Camp next to the river
Camping gives you the closest access point to the river. You can sleep in a tent right on the shore!
The campsite at Grutas de Tolantongo is very safe and they have all of the gear available for rent, so there’s no need to pack in your own tent and sleeping pad.
Be aware that there is sometimes a bit of a party vibe at the campground. Expect to hear loud music into the night, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider packing earplugs if you’d rather get some sleep than join the party.
This isn’t a glamping experience by any means, but for those who don’t mind roughing it a little in the name of adventure, it’s a convenient option.
A campsite and tent rental costs 150 pesos per night. There are additional charges for blankets (140 pesos), a sleeping pad (150 pesos), lockers and padlocks (185 pesos), and cooking and fire starting equipment.
The price of camping is less than staying at a hotel, but it adds up quickly!
Still, it’s probably the best bet for budget travelers.
Click here and scroll down for a detailed breakdown of camping prices.
Grutas de Tolantongo hotels
There are a few hotels within Grutas de Tolantongo. None of them take reservations in advance, though. If you’re planning to spend the night, ensure you get to Tolantongo as early as possible so you can put your name on the list to stay for the night. Rates range from about 900 pesos ($55 USD) to 2300 pesos ($133 USD) per night, and hotels take cash only.
Based on reviews, the hotels may leave a little bit to be desired in terms of quality. Many travelers mention that the hotels on-site have unreliable WiFi and ineffective air conditioning.
But, a hotel room may be more comfortable for some travelers than sleeping in a tent.
If all of the hotels happen to be booked, you’ll be forced to head back to Ixmiquilpan or Mexico City for the night.
There are a few hotels located within the park, and they all operate the same way.
Here’s a list so you can check their Google reviews and decide what makes sense for you:
There’s one more hotel across the river from the Grutas de Tolantongo park. It’s called La Gloria Tolantongo, and it’s managed by a different ejido organization. This means it works on the same system as Las Grutas de Tolantongo, but you must pay a separate 150 peso park fee to access the natural area from there.
Mexico City to Tolantongo FAQ
How far is Tolantongo from Mexico City?
Tolantongo is about 200 km north of Mexico City. It takes 3.5 to 4 hours to drive from Mexico City to Grutas de Tolantongo.
How far is Las Grutas de Tolantongo from Cancun?
Tolantongo is over 1700 km from Cancun, or 23 hours driving. It’s in a completely different region of Mexico.
What airport is closest to Las Grutas de Tolantongo?
The closest airport to Tolantongo is in Queretaro, which is about 167 kilometers from Las Grutas, or 3.5 hours driving. The next closest option would be the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, which is 199 km from the Grutas, or 3.5 to 4 hours driving.
How much does it cost to go to Tolantongo?
The daily entrance fee for the Tolantongo Caves is 180 pesos. The full cost to visit Tolantongo varies depending on how you opt to get there.
Is Grutas de Tolantongo worth it?
Yes! If you love natural attractions and think the idea of swimming in thermal springs sound intriguing, Tolantongo will not disappoint. It’s incredibly scenic and unique to this part of Mexico.
Can you swim in Tolantongo?
Yep! You can swim in the river and in the hot spring pools. However, some of the pools are relatively small (hot tub-sized), so you may end up doing more soaking than swimming.
Why is Tolantongo water warm?
The water at Tolantongo is warm because it comes from a natural geothermal spring.
Are the Grutas de Tolantongo natural?
Yes! The Grutas are natural, but there are areas of the park that are man-made. Some of the pools on the hillside were created in order to provide a scenic location for a soak, but the rest of the features, including the cave and the river, are completely natural.
Is there WiFi in Tolantongo?
There is WiFi in Tolantongo, but it’s often spotty. Plan to download anything you need, music, movies, books, maps, etc, before you get there so you can access information as needed.
There is cell service in the park, provided by the Telcel network. If you have a Telcel SIM card you’ll probably have great service, but your service could be spotty with a different carrier.
Mexico Travel Planning Resources
🌡️ Do I need travel insurance?
Yes! Healthcare in Mexico is affordable for minor ailments, but travel insurance will give you peace of mind if an emergency arises. Plus, you can add coverage for trip interruption, theft, etc. Get a quote from SafetyWing.
🏨 What’s the best way to find accommodation in Mexico?
I use a mix of Booking, Airbnb, and Hostelworld.
Booking.com is awesome for booking hotels and resorts, Hostelworld is great for hostels, and Airbnb specializes in apartment rentals, making it a great place to find long-term stays.
💸 How should I exchange money in Mexico?
Use local ATMS to withdraw cash. US travelers should open a Charles Schwab bank account because they’ll refund ATM fees at the end of the month.
Travelers from outside the US should open a Wise account to secure the best currency exchange rates.
📱 Where can I buy a local SIM card in Mexico?
Pick up a Telcel SIM card at any convenience store. Or, buy an Airalo eSIM online so you’re connected as soon as you land.
🗣️ Do I need to speak Spanish in Mexico?
No, but it definitely helps you feel more confident and connected.
RocketSpanish is my favorite program for learning the foundations of the language. If you’re more focused on improving your conversation skills, hire a tutor through iTalki to prep for your trip.
✈️ What’s the best way to find affordable flights?
I use Skyscanner because it makes it easy to compare rates across different travel days.
🚖 How do I find a safe airport transfer?
I recommend GetTransfer for airport transfers anywhere in Mexico.
🚗 What’s the best way to find rental cars in Mexico?
I recommend Discover Cars because they aggregate prices across rental car companies, making it easy to find competitive rates.
🚐 How do I book bus tickets online in Mexico?
Plan your routes with Rome2Rio, and book your tickets with Busbud — the site is in English and takes foreign credit cards. (Read more here)
🤿 How do I find cool activities and tours in Mexico?
I recommend Viator and Get Your Guide. Viator usually has more options, but it’s worth comparing offerings across both platforms.
🇲🇽 How can I experience Mexico like a local?
Solo female travelers can hire a local female guide through Greether. Greeters will tailor tours based on your interests— it’s basically like experiencing a destination with a local bestie!
🧳 What’s the best luggage for Mexico?
Unless you’re staying at a resort, a travel pack is recommended. I’ve used this one from Osprey for the last 8+ years.
👯♀️ How do I connect with fellow travelers in Mexico?
Join my Female Travelers in Mexico Facebook group, a supportive community of fellow Mexico travel enthusiasts, where you can find answers to all your travel questions!
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