Day trip to Tolantongo Hot Springs & Grottoes from Mexico City
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 hours (round trip)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; involves brief hikes, slippery steps, and standing in warm water for long periods.
Overview
A full-day shuttle from Mexico City delivers you to Tolantongo’s steaming grottoes and terraced hot pools—natural jacuzzis carved into a canyon. This practical guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and the local context that makes the site memorable.
Day trip to Tolantongo Hot Springs & Grottoes from Mexico City
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You step off the bus into a canyon that seems to have been carved to hold water—narrow walls of volcanic rock rise on either side while steam threads up from pools that glow the color of boiled sky. The guide points to a tunnel mouth where a warm river vanishes into the limestone and reappears as terraces and grotto pools. For the next day, the canyon commands your pace: a slow ritual of soaking, wading and short hikes between natural jacuzzis.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Confirm pickup via WhatsApp
Contact the operator at +52 442 540 2477 the day before to confirm pickup time and exact meeting point; hotels outside the historic center may incur an extra fee.
Wear water shoes—no sandals
Pools and rocky paths are slippery; water shoes protect feet and meet site rules better than flip-flops.
Bring small cash for food and lockers
Cards aren’t accepted at many food stalls or small vendors; have 200–500 MXN in small bills for snacks and lockers.
Avoid soaps and sun creams in pools
Oils and soaps harm the ecosystem and the mineral balance—rinse off in designated areas and use biodegradable products.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer
- Mexican jay and assorted small passerines
History
Local Otomí communities long used the springs; modern tourist infrastructure was developed in recent decades to channel geothermal flows into stepped pools and walkways.
Conservation
The pools are sensitive to soaps and oils—pack out trash, avoid chemical sunscreens in water, and follow signage to minimize erosion and contamination.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ixmiquilpan
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Grip and protection for wet rocks and pool edges.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Needed for thermal pools; towels aren’t always provided.
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Protect electronics and documents from splashes and steam.
Refillable water bottle & sunscreen
Hydration is crucial at altitude and sunscreen protects exposed canyon rims.
summer specific