Guide To Las Grutas de Tolantongo
If you haven’t been to Mexico then you should immediately include it in your list of countries to visit. The place is full of wonders and offers a little something for everybody. Beautiful tropical beaches, lush forests, breathtaking deserts, name it, Mexico has it. And if you are planning to go there, you should definitely include Grutas Tolantongo in your itinerary no matter how packed it is. Known as Tolantongo Caves in English, the hidden paradise located in the central part of the country will have you in awe by its beauty. Already convinced? Below is a short guide to Grutas Tolantongo.
What is it?
Grutas Tolantongo is located in the state of Hidalgo, a place known for its hot springs. In Grutas Tolantongo you can see the mother of all thermal springs in the area because it is said to be where the springs have originated. You’re probably asking right now what’s so special about the hot springs in the area? Well, what you’ll see there is no ordinary body of water. The water comes from a cave, forming a spectacular pool. To top it all off is a majestic waterfall.
On the other side are small pools created by the great river that is making its way down the canyon. It looks beautiful already in the pictures but when you see it in person, your jaw will surely drop.
Now let’s talk about the temperature of the water. The problem with other hot springs is that the water can either be too hot or tepid. The water in Grutas Tolantongo is just warm enough to give a pleasant sensation. Yes, it means you can spend a long time in the water without feeling chilly. And the water’s temperature stays that way all-year-round.
Where can I find it?
One of the best things about Grutas Tolantongo is that it is very close to the country’s capital, Mexico City. So you can actually include it as a side destination. Many families from Mexico City visit the place during weekends.
It is located near the town of Ixmiquilpan in Hidalgo state. The town is an interesting destination in itself because of its delicious local delicacies and artisanal products.
What can I see there?
Grutas Tolantongo is composed of four areas: the cave, the tunnel, the small pools, and the big river.
The cave is where the warm water comes from. To enter the cave, you need to go through the waterfall. This experience alone makes the trip worth it. The water from the waterfall is very cold, providing a stark contrast to the warm water inside the cave.
The tunnel is 40 meters long. You need to bring a flashlight inside because it’s pitch dark. Can you imagine the combination of the dark surroundings and the warm water? It’s eerie and magical at the same time.
The river in Grutas Tolantongo is probably the only river in the world with warm water. The blue color of the river is perfect for those photo-worthy moments.
The pools in Grutas Tolantongo is a perfect place to relax because it offers a nice view of the river and mountains. The pools are man made but they blend perfectly with the surroundings.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Grutas Tolantongo, Cardonal, Hidalgo, Mexico
- Coordinates
- 20.64993, -98.99918
- Access
- All park payments are cash; the operator says the nearest ATM is in Ixmiquilpan, about an hour away. Phone signal is Telcel only. Wear swimwear and comfortable footwear for the cave, tunnel and river; the operator warns that these areas are rocky and slippery and asks visitors to move carefully. Do not take valuables into the water. Camping requires a paid entrance ticket for each day of the stay.
- Admission
- 2026 operator tariff: MX$230 per person per day (ages 5 and over; ages 0–4 free); the ticket covers both La Gruta and Paraíso Escondido. Parking is MX$50 per vehicle per day. Tirolesa is extra (operator FAQ lists MX$300); lodging, food, transport and tent rental are also extra. INAPAM cardholders receive 50% off park entry at the general ticket office. Cash only.
- Time needed
- The operator publishes no standard visit duration. One daily ticket covers several areas and activities—cave, tunnel, river, pools, thermal pools, waterfalls, hiking and a hanging bridge—so time depends on which areas you visit. The ticket is valid 07:00–20:00, not 24 hours; this is the ticket window, not a recommended itinerary length.
- Best season
- The park says it operates every day of the year, including holidays. The operator specifically advises against camping beside the river during the mid-June to mid-July rainy period. This is a safety note, not an official preferred-season recommendation.
- Opening hours
- Operator’s general page lists cave, tunnel, waterfalls and swimming pools 08:00–17:00; some thermal pools and the river 08:00–21:00; ticket office 06:00–23:00; camping 24 hours. Entrance tickets are valid 07:00–20:00. The separate cave page lists the grotto itself as 08:00–17:00. Check locally because the operator gives different hours for some water areas.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-25
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-23
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