Hidden Gem in Mexico – Amazing Hot Springs
Amazing is not a word I use easily or often. But the experience at the Tolantongo Hot Springs or Grutas Tolantongo was just that – an amazing hot springs experience in Mexico. It was even better than I was expecting, and each section provided its own wow! moment.
I was initially drawn to the Hot Springs by pictures I’d seen online. It looked like an incredible setting with the thermal pools overlooking a valley with mountains in the distance. When I saw a tour that could provide the experience direct from Mexico City, I knew I had to do it.
Experiencing the Tolantongo Hot Springs is an all-day event. Our group was picked up in Mexico City to prepare for the long drive to the hot springs. It takes about 3 1/2 -4 hours to get there. There was a stop for breakfast at a restaurant along the way. The buffet was sufficient to keep us energized for the rest of the morning. We also made a brief stop for last minute snacks and supplies like water shoes, which are highly recommended.
There are three parts to the hot springs:
- The Pools
- The River
- The Caves
The Pools
The pools cling to the side of the hill. Each of the pool is filled with thermal water from internal caves and tunnels. You can move from pool to pool, with different views. The magnesium and calcium naturally create the baby blue color beautifully contrasting with the rocks.
There are steps connecting most of the levels of pools. The pools are a relaxing place to hang out in the sun (or shade if you’re a bit higher up).
There are bathrooms and showers nearby as well.
You can find the tour to Tolantongo here
The River
After lunch, we moved on to part two of the hot springs experience, the River. I expected it to be cold, but it was warm and mostly calm. There were a few places where water was rushing over rocks, but it was easy enough to find a place to sit in the river. The magnesium and calcium naturally occurring in the waters not only give them their light blue color, but have health benefits as well. It could be good for your sleep and your skin. You can even give yourself facial from a mud musk with the rive soil.
You can find the tour to Tolantongo here
The Caves
The last part of the tour was the most unexpected. It was beautiful and exciting. We walked along a path that opened to views down to the river and a green mountainside with waterfalls flowing. Then we approached the opening to the caves. This was the most crowded part of the hot springs, but it didn’t feel overwhelming. Here too, the waters were warm and relaxing. We made our way from one cave into another darker cave. Inside this cave were waterfalls falling from above in several different places. It’s breathtaking as the water is flowing around us. We played around in the pools and waterfall, and examined the stalactites around the cave. It was fascinating, unusual, and a wonderful experience.
These hot springs are a hidden gem that are a must-visit for anyone exploring Mexico. A visit to Tolantongo is perfect for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. Sign up for your tour for an amazing hot springs experience in Mexico.
You can find tours to Tolantongo and other Travel Resources here.
