Tucked away in the mountains of Hidalgo Mexico lies a hidden treasure filled with waterfalls, warm hot springs and magical blue water. Does this sound like a place you would like to visit? Keep reading for everything you will need to know about the beautiful Grutas Tolantongo!

A note on visiting Grutas Tolantongo:

Getting there: Grutas Tolantongo is located about 4 hours from Mexico city. There are a few option you can do to get there.

1. Rental Car – Driving to Hidalgo from Mexico city is relatively easy with clear signs and roads. This is the option we choose and loved the flexibility it provided. Beware that renting a car in Mexico can be daunting and I learned a few lessons. First, more than likely the cheap too good to be true rate you see online, will not include insurance and if you dont opt in for the full coverage they will charge you a heafty deposit around $2000 – $3000. So be prepared to pay to coverage or a big deposit. Second, when you get to the airport ask around other counters, you will most likely find a better deal. We did this both times we rented a car and in the end did not end up renting with whom we had the original reservation with. Third, try to find a company that just includes the full insurance with the rate you pay. I found that Mex Rent A Car was the best option.
2. Bus – I have heard nothing but wonderful things when it comes to the buses in Mexico. You will need to catch an ADO bus to Ixmiquilpan. At the Ixmiquilpan bus station, catch a colectivo (shared van) to Mercado Morelos, . Then look for a microbus station in the San Antonio parking for a bus to Grutas Tolantongo. I have included the bus schedule here.
3. Day Tour – This would be my last pick as you will spend more time in the car than enjoying the hotsprings and when tours arrive will be peak time at the hot pools which means CROWDS. However, if a bus and driving is not an option, it is still 100% worth a visit with a tour. Here is a good private affordable option through Viator.

Where to stay:

There are about 4 hotels inside the park but you can not reserve the hotel ahead of time. You simply have to arrive and hope that a room is available. I suggest arriving as early as possible — your chances will be pretty good.

You will pay in cash. You can check their website here for the rates.

If you would rather camp, there are designated camping areas along the river. You can rent a tent from one of the hotels or bring your own.

What to bring:

Like I said above, the hotels offer almost everything you could possibly need, but, here is a list of things you should bring yourself:

• water shoes
• towels
• snacks and water for the roadtrip
• enough cash to last your entire stay. There are no ATM’s and everything is in cash.
• a GoPro and/or water proof phone case (trust me, you’ll want and need it)
• a waterproof headlamp if you’re curious to explore the caves

What to see:

1. Hot spring pools – The main attraction! Make sure to get up early to avoid the crowds.
2. Gruta (cave) tunnel – Located on the opposite side of the pools you can explore a cave and waterfalls!
3. The River – This bright blue gem with warm magical water.
4. Zip Line – Fly above the canyon for stunning views

I hope I have inspired you to visit the beautiful Grutas Tolantongo in Hidalgo Mexico

xoxo

Jacqueline