×

Mexico🇲🇽 | landmarksGrutas de TolantongoThermal river, cliff pools, hot tunnel, canyon camping | things to do and best time to go

Explore El TajínExplore Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Backpacking in Grutas de Tolantongo
👍 Recommendedunique site ranked #10
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Grutas de Tolantongo is famous for its steaming turquoise thermal river and cliffside infinity pools, and the part people overlook is the effort: this is a full-day logistics puzzle of winding mountain roads and a lot of stairs. It sits in the state of Hidalgo in central Mexico, northeast of Mexico City. The canyon walls drip warm water, the tunnel into the cave is a humid sauna, and your photos will be absurdly good. Weekends turn the pools into a soup of happy families. A cook at a fonda told me, deadpan, that the stairs are the real entrance fee, then handed me a plate of barbacoa tacos that made every step forgivable. Plan a first day like this: arrive early, claim a pool, eat, and only then wander to the cave.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Mexico Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #10 unique site in MexicoReasons people choose to visit here

Grutas de Tolantongo repays the long bus ride with something few places in Mexico offer: warm mineral water you can soak in at every level of a canyon, from a cave mouth to a ledge with a dizzying drop. Nothing else within reach of the capital looks quite like the Rio Tolantongo, whose milky blue color comes from dissolved minerals. The setting is also unusually affordable for what you get, with riverside camping and simple cabins on site, so you can sleep beside the water instead of rushing back. It fits neatly into a loop through Hidalgo, pairing well with the Prismas Basalticos near Huasca de Ocampo and the mining town of Real del Monte, both a morning's detour away. Come midweek and the pools are yours.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Las Grutas (the main cave): A tunnel-like cavern where a hot spring pours from stalactite-hung ceilings. Steam, dim lights and wet stone make it feel like a natural sauna.
  2. Rio Tolantongo: The turquoise thermal river that runs along the canyon floor, with lukewarm stretches for floating and shallow spots for kids.
  3. Pozas del Mirador (infinity pools): Terraced pools carved into the cliff, with a view down the canyon. They are the postcard shot and the busiest spot on weekends.
  4. Tunel de Tolantongo: A hand-dug passage through the rock with warm water running at your feet, leading to hot pools on the far side. It is dark, so bring a headlamp or phone light.
  5. Cascada del Cañon (waterfalls): Warm water drops over the canyon edge and makes a natural shower. Stand under it for a free back massage.
  6. Puente
… read more 👉
  1. Las Grutas (the main cave): A tunnel-like cavern where a hot spring pours from stalactite-hung ceilings. Steam, dim lights and wet stone make it feel like a natural sauna.
  2. Rio Tolantongo: The turquoise thermal river that runs along the canyon floor, with lukewarm stretches for floating and shallow spots for kids.
  3. Pozas del Mirador (infinity pools): Terraced pools carved into the cliff, with a view down the canyon. They are the postcard shot and the busiest spot on weekends.
  4. Tunel de Tolantongo: A hand-dug passage through the rock with warm water running at your feet, leading to hot pools on the far side. It is dark, so bring a headlamp or phone light.
  5. Cascada del Cañon (waterfalls): Warm water drops over the canyon edge and makes a natural shower. Stand under it for a free back massage.
  6. Puente Colgante (suspension bridge): A swaying footbridge over the river that gives the best angle on the pools and the blue water below.
  7. Camping by the river: Pitching a tent near the water lets you reach the pools early and stay late, when day visitors have left and the canyon quiets down.
Grutas de Tolantongo charges one entrance fee that covers all these sights, so the bridge, the waterfalls and the river views cost nothing extra beyond it.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Grutas de Tolantongo

Route to the Peñas Cuatas Science Forest and Adventure

Route to the Peñas Cuatas Science Forest and Adventure

0.0(0) 4h 30m
From €45
per personViator
Huasca de Ocampo Adventure Tour

Huasca de Ocampo Adventure Tour

0.0(0) 3h
From €94
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Dry Season (November to April): Grutas de Tolantongo is at its most comfortable now, with canyon days around 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F) and cool nights near 10 to 14°C (50 to 57°F). Rivers stay turquoise and trails stay dry.
  • Rainy Season (June to October): Afternoon storms are common, highs run 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F), and heavy rain can turn the river milky and close sections. Crowds thin on weekdays.
  • Weekends and Holidays: Mexican families fill the pools from Saturday morning, and Semana Santa and December are the busiest stretches. Lodging prices rise noticeably then.
  • Daylight: Roughly 11 to 13 hours, so arrive early to enjoy the grotto and the river pools.
Go Tuesday to Thursday in February or March for warm water and open space.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
mexico-unique-site-grutas-de-tolantongo
© Google | Grutas Tolantongo

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMexico Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico
The digital guide (402 pages) contains:
✅ 138 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

The best base for backpackers is inside the canyon itself, at the simple lodging and camping areas by the river and the grotto, because the park closes in the evening and the first hours are the quietest. Expect to pay about US$12 to 25 per person for a campsite or basic cabin bed, rising on weekends. Staying on site means you soak in the thermal pools at dawn and after the day visitors leave, and you meet other travelers over shared fire pits and the few food stalls. Bring your own flashlight, cash, and warm layers, since nights get cool. The second option is the town of Ixmiquilpan, about an … read more 👉
The best base for backpackers is inside the canyon itself, at the simple lodging and camping areas by the river and the grotto, because the park closes in the evening and the first hours are the quietest. Expect to pay about US$12 to 25 per person for a campsite or basic cabin bed, rising on weekends. Staying on site means you soak in the thermal pools at dawn and after the day visitors leave, and you meet other travelers over shared fire pits and the few food stalls. Bring your own flashlight, cash, and warm layers, since nights get cool. The second option is the town of Ixmiquilpan, about an hour from the park, which has budget guesthouses (US$20 to 35 a night), supermarkets, ATMs, and frequent buses. It is less social but handy if the canyon is full, and you can catch an early minibus to the entrance. Book ahead for holidays.
Best hostels in Mexico


Best quality hotels in Mexico

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Grutas de Tolantongo costs roughly US$45 to 60 per day for a backpacker who camps or takes a basic cabin. Everything is paid in Mexican pesos, and cash is the safest option inside the canyon.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$8 to 10Paid per person at the gate, covers the grotto, river pools and hanging bridge access.
Accommodation (high season)US$12 to 25Camping or a basic cabin bed; weekends and holidays cost more.
TransportUS$15 to 25Bus from Mexico City to Ixmiquilpan, then a minibus or shared taxi up to the canyon, per day averaged over a round trip.
FoodUS$8 to 12Quesadillas, barbacoa and grilled fish at stalls inside; prices are higher than in town.
ExtrasUS$2 to 5Lockers, tunnel and zipline add-ons, water and snacks.
Total Daily BudgetUS$45 to 60Per person, per day, in high season.


source: gob.mx
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQTraveler FAQ

Grutas de Tolantongo is a thermal canyon in Hidalgo with turquoise hot-spring pools, a large grotto with warm waterfalls, and a river of mineral water. Pools cascade down the hillside above the Río Tolantongo, and a suspension bridge and a tunnel lead to more pools. Entry costs about US$8 to 10, and the canyon sits roughly 3 hours by road from Mexico City.
Plan for one night and two days at Grutas de Tolantongo to see the grotto, the river pools, the tunnel and the viewpoint without rushing. A day trip is possible but leaves about four hours in the water after the long drive. Staying a second night in the canyon, at about US$12 to 25 for camping or a basic bed, lets you soak early before day visitors arrive.
Getting to Grutas de Tolantongo from Mexico City takes about 4 to 5 hours: take a bus from Terminal Norte to Ixmiquilpan (about 2.5 hours, US$8 to 12), then a minibus or shared taxi toward the canyon (about 1.5 hours on a winding road, US$5 to 10). Some operators run direct weekend buses. Driving from Mexico City takes around 3.5 hours, and the final stretch is steep and narrow.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Mexican landmarks near Grutas de Tolantongo

Explore more nearby:

  • Xilitla—Concrete surrealism, stairs to nowhere, jungle pools, foggy mountain town| 84 km away
  • Pyramids of Teotihuacan—Avenue of the Dead, Sun and Moon pyramids, feathered serpent, painted murals| 107 km away
  • Sótano de las Golondrinas—370-meter shaft, swift exodus, rim platform, Huasteca forest| 107 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Mexico including Grutas de Tolantongo and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all landmarks

Or checkout all Mexico has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Mexico
Country photo of Mexico
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Grutas de Tolantongo deserves two nights, not a rushed day trip, because the long road eats your daylight and the canyon is best at dawn and after dark. I would camp or take a cabin, hit the cave first, and save the cliff pools for a weekday.

✈️ When did I visit Mexico?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Mexico in February and March 2016. Had to hurry a bit as I didn’t want to miss the free performance of the Rolling Stones in Cuba.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Mexico, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story