In the state of Hidalgo, hidden a few minutes from the town of Ixmiquilpan in the Cardonal municipality, is the Eco-Tourist Park "Las Grutas de Tolantongo", a park that allows you to enjoy the warm thermal waters of its pools and other forms of relax.
Whether you are traveling as a couple or as a family, the Tolantongo Grottoes offer you a variety of activities to do that may take a couple of days, so we recommend that you plan your trip for at least two days.
So that you can calmly enjoy your walk and can cover the entire route, we present below the 10 things to do in this beautiful park.
1. Visit La Gruta
In the park, in a cavity formed between the rocky walls, is La Gruta de Agua Termal, a natural space within which falls a waterfall of warm water that joins the water well under it and in which you can swim and relax. .
Inside this cave, you can see the stalactites and stalagmites that, over the years, have been formed by the seepage of water between the rocks and their minerals.
The water in this grotto in turn supplies the pools and the park's thermal water river, in a network of internal water connections that connect the natural waters throughout the park.
To enter as a couple, hold on to your consort, as the area can be very slippery due to the constant flow of water between the stones of the waterfall that serves as a curtain at the entrance.
Hold the children's hands and do not neglect them, the depth of the well water can be dangerous for the little ones. Although both the entrance and the interior have railings to support you, it is best to be forewarned.
2. Enjoy the Thermal Pools
To relax, it is best to immerse yourself in the thermal pools, a series of small pools of hot water that follow one after the other along one of the mountain walls.
They are truly a delight and the perfect space to rest the body from the daily pressure.
These pools are not deep, so you can enter calmly with the children. The best thing is that you can relax in them while observing the magnificent views of Hidalgo, the mountains, the vegetation and the magical sunset.
There are 40 pools that go up and down the side of the mountain and communicate with each other by steps.
The floor is somewhat rustic so there is no risk of falls, so do not be afraid to enter them and enjoy the turquoise waters that characterize them, while taking a bath of 38 degrees Celsius.
Click here to know how to get to the Tolantongo Grottoes
3. Enter the Steam Tunnel
This tunnel built between the rocks of the mountain is crossed by the hot springs that flow down from the mountain.
Along the way you can enjoy some pools of hot water, while the steam penetrates your skin and purifies your body.
The most splendid thing about this tunnel is that it simulates a sauna bath, with the difference that the steam is the product of the hot water that enters inside it and whose heat is maintained by its rock formations: it is a space to detoxify from impurities.
At the entrance, a delicious waterfall of hot water will welcome you, giving you a warm jet of water that will allow you to warm your skin for the steamy heat of the tunnel. Once inside it, you will be surprised by its extension.
4. Dare to cross the Suspension Bridge
A suspension bridge (in the best style of suspense movies) you need to cross to access the area of La Gruta and the Steam Tunnel. This bridge connects two ends of the mountain and it is a real pleasure to appreciate its view.
This bridge allows you to observe not only the park, its pools and the river, but also the state of Hidalgo. When you cross it - in addition to a good touch of adrenaline - you will have impressive views and you will be able to take some magnificent photos.
It is a very safe bridge, well supported and taut, so put your fear of heights aside and venture into the experience of walking on it.
When crossing it you will find the access road to the Steam Tunnel, which runs to one side of the bridge. If you stop in the middle of it and turn towards the tunnel entrance, another beautiful sight will awaken your eyes: the magical waterfall that runs in front of it.
5. Swim in the Thermal River
It is a river of warm water that crosses the length of the park.
Adapted between rocks to form some warm pools, this wonderful and natural river begins in a kind of rapids and culminates in segments that offer quiet spaces for swimming and enjoyment.
It is a river with turquoise waters, one of the main attractions of Tolantongo.
Whether swimming in it or simply sitting on its shore, staying in its waters provides a true relaxation. The best thing is that, due to its shallow depth, children can play and swim quietly.
The most incredible thing about this river is that it is totally natural, its waters come from the mountains and throughout its extension the heat is maintained. It is truly a wonder of nature hidden among the mountains of Tolantongo.
6. Go hiking
If you like walking, the Tolantongo Park has a special activity for you: hiking. It is a route of almost three kilometers that takes you along a mountain route between the vegetation and the sound of the river at the bottom of the ravine.
It is a route that links the Paraíso Escondido area with the section of the pools and the Steam Tunnel. A walk that you can start early and end by relaxing your body in the steam of the tunnel or the warm waters of the pools.
For this walk, use suitable footwear, tennis or sports shoes.
Remember to take care of the children: if they are very young and are not used to walking, it is better not to take them to the trail; the steepness of the route and its length can exhaust them and it is a danger to carry them in arms along the way.
7. Camping in Tolantongo
Camping is one of the favorite activities of those who visit Tolantongo.
One of the best ways to experience your adventure in an extreme way is to camp under the starry night, the cold of the mountains and the sound of the river that runs through the area of camping.
Tolantongo Park has hotels, but there are many who prefer the special touch of camping. The best thing is that for campers, Tolantongo offers security and the use of bathrooms that allow you to cover your basic needs.
To live a night of camping in the style of the movies, Tolantongo is an excellent opportunity; Of course, remember that it is a mountainous area and mosquitoes will not take long to appear, so bring your insect repellent.
Very important: in Tolantongo you cannot enter with food, so you must be clear that to eat you will have to consume the products offered by the park's restaurants.
8. Swim in the pools
Beyond the pools, the cave and the tunnel, in Tolantongo there are a variety of hot water pools to enjoy.
From a large pool with a long slide, to a special one for divers. Everything you imagine in aquatic enjoyment you find here.
This area is ideal for children and gives parents the peace and serenity of enjoying a relaxing bath in its hot springs, while the little ones have fun.
The slide is really long and the climb is also long and steep, but the exciting descent is well worth the effort of climbing repeatedly.
Tolantongo is a paradise hidden among the mountains. It is difficult to describe the feelings of peace and relaxation along with the fun and beautiful views, you just have to experience it!
Read our guide on staying in hotels near the Tolantongo Caves
9. Dare to fly on a zip line
In Tolantongo you have the possibility to launch yourself into flight subject to safe harnesses while you descend a few meters and activate the adrenaline.
The route is up to you, depending on the strength of your nerves: you can travel from 280 meters to 1800 meters between the mountain.
It is an ideal activity for those who seek to experience Tolantongo in an extreme way. The best thing is that, after a bit of stress from the descent, you can relax again in the hot springs.
10. Enjoy the breathtaking views
Recreate your mind and record in your memory the memory of the most beautiful landscapes, stopping to appreciate the views that the nature of Hidalgo and the Grutas de Tolantongo give you.
Either on the suspension bridge or inside the warm water of a pool, you can appreciate for hours the beautiful landscape of Hidalgo, the majesty of its mountains and the turquoise waters of the Tolantongo River.
One of the best views is the wonderful natural fall of thermal water that flows over the rocks and falls on you before entering the Steam Tunnel or La Gruta: a unique moment in sight and a pleasant welcome by the water to give you what it hides. between the rocks.
How to get to Tolantongo?
Tolantongo is not that far from Mexico City, it is even a three-hour drive from the Federal District. To get there, you must drive north via Indios Verdes, then take the Mexico-Pachuca highway.
When you get to Pachuca, at the entrance, you will find the detour to Ixmiquilpan, once there follow the path to the Church of San Antonio where you will see the exit to the Cardonal municipality. Continue the route and you will reach the Tolantongo Caves.
When you get to the Cardonal municipality, you still have to drive for about 20 more minutes, but this segment of the route is unpaved, with curves and steep, and the fog usually appears early in the afternoon, so it is advisable to travel before noon.
Where to stay in Tolantongo?
Tolantongo Park has five beautiful and comfortable hotels for your rest: Molanguito, La Gruta, Paraíso Escondido, La Huerta and La Gloria Tolantongo, hotels with all the comfort of a five-star hotel, except for the TV and Wi-Fi that none have.
The hot water is typical of the hot springs and the route it takes to reach the hotels; If it is a cold day, the water may not be very hot.
Tolantongo hotels do not work with reservations, so we recommend arriving very early in the morning or on the Friday before the weekend, so that you can find available rooms.
If you don't get a room, don't worry, you can still spend the night in Tolantogo by renting a tent available at the hotels.
Where to eat in Tolantongo?
Each hotel has its restaurant, there are also inns where you can enjoy the best Mexican dishes.
Restaurants such as Grutas Tolantongo, Concina Nohemí or Las Palomas have a history in the caves and are highly recommended by tourists.
If you have to leave the park to go somewhere else, but you are going to return (for example, to go to a restaurant or leave Paraíso Escondido to go to Las Grutas or the river), do not forget to bring your entrance ticket: the the only guarantee that you have already canceled your access.
How much does it cost to go to Tolantongo?
The cost of a day or a weekend in Tolantongo can vary depending on the number of people and if you go by car or not.
The entrance to the park has a cost of 140 pesos ($ 7.30) per person per day. The ticket includes access to all the attractions of the park in its two areas, both Paraíso Escondido and Las Grutas.
With a ticket you can enjoy the caves, the tunnel, the waterfall, the suspension bridge, the pools, the pools, the hiking, the river and the zip line jump. The entry is valid for one day, so if you go two days you must pay double entry.
Transfers within the park can be done in your vehicle, for which you must also pay parking for 20 pesos ($ 1). But if you require internal transfer and you do not have a vehicle, the amounts are 10 pesos ($ 0.50) per person and do not cover the round trip.
As for hotels, the cost per night per room for 2 people starts at 650 pesos ($ 34) and goes up to 1100 pesos ($ 57.5) for rooms of 6 people.
The team of camping for the rent it varies between 100 pesos ($ 5) for 4 people up to 250 pesos ($ 13) for 10 people.
Recommendations for your visit to the Tolantongo Grottoes
1. Travel during the week
Tolantongo has become a highly sought after tourist area, which is why it is crowded with people on weekends. For a quiet enjoyment of your stay, we recommend visiting it during the week.
2. Wear the right clothes
Bathing suits in Tolantongo require bathing suits, so don't leave them; For the walk, wear sports clothes and, for your stay and going to the restaurants, don't forget your jacket, as it can get cold.
3. Wear water shoes
The entire area of the caves - be it the Steam Tunnel, the Grotto, the pools, the pools or the river - can be dangerously slippery due to the constant friction of the water with the rocks and the ground, therefore the use of water shoes.
4. Leave your accessories and jewelry
The current of water is strong in Tolantongo, so your accessories such as watches, earrings or bracelets can come loose with the water and end up lost, so it is better to leave them at home.
5. Bring cash
There are no points of sale in the entire complex made up of the “Las Grutas de Tolantongo” Tourist Center, so you cannot use your debit or credit cards: everything, absolutely everything, must be paid in cash.
6. Bring aquatic diapers
If you travel with babies, you must include special diapers for water in your luggage, since in Tolantongo they will not allow you to enter the water, if you do not have the appropriate diapers.
7. Bring waterproof cameras and gear
In Tolantongo all the water attractions involve water falling on you at some point. So, to be able to take photos underwater, it is best to carry submersible photographic equipment; otherwise, you may miss out on capturing wonderful images.
Remember to bring water lanterns, as there are dark areas between the tunnel and the cave in which, without a powerful flashlight, you will not be able to get good photographic shots.
8. Remember that there are no reservations
Once again we remind you that the hotels in the Tolantongo Grutas do not have a reservation, so it is better to arrive very early on Saturday or, better yet, visit it on weekdays, thus reducing the risk of not finding a room available.
We hope that this guide on Las Grutas de Tolantongo will help you organize your trip comfortably.
We invite you to leave your opinion on this article or your experience in Tolantongo in the comments.
