Turquoise thermal rivers through limestone caves. One of the most visually extraordinary springs anywhere.
Grutas de Tolantongo offers something genuinely unlike anywhere else: thermal water flowing through a natural limestone canyon, filling a series of pools along a turquoise river, feeding into caves where warm water drips from stalactites, and channeled into long concrete canal pools built into the cliff face. The water temperature, the mineral turquoise color, the cave system, and the dramatic canyon walls create a visual experience that feels surreal. Located in Hidalgo state, it's a day trip from Mexico City and priced accessibly.
- 900 m
- Locker rental service
Pools & saunas
Waters & pools
- Thermal pools
- 6 pools
- 36°C
- Open-air
Gallery
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Worth knowing
-
Thermal water flowing through a natural limestone cave system
-
Mineral turquoise color from dissolved calcium and bicarbonate
-
Canal pools built directly into the canyon cliff face
An insider's tip
Go midweek in January or February. Summer weekends bring massive crowds. The thermal cave (cueva) is the highlight — a warm underground chamber with pools.
Don't leave without
Explore all the way into the main thermal cave with its stalactites and thermal pools. Most visitors stay at the main canyon pools; the cave is less crowded and stranger.
In brief
- Location
- Hidalgo, Mexico
- Type
- Developed Resort
- Temperature
- 42°C avg
- Access
- Drive-up
- Elevation
- 900 m
- Entry
- Paid / ticketed
- Soakable
- Yes
In the water
Best season
November – March (drier, cooler air; more dramatic steam)
On the map
20.6667°N · 99.0336°W
