Tolantongo Caves or ‘Grutas de Tolantongo’ is the masterpiece of a community who saw in its land great potential and worked (by themselves) towards creating one of the most beautiful water parks we’ve ever seen; a great example of man-made structures working around and with the wonders of nature.
There are mixed feelings about this place, because the way you experience it depends on the day go and whether or not it’s packed with people. Nevertheless, this incredible box canyon surrounded by volcanic mountains that provide hot springs in various forms (caves, tunnels, waterfalls, cliffside pools and a river), could easily be called an oasis.
Keep in mind that Tolantongo Caves are very popular and have become, in the past three years, the go-to destination for many. The best time to visit is Monday-Thursday, avoiding holidays and weekends.
Cave
A natural grotto or cave, covered with a beautiful waterfall, that acts like a giant hot tub. Heads up: the waterfall, against the hot water and steam, feels particularly cold, so carefully rush through it.
You’ll have to leave your belongings outside (unsupervised), so don’t carry anything valuable. Those waterproof clear bags for your cell phone and money can come in handy.
Also, it might be the busiest attraction, so head there at 8am, when most are still sleeping or having breakfast.
River
It flows many kilometers from the cave, to the end of the park and further. The local community that built the park used rocks as small barriers to slow the current and divide the river into many ‘pools’.
Probably our favorite place, because the slightly strong current makes you feel like in a jacuzzi, with the massage option on –the closer you get to the dividing rocks, the more you’ll feel it–. Plus, you can actually feel the dense minerals that give the river its turquoise tone and therapeutic properties.
Just be sure to wear water shoes, or any kind of sandals, because the rocks underneath can be sharp and very slippery.
Tunnels
On the left side of the cave, climbing up the stairs, there’s a 40m tunnel that goes into the mountain. You can’t see a thing inside, so be careful; and keep in mind that it gets hotter and steamier as you move forward –up to 38 degrees.
The second one is much smaller and crosses the mountain where the cliffside pools were built (just in front of the bridge). It feels more like a lighter sauna, with steam and water coming out of the walls.
Cliffside pools
The main attraction and the most beautiful/contrasting view. Although surrounded inside the park by large trees and waterfalls, what you watch from the pools is a semi-desert flora.
These famous ‘pozas’ you see in every picture of Tolantongo (and might have seen on our Instagram), were built with cement, but over the years have accumulated minerals from the water, giving them a more ‘natural rock’ feeling and creating interesting formations that have turn into cascades.
They can get a little bit crowded, but since there are 45 of them, you can easily manage to spot one for yourself (when skipping holidays and weekends, of course). The last ones have the best view, so keep walking!
Bridge
This hanging bridge gives you a panoramic view of the ‘pozas’ and the volcanic mountains surrounding the park. Great scenery!
It also gives you access to the tunnel next to it, and to the path that leads you to the river and riverside restaurants.
Useful information
Park fee
To access the park you have to pay $140 mxn, per day (7am-8pm), per person. Plus, $20 mxn per day for parking space (if you bring a car).
Hotel
They have four hotels (very basic, nothing luxurious). Unfortunately, they don’t make reservations, so they’ll give you whatever room they have available at that time (we know, it’s quite annoying).
If you arrive early and are able to choose, ask for a room with balcony at ‘Hotel La Gruta’. You’ll be near the cave and it has a beautiful view of the river. The price range goes from $650-$1,000 mxn per night.
Only ‘Hotel Molanguito’ (the furthest one) has hot water. All the other hotels use the warm water from the mountain, which can be fine if it’s a hot day, but weather in Hidalgo is totally unpredictable and can get very cold.
Camping
There are plenty camping sites along the park, but we think the riverside one is the best. At night (up to 11pm), you can light up a fire and enjoy the sound of the water with some roasted marshmallows.
Restaurants
They also have three restaurants (all serving typical Mexican-Hidalgo food), more than five ‘quick bite’ stalls and many bars with cocktails and beers.
Locals rave about the barbacoa (goat meat) served on weekends near the entrance to the cave– it’s one of Hidalgo’s famous dishes.
What to wear
As we said, weather in Hidalgo is unpredictable. We were there in June –expecting hot weather– and freezed every time we got out of the hot springs, while still managing to get severely burned by the sun (don’t forget your sunscreen!).
Carry something to cover yourself up, besides your towel. And if you are doing all the activities in one day, have in hand two towels (they don’t dry fast, even when laid out in direct sunlight).
Water shoes are a must. Besides protecting your feet from fungus, remember this is a natural park, so the ground from the caves, tunnels and river are rocky and very slippery. Plus, to get from one site to another, you have to walk on dirt roads. If you forgot to bring some, you can buy a pair at one of their stores.
Tips
- If you want to really relax and enjoy the park in a slow pace, stay two nights. The check-out time is at noon, which may be uncomfortable if you only stay one night.
- Traveling through Hidalgo is better done by car, and will be useful to move around from the cave to the pools (it’s a long walk from each other). If you do so, just be careful with the curves that take you to the parks reception, they are practically U turns, with zero visibility, on a dirt road.
- Everything has to be paid in cash.
- Have an early dinner, because all restaurants stop serving most dishes at 9:45pm and close at 10pm.
- People are constantly coming in and out of the park, so keep an eye on your belongings at all time. There are lockers available at the reception, if you need storage.
- Although the park attractions open from 8am to 8pm, the site can be accessed at any hour. Preferably, avoid getting in late at night, because the road can get very foggy.
- For more information, visit their website.
Map
