Tolantongo Caves
A day trip from Mexico City
If you need a break of the lively Mexico City and want an experience in nature that offers some relaxation, Tolantongo is the place to go to. It is a 4-hour-drive from the city, but absolutely worth the journey. You will see small villages of the state of Hidalgo, can try the typical barbacoa (slow cooked lamb) and soak in the views of the mountains as you drive down into the valley where the caves are located.
Visiting the caves and the river
There are two main caves that you can visit. One is relatively wide and you can walk and then swim inside the cave. There is a waterfall inside the cave. The other one is a tunnel that you walk into until you reach the end. For both caves, you walk under a waterfall to enter. It is important to know that you need to leave all your belongings in a locker (or your car) before going into the caves. Nothing is allowed apart from a phone or small camera. It is also a better experience with water shoes as the rocks can be slippery and you could hurt your feet. Those shoes can be bought on site and also – that’s the cheaper version – along the way to Tolantongo. You will see signs for “Zapatos Aquaticos” everywhere along the road. Those vendors also sell waterproof pouches for phones.
From the caves, it is a short walk to the river where you can bathe in the warm water or have lunch. There are a few restaurants and shops.
Relaxing in the hot spring pools
From the river, it is a 10-minute drive to the hot pools. Shuttle services are available on site.
The hot pools are filled with water from the hot spring, and you notice that the water is much warmer in the upper pools than in the ones at the bottom. You can slide into some of those pools, walk along stairs of waterfalls, cross the hanging bridge or simply enjoy the valley views from the warmth of the pools. There are restaurants and shops too. Most of them only accept cash payments.
How to get to Tolantongo Caves
The place is quite far from Mexico City. The drive takes around four hours. There is a shuttle bus from the town of Ixmiquilpan and you could get there by public transport, however, that likely would require an overnight stay. Charlie booked a guided tour that left from the city at 5.30 in the morning and they were back at 7 p.m. That was the best option as it also included the transfer from the bathing spot by the river to the hot spring pools.
If you rent a car or make the journey by public transport, you could also stay there overnight. There are hotels and campsites.
