The beautiful Grutas Tolantongo is located in Hildago, Mexico, within the municipality of Cardonal. This thermal water park is a paradise for outdoors lovers who want to spend some time reconnecting with nature and using a variety of on-site facilities.
Visitors get to unwind while enjoying soaking, swimming, hiking, and exploring all of the attractive features of the park. Purchasing a ticket is required to enter. Grutas Tolantongo has a few thermal water areas.
Clothing is required while in the park, and kids need to stay with an adult at all times. There is a changing room and bathrooms where guests can get dressed and take care of themselves coming to or going from the property. Basic security and medical services are provided.
There are a couple of ways to spend the night at the park, including an on-site hotel and campsites. Plus, there’s more than one way to get wet and enjoy taking a dip at this attraction. Members of your travel party who aren’t into swimming will have a couple of things to do.
Thermal Pools
One of the highlights of Grutas Tolantongo is its Thermal Pools, which keep a temperature of 36-38℃/96.8-100.4℉. The rock-walled pools are infinity-style, tiered, and set high along the face of a mountain, offering sweeping views as people soak.
The best time to capture those photos for social media is within the first half-hour of the park opening before all the other visitors arrive. Mornings in the pools are very peaceful, but keep in mind that weekends and holidays will likely be heavily trafficked.
Kids and adults can enjoy the pool, but everyone has to be in the appropriate swim attire. Food, drinks, pets, and soap are not allowed in the thermal water areas. Disruption and capturing of the plant or wildlife on the property is also banned.
Thermal Tunnel
The thermal tunnel is a covered passage through the park that is wet inside at certain parts. The tunnel water temperature is the same as the thermal pools, a consistent 36-38℃/96.8-100.4℉. Visitors should wear swim attire and footwear that can get wet when walking inside and never run, scream or push anyone.
Thermal River
The thermal river is a very serene place to relax and let the stress float away in the ambiance. The water temperatures are slightly cooler than the pools but still feel pretty cozy at 34-36℃/93.2-96.8℉.
Even though the depth is shallow, guests still need to be cautious when getting in and out. Pets are not allowed in the river area, and people should steer clear of them during the heavy rain season.
Thermal Cave
For a swimming experience like no other, venture into the thermal cavern at Grutas Tolantongo. This shaded grotto has water deep enough to wade in and offers a unique way to enjoy the warm waters. Temperatures range from 36-38℃/96.8-100.4℉, and the cave is large enough to have multiple people inside at once.
One of the highlights is the waterfall inside the cave, where the natural massage of the water can feel good pouring on one’s head.
Swimming Pool
The manufactured swimming pool at the park is large enough to accommodate many swimmers. It has an intriguing shape, an area for diving, a small bridge, and a waterfall. This pool is more for those that like to do a little more swimming than soaking but is surrounded by an equally stunning lush environment nonetheless.
Hiking
Explore Grutas Tolantongo on foot by trekking along the natural paths carved out for hiking. The dirt path with rustic steps allows visitors to see the jungle and wild atmosphere of the park and provides plenty of opportunities for photographs and a decent workout. Wear light, comfortable clothing, and sturdy footwear when on the trails.
Suspension Bridge
To get a different view of the natural area, walk around the suspension bridge that overlooks a canyon. Comfortable shoes are recommended for going across and bringing a camera to capture those sweeping views of mountains, cliffs, and trees.
Waterfalls
There are several waterfalls on the property to look at, photograph, and appreciate. Guests are not allowed to climb the falls or throw trash in them.
Dining
The property has an on-site restaurant that serves many authentic Mexican cuisine dishes. There are tables and chairs for sit-down dining and other spaces in the park appropriate for eating. Service includes full meals, a la carte orders, a minibar, and seafood options.
Hotel
Grutas Tolantongo has an on-property hotel with guest lodging that accommodate two to six people per room. Rooms have just the basics for a comfortable night of sleep and include a bed, shower, and toilet. There are no TVs or WiFi in the rooms. Tickets to the park are sold separately, but overnight guests can check in as early as 8 am and check out as late as noon.
Rooms are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked ahead of time. The hotel only takes cash payments, and pets are now allowed in the rooms.
Camping
The camping zone is open for tent camping, and equipment can be rented at the park. If visitors choose to rent gear from the staff at Grutas Tolantongo, the employees will set it up and install it for them.
Noise and loud music must be stopped by 11 pm, and guests are asked to respect each other’s spaces. Campers can bring their own food and drink but are required to use the trash facilities on-site.
The campground is open 24 hours a day, all year long. It gets frigid from December to March, and it’s recommended to bring extra blankets and layers. The rains can get pretty heavy from the end of July through August, so it’s wise to avoid camping near the river area. Pets are not allowed in the camping zone.
Transportation to Grutas Tolantago
There is a shuttle service schedule for visitors coming from Molanguito, Mexico City, Mexico City airport, Queretaro City, and Tepotzotlan. However, people can get there on their own in a car. The Grutas Tolantongo website has specific directions for those driving from Mexico City and Tepotzotlan.
Details
Address: San Cristóbal S/N Ejido San cristobal, 42375 Cardonal, Hgo., Mexico
Phone: +52 772 721 7905
Season: Year-round
Hours: -Thermal Pool & River are open 8 am to 9 pm. The bridge, swimming pool, tunnel, cave, and waterfall are open from 8 am to 5 pm. Hiking trails are open from 7 am to 8 pm.
Website: grutastolantongo.com.mx/en
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