Puertecitos Hot Springs – Baja, Mexico

Puertecitos is a small residential community primarily comprised of vacation homes in Baja, Mexico, and the biggest draw to the area is the Aguas Termales, known locally as Puertecitos Hot Springs. These thermal waters attract locals and visitors from afar, offering enchanting views of the Gulf of California and welcoming temperatures, depending on the season.

Here natural water rich in minerals including sulfur rises up through the rocks forming various thermal pools. They vary in temperatures based mostly on the tide, and how much cooler ocean water from the Sea of Cortez mixes in.

It’s said that the Puertecitos Hot Springs was initially discovered in the 1950s by the current landowner’s father. The small-scale rocky pools were found and deepened using dynamite. Today, the pools are a comfortable size with awe-inspiring views in every direction.

Aguas Termales in Baja California

Puertecitos Hot Springs Pool in Baja Mexico — Puertecitos Hot Springs, Baja California, Mexico. Photo by: Ted Donovan

The Puertecitos Hot Springs is a series of decent-sized, rocky pools cradled along the Gulf of California. The pools are filled with extremely hot water but are cooled to inviting temperatures thanks to the Sea of Cortez’s influx of cool salty waters during high tide.

That said, visitors should be cautious when visiting the Puertecitos Hot Springs. Tourists should refrain from soaking during low tide, as there is not enough cool water flow to reduce the steamy temperatures of the pools. The best time to visit the Puertecitos Hot Springs is mid-tide when there is a perfect combination of hot and cold water. Check a tide calendar before traveling.

Rocks before the beach in Puertecitos Baja Mexico — Rocks before the beach in Puertecitos. Photo by: Kevin Hutchinson

Travelers should also consider the season. It can get quite hot and humid during the summer months, making the Puertecitos Hot Spring pools unbearable. Winter tends to offer the most ideal temps for soaking.

If you time it right, you can enjoy the rejuvenating waters of the Puertecitos Hot Springs and the jaw-dropping views they offer. Sitting along the Gulf of California, soakers can enjoy the gorgeous rocky coastline and catch a glimpse of certain wildlife, such as pelicans flying above and dolphins prancing in the ocean – all while enjoying the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline.

Nearby Camping and Lodging

Two people lying down sun tanning in Puertecitos Mexico — A couple of folks sun tanning in Puertecitos. Photo by: Kevin Hutchinson

There are two options for staying overnight near the Puertecitos Hot Springs: camping and hotels.

If you want to spend your vacation outdoors, you’ll appreciate that the Puertecitos Campground is a short, 10-minute walk north of the hot spring pools. The charming campsites come complete with a grill, shade, electrical outlets, and a picnic table. The grounds are equipped with flushing toilets and buckets for private showering. However, there are zero hookups and WiFi.

Those who prefer something more modern and luxurious will need to travel an hour out of Puertecitos to the nearby beach town of San Felipe. Here, you’ll be met with many hotel accommodations, including The Las Palmas Hotel and Hotel San Felipe de Jesus.

Getting There

Writing on the road that says Oh Shit Dip warning of a dip in the road ahead in Puertecitos — Dip in the road ahead, Puertecitos. Photo by: king damus

The Puertecitos Hot Springs is located approximately 52 miles from San Felipe. To get there, follow these directions:

Start on Mexico’s paved Highway 5 South
Turn left into Puertecitos, Baja California (gated residential community)
Follow the signs for the hot springs
Park at the arch
Walk down the cement path until you reach the rocky hot spring pools

Note that you may need to investigate to find the pools, as the area simply looks like a rocky coastline. The pools are tucked into the rocks but are easy to find upon further examination.