Grutas Tolantongo: A Hidden Paradise

For the outdoor-loving adventurers of the world, Grutas Tolantongo is a must see! It is the most mesmerizing place. Hidden in the side of a mountain and overlooking its mighty valley and river bed within it, is Grutas Tolantongo, a natural hot-springs resort and park. Grutas Tolantongo is quite far away from civilization in the mountains of Hidalgo, but it’s worth the trip out into the country side.

I first saw these gorgeous pools on Instagram. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to see them in person. Thus, my road trip through central Mexico was born. From Leon to San Miguel de Allende to Guanajuato to Xilitla, I had an amazing time, but nothing compared to the beauty that awaited me in Hidalgo at the Grutas Tolantongo.

Tolantongo features two sections- one having Las Pozitas, pools, and zip lining and the other having the waterfall and natural hot spring-caverns within the waterfall. The river flows through both areas. To get from one area to another is a hike (slightly more than 2km), which is great for those ready for outdoor exercise and fun! However, a bus is there to take you to and from each side of the resort if you’d rather not walk. But if you’re down for the hike, the trails are vibrantly green and magical.

The Pozitas, the pools built into the side of the canyon, were what brought us to Tolantongo, but the waterfall and the natural pool within it are what stole the show when we got there. As you approach the waterfall, its heavy flow of water cascades down from one of the largest mountains you have ever seen. The closer you get to the bottom of the waterfall, the more you realize that tucked away under the falls is one giant pool. You continue forward where you can wander into the natural pool. The little hide-away has water cascading from the ceiling and a few other various places from above. You can sit under it and have the water massage your shoulders or just sit back and watch others enjoy it. From there, there are caverns to swim in to see the natural formations of the cave, if you are brave enough to swim through the dark waters without any light. A great adventure, it is!

The river is naturally calm and lightly flowing with sections divided by rocks so you can enjoy your own little warm pool within the river. If you’re into hiking, it’s actually a really fun trek to walk from one side of the park to another. It’s actually quite the distance, but it’s worth if for the scenery alone. Most of your journey will have you walking by this mineral lake, though you will get some pretty green trails through the jungle-like trees, as well.

And the Pozitas, they were beautiful. They were what brought us there, after all. Water cascades from one pool down into the next from the lightly flowing and trickling water above- each pool getting cooler as it flows down to the bottom. Those pools, standing in such a serene location overlooking the canyon, you have to see to believe. They are a great place to hide away and relax. There are many sets of them, but the ones half-way down the mountain were the best to experience. They were a hike down the trail, but it was well worth it for the exclusion.

Finally- if you are there, go zip-lining. It’s very affordable and very surreal to go flying above the canyon and river. Grutas Tolantongo is an amazing place for any world traveled to experience. You just can’t be afraid to travel to the heart of Mexico, and you can’t be afraid to get lost in the beauty of the mountains!