Are There Hot SpringsAre there hot springs in Mexico?
Yes. Mexico's central highlands are full of thermal water parks called balnearios, and the best known is Grutas de Tolantongo in Hidalgo, where a warm turquoise river runs through a canyon.
Hidalgo has the biggest cluster, with Tolantongo, El Geiser and Dios Padre a few hours north of Mexico City. Near San Miguel de Allende, hot springs spas such as La Gruta line the road to Dolores Hidalgo, and Puebla and Michoacán have thermal resorts in the pine-forested mountains.
For something wilder, Baja California has hot pools on the beach at Puertecitos and private hot tubs in the desert at Guadalupe Canyon.
Hot springs in Mexico map
Where each of the 11 hot springs in Mexico is. Pin shapes show the type; open the larger map for more detail.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Best hot springs in Mexico
The hot springs most visitors plan a trip around, from canyon parks to cave spas.
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Thermal park
Grutas de Tolantongo
Cardonal, HidalgoA warm turquoise river, terraced pools on the cliff and a steaming cave, about three hours from Mexico City. Everything inside is cash only.
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Spa
La Gruta Spa
San Miguel de Allende, GuanajuatoOutdoor hot pools and a cave pool you reach through a stone tunnel, a short drive from town.
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Resort
Aguas Termales de Chignahuapan
Chignahuapan, PueblaA hotel and thermal resort in the Puebla highlands that has been open since 1944.
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Thermal park
El Geiser
Tecozautla, HidalgoA thermal park on a steaming geyser field, with pools at different temperatures and cabins.
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Thermal park
Parque Acuático Ixtapan
Ixtapan de la Sal, State of MexicoA big thermal water park and baths, an easy trip from Toluca and Mexico City.
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Resort
Laguna Larga Hot Springs
Los Azufres, MichoacánSulphur pools beside a lake in the pine forest, with cabins and camping.
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Natural
Puertecitos Hot Springs
Puertecitos, Baja CaliforniaHot pools in the rocks on the Sea of Cortez, where the water temperature changes with the tide.
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Campground
Guadalupe Canyon Oasis Hot Springs
Near Mexicali, Baja CaliforniaCampsites in a desert canyon, each with its own hot spring tub.
Famous hot springs in Mexico
All 11 hot springs we list in Mexico, A to Z, from canyon parks in Hidalgo to beach pools in Baja.
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Resort
Aguas Termales de Chignahuapan, Mexico
Hotel and thermal resort in the Puebla highlands, open since 1944, with many thermal pools.
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Thermal park
El Geiser, Mexico
Thermal park on a steaming geyser field, with pools at different temperatures, a steam bath and cabins.
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Thermal park
Grutas de Tolantongo, Mexico
Canyon park with a warm turquoise river, cliffside pools, a steaming cave and camping. Cash only.
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Natural
Grutas de Xajha, Mexico
Hot river and caves in a remote canyon near Zimapán, reached by boat and a guided hike.
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Campground
Guadalupe Canyon Oasis Hot Springs, Mexico
Desert canyon campground where every campsite has its own hot spring tub; book ahead.
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Spa
La Gruta Spa, Mexico
Hot springs spa near San Miguel de Allende, where a stone tunnel leads into a domed cave pool.
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Resort
Laguna Larga Hot Springs, Mexico
Sulphur pools in the pine forest of Los Azufres beside a lake, with cabins and camping.
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Thermal park
Parque Acuático Dios Padre, Mexico
Water park in Ixmiquilpan with thermal pools, a wave pool, slides, a hotel and camping.
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Thermal park
Parque Acuático Ixtapan, Mexico
Long-running water park and thermal baths in Ixtapan de la Sal, south of Toluca.
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Natural
Puertecitos Hot Springs, Mexico
Rock pools on the Sea of Cortez shore that mix with the tide; best around mid-tide.
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Thermal park
Termas Comanjilla, Mexico
Thermal water park near León with spring-fed pools, slides, a wave pool and private tubs.
How to visit hot springs in Mexico
Seasons
All year. The dry season, from about November to April, is the most comfortable. Balnearios fill up at weekends, on long weekends and in Easter week, so go on a weekday if you can.
Entry fees
Balnearios charge a daily entry fee per person, with extra for parking, camping or rooms. Bring enough pesos in cash: at Grutas de Tolantongo everything is cash only, and the nearest ATMs are in Ixmiquilpan.
Access and travel
For Tolantongo without a car, take a bus from Mexico City's Terminal Norte to Ixmiquilpan, then a shared van to the park. The last stretch is a winding mountain road, best driven in daylight. In Baja, Puertecitos is south of San Felipe, and Guadalupe Canyon is reached on a long dirt road.
Before you soak in Mexico
Balnearios are family places with house rules; wild pools need a little care.
- Protect yourself from the sunHighland sun is strong; bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring water shoesRiver beds and rock pools, like those at Tolantongo, are slippery and rough.
- Take your trash with youLeave wild pools and campsites as you found them.
- Follow park rules on food and drinkMany parks limit what you can bring in, especially glass and alcohol.
- Check the tide at beach poolsAt Puertecitos the pools can be scalding at low tide and swamped at high tide.
- Wear a swimsuitBalnearios expect swimwear; clothing-optional soaking happens only at a few wild pools in Baja.
Mexico hot springs: questions and answers
Are there hot springs near Mexico City?
Yes. Grutas de Tolantongo is about three hours north in Hidalgo, and Ixtapan de la Sal, El Geiser and Dios Padre are also within a few hours' drive.
Are there hot springs in San Miguel de Allende?
Yes. Several hot springs spas, including La Gruta, are just outside town on the road to Dolores Hidalgo.
Is Grutas de Tolantongo cash only?
Yes. Entry, parking, hotels and food are all paid in cash, so take out pesos before you go; the nearest ATMs are in Ixmiquilpan.
How do you get to Tolantongo by bus?
Take a bus from Mexico City's Terminal Norte to Ixmiquilpan, then a shared van from Ixmiquilpan to the park.
Are there natural hot springs in Baja California?
Yes. Puertecitos has hot pools in the rocks on the Sea of Cortez, and Guadalupe Canyon has hot springs campsites in the desert.
What should I bring to a balneario?
A swimsuit, towel, water shoes, sunscreen and cash. Some parks rent lockers and sell food.
Pictures of hot springs in Mexico
Photos of Grutas de Tolantongo and Puertecitos Hot Springs, all hot springs in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.
Where our information comes from
Reviewed on against the sources below.
- Mexico Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) (government ministry)
Hot springs elsewhere in North America
Every other country in North America with a hot springs guide.