Incredible Tolantongo Grottoes from CDMX
Mexico City, Mexico
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the natural caves and hot springs of the Tolantongo Caves on this small-group tour from Mexico City. You'll have plenty of time at Tolantongo Cave Park to explore at your own pace, with the option of taking a zip-line tour or simply soaking in the warm mineral waters. The park also has numerous facilities such as showers, lockers and places to grab a bite to eat.
- Go exploring with a local guide
- All tickets are included
- Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle
- Group sizes are limited to 15 participants to receive the personal attention of your guide
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All Fees and Taxes
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Fiesta Americana ReformaAv. P.º de la Reforma 80, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
IMPORTANT TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE at least 24 hours in advance to confirm your attendance. Pick up at meeting point at 05:45 am. Tolerance 10 minutes.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
1
Grutas Tolantongo
5 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Melissa_G
This was the best excursion. Being in a cave/waterfall with warm natural water was like being in heaven. Very grounding and relaxing. My family enjoyed all three parts of this excursion, especially the cave.
It is a long day of travel but was well worth it. Can't wait to experience the beauty again
Reviews
4.2
based on 177 reviews
Carlan_M, Jan 2026
The day was incredibly cold. We were accomodated in a Mercedes sprinter which was very nice. We stopped at Starbucks for bathroom break and breakfast. The drive was more like four hours no traffic. Our tour guide Howard was energetic and fun.
The baths were fine. This is where I take ownership. We lost our group and in the confusion they waited forty minutes for us. We felt incredibly bad because again it was cold. The company communicated with us and Howard came himself and got us. Thank you and I’m sorry again for the miscommunication. The rest went off without incident. It is a lot of walking hills etc so we opted out of the cave and waterfall at that time we were gassed out of breath tired and cold. The restaurant we were taken to was ok. PLEASE BRING CASH THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. No issues on our back. Thank you Howard for making the best of everything
Sneha_J, Dec 2025
This was an amazing experience. Each place and activity had the correct amount of time and was so much fun. This does not include breakfast but we made a stop at starbucks for breakfast. Definetely worth the 4 hour drive. I will say you do not need to pay the extra $25 for lunch since the restaurant has cheaper food that you can just get normally.
Melissa_G, Dec 2025
This was the best excursion. Being in a cave/waterfall with warm natural water was like being in heaven. Very grounding and relaxing. My family enjoyed all three parts of this excursion, especially the cave.
It is a long day of travel but was well worth it. Can't wait to experience the beauty again
German_Z, Nov 2025
It was just me and the tour guide and his car. It was my own private tour pretty much. Can't wait to take the whole family.
Andres_R, Jun 2025
Wonderful and otherworldly place; natural beauty at its finest! Our tour guide Nestor was professional, pleasant and very knowledgeable. A must do!
AngelDexter_A, Mar 2025
The most amazing nature experience. Crystal clear water, warm and I can even call it an exotic adventure.
Zachary_B, Jan 2025
Grutas Tolantongo is amazing, 5/5 for the location itself.
From CDMX it is a 3-4 hour drive. We expected this so that was fine in theory. The car the tour guide had was a small van that seated 7 (6 + guide). We are both 6’2 200lbs+ guys and the others on the tour left us the middle seat in the second row and the end seat. So on our way we had our knees against the seat/console in front of us, and we were shoulder to shoulder pressed against the doors. My door could not close unless I partially sat on my partner to close it. I asked to move seats so we ended up in the 3rd row. Both of our heads touched the roof, and for me in particular the woman in front of me would roll her seat all the way back and did not move when I asked for some knee room. It was cramped. There are also a lot of speed bumps on the way to Grutas so with each we got to choose between hunching or hitting our heads on the roof. If you are tall, I would recommend finding a tour with a larger vehicle than this tour because of the length of the drive and risk of group mates not being team players.
I believe a large part of a tour like this is the other people with you. I think that is what lacked the most for us. We had a family of 3, an ‘influencer’, and ourselves. Not a very social group tour. People kept to themselves which was fine but a little awkward at times.
The park was amazing, the first stop was the pools, and we spent the longest time there. The pools seemed warmer up higher, so if they are too cool or too warm go up or down the hill a bit. Our second stop was the river, pretty but honestly a little more boring compared to the other two. A good relaxation stop with nice sun. The third stop was my favorite, the waterfall and caves are amazing! If you get claustrophobic I would caution the upper cave can be tight but it is rather short. The lower cave area was very nice and a good hang out spot. I would’ve loved to spend more time in that location as it seems to have it all, pools, river, and the falls with caves. As we left he also took us to a nice photo spot, and a cool church the owners of the park are building.
Our tour guide was nice, he took us to a traditional barbacoa spot on the way, and had us stop to make sure we had water shoes (a must). I would give him a 3/5 mostly because on our way back we hit some traffic, and he tried to avoid it by taking side streets without navigation and lead us down a few dead end streets. He did the whole trip without nav. I was checking the eta, and my phone sometimes recommended different routes than he took but there may be reasons to avoid those routes I don’t know about. He was mostly social with the Spanish speakers, but did of course talk to us and tell us fun facts.
He also informed us that the tour we booked was actually from a different company than his tour and they had him do the tour for them.
TLDR: Make sure you can be comfortable in the vehicle if you are tall/large, and have a friend or two in case you end up with people who are not super pleasant.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hello, good day, we greatly appreciate your opinion and suggestions, we are working and checking details to be able to offer you a good experience during this tour.
Erika_J, Jul 2024
Our guide, Howard, was great. He was very friendly and entertaining. Tolantongo was nice and not too crowded on a Monday. The current in the cave was very strong due to the recent rains. The water in the pools is chlorinated. I preferred the river.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
We greatly appreciate your comment, we are glad that you liked the tour and that you enjoyed the beautiful caves.
Anish_M, Jul 2024
Tour was very nice. Prompt response on WhatsApp and phine
Driver cum guide Fernando was a nice man. Explained well and accoumpied for all points.
Vehicle and driving was comfortable
Response from Host, Sep 2024
We greatly appreciate your comment, we love that you enjoyed this tour a lot, we love receiving your good comments about our service.
Lorenzo_A, Jul 2024
Now, the reviews about Howard are completely INCORRECT. Howard was a great guide, his english was on point, his knowledge was A1 and he was incredibly sweet. We went to the cutest little shops on the way there. Our driver Azul was completely safe and totally a good time. Azul dj skills are A1 we loved that! Anything we needed they were kindly at our service. Howard became our guest personal photographers and he did it with a smile! They were super sweet overall and I would totally come back again just for them!
I will say get ready for a long journey, it takes a good 4 hours there and due to traffic the journey back took a little longer. Overall the springs were so fun, I would totally recommend the swim shoes and phone covers, it made it better experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
We greatly appreciate your comment, it makes us very happy that the tour met your expectations, we also appreciate your recommendations about the tour, thank you very much.
VivianNicole_B, Jun 2024
I don't expect the small car for 6 people. Other than that the driver was nice and very informative. Tolantongo is a most do.
Marie_M, May 2024
Highly recommended! Our tour guide went above and beyond. He was also very attentive to everyone's needs. Thank you so much!
Judit_S, May 2024
José was our tour- driver man. He was amazing, he explained to us so many things and it was so easy to spend the entire day with him.
Highly recommended to get this excursion, you don't have to drive and you have everything in the schedule to make everything happen in one day.
Communications through what’s app were very easy.
And the place is SPECTACULAR!!!
Jennifer_H, May 2024
Overall enjoyed the tour! It was great to see the pools, cave, and river. The drive was brutal (about 4 hours one way). Initially the pick up time was supposed to be 7am, but the time was changed to 5:45 am. We were on time, but had to wait a bit before the bus started driving. It was nice the bus had shades over the windows so we could sleep, but it wasn’t super comfy, and the ride was quite bumpy. The first stop was a breakfast buffet (not included). Then we enjoyed time in the pools. They took us to lunch (not included), and then we went to the caves. The caves were the coolest part. It was dark, and we didn’t get lights or helmets so I had bumped my head against the cavern walls, so this part is kind of dangerous. Lastly, we got time to spend in the river. We got back late around 10:30pm since there was a lot of traffic. For this tour they gave us towels, water, and a phone case so that was nice
Karen_W, Apr 2024
Howard and our driver were both really amazing. I went along as one person, but Howard always made sure I was having a great time, and he went aboce and beyond to make the whole group of people comfortable, and have what they wanted.
The caves are amazing!!! This is probably a unique place where you cant ever epxerience this in any other part of the world. The hot waterfall, underground hot pools, the hot river and the pools in the park themselves were all really amazing. The views of the mountains and hidden ice-blue river and water was just breathtaking.
There are a gret choice of lunches and breakfast stop was well worth the 179 pesos.
Overall a quality tour. These guys work HARD, and on little sleep to run them day oafter day and are really committed to you having a good time.
Lorena_R, Mar 2024
The place is great, but Saturday was crowded, we couldn’t enjoy it as we would liked. It was a long trip, and made it tedious the traffic on our way back. Booking wasn’t as good as other trips with Viator. There are certain things that need clarification when booking. For instance, you can say something like, “ highly recommend to wear or bring water shoes” or knowing that I can include breakfast instead of lunch or both. I found it confusing
Samari_Q, Mar 2024
I booked this trip aware of some of the reviews. It was relatively cheaper than the other tours listed here and on Airbnb so I went through with it. So… the guide named Howard is mentioned a lot in the reviews. We did end up getting Howard and some of the things said about him we did experience. I made a good choice not buying the ticket with lunch because nothing was prepared for those who got the tickets. Howard gave a group of 5, 1,000 pesos towards the meal (equal to $12 p/p when the ticket is $20 p/p). I didn’t even pay $20 for a meal for 2 in person. The trip felt rushed and unorganized. He arrived late due to “transportation issues.” Stopped at some family restaurant for breakfast which was good, but took forever to prepare- we could’ve used the time towards free time we were never offered. Gave no time for pictures, said we can get pictures later (never did). Walked way too fast for me (I was carrying an infant). Didn’t allow any bags to be taken despite there being lockers because he wants us to be in and out. Gave bare minimum facts about the place. Didn’t allow us to go fully into one of the caves because of “there’s too many people & there’s seismic activity at any time.” Book this tour if you just want to be able to get there & that’s it. Bring: water shoes & phone case. Come in ur bathing suit to save time. Overall the place is beautiful and very memorable. My child & I enjoyed ourselves.
Juan_D, Feb 2024
We give the driver (Jimena) 5 stars. She drive to place very safe and courteous. We were laughing and talking. She was very punctual when she picked us up from our Hotel. She was professional on how she was our tour guide and driver. We would recommend her to any friends or family that would want to visit Mexico City. Tolongo was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!
PETER_P, Feb 2024
Great experience. We were three Canadian Travellers and booked a private tour. Juan was our driver. Was very long day travelling from Mexico City, but worth the time. Amazing countryside drive. The pools were great and the river was really cool, but the Gruta caves were absolutely amazing. Once in a lifetime experience. Super warm water. Amazing all the way around.
Elizabeth_G, Nov 2023
We had an incredible experience!
Our tour guide Juan was amazing and went above and beyond to make our time memorable. We highly recommend this tour.
Marissa_T, Nov 2023
Oh the views were great, the water had the perfect temperature and the caves were so amazing. I could have stayed there all day. And our tour guide was patient and considerate!
The one thing I would suggest is for the tour company to get new vehicle or fix the shock absorber on those vans esp on that long journey to Tolantongo.
zoe_r, Oct 2023
We did not make it to the destination. The tour guides driving was incredibly scary - he was speeding nearly the entire time, and at some times going 200kmph (124mph in a 2000s Nissan Sentra with what felt like bald tires and poor suspension). He seemed to struggle to stay awake, and he was constantly swerving the car. We almost ran off the road and into other cars constantly.
When we spoke to the woman in the office, over the phone, we told her we wanted to return to CDMX but we did not want to say it was the driving that scared us - due to fear that he would become angry and drive worse and we were already very scared.
He made several wrong turns, which added additional hours to the drive. We only made it about 1.5 hrs outside of CDMX (we had him drop us off in Pachuca as we could not stay in the car any longer). I am still not sure how we managed to only make it 2hrs away from CDMX, when we had been driving from 7:15am - about 11am. We should have been at Tolantongo by this time - which makes me think he was taking many wrong turns due to the speeding and looking very tired. We also did not spend much time in traffic, so this delay cannot be attributed to that.
This was very scary and stressful, and we had to make the difficult decision to be dropped off in an unknown city without a way back to CDMX, as we were in fear of dying in this car.
This entire situation was not okay or safe, and no one should ever have to go through this. This company should not be allowed to operate on Viator. Do not book this trip. Save yourself an entire day and your life and just book a rental car. This company and viator have also denied us a refund.
This affected our entire trip. We had to find a taxi and pay $2000 peso to get back to CDMX from Pachuca. This wasted nearly an entire day, as we spent it driving. We had to rent a car and pay a deposit of $1300 USD and $200 for the rental car so we could drive ourselves the next day to Tolantongo. We did not budget to spend this additional time and money, as we had paid for this tour.
Do not book this! The other reviews may seem fine but it was so far from okay I can hardly comprehend it still.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Zoe, we are depply sorry about your experience with the tour. Fernando, your tour guide has more than 5 years working with us and never has happened something like this before. Unless I tried to help on your experience you never told me you needed help, when you were asked for a picture from fernando you and compagnions looked very happy. Anyway, you have received a refund from our side in order to solve your problem. Welcome back in Mexico anytime :)
Taryn_W, Sep 2023
Totanlongo was incredible but what made it the most incredible experience was Fernando. Fernando picked us up at Fiesta Reforma and was just a perfect Angel. He drove us out of town and was always checking in with us. He knew the area and knew the best places to take us.
Arash_G, Aug 2023
It was a perfect trip, outstading nature and a nice and helpfull tour guide, thank u. I enjoyed a lot and definitely come back again.
Alma_L, Aug 2023
Very good views. The water is perfect and the guides were very kind and patient. I highly recommend this well worth the drive but staying for more than one day might give more time to enjoy.
Haley_T, Jul 2023
Went on this tour with a friend in early July & had a lovely time. Pickup was easy although we were expecting a van and ended up being in a sedan. Unexpected but ended up being very nice as our group was small and agile.
If you have them, bring water shoes or any rubber, secure sandal (like tevas or chacos vibe). Also bring a waterproof phone bag if you have it. We stopped about halfway through the drive at a roadside shop and had option to buy it. Also stopped at an OXXO for option to buy breakfast.
Once there, there’s places to change although we recommend wearing your swimsuit. We went through the tunnels/caves first then to the river. We broke for lunch around 1/1:30 and then did the shirt drive to the pools. Another place to change for the ride back then hit the road at 4ish. Also stopped halfway back for option to buy food/use bathroom. Got back at 8:30ish pm.
Very enjoyable day & amazing place to explore!
Other tips: bring snacks for car ride, toilet paper, sunscreen, TOWEL, water!
Nancy_W, May 2023
This incredible trip is full of fun, adventure and pure natural wonder. Everything about this trip was great. You will be amazed at the mountain views, the warm pools and springs, and the natural surroundings. Our guide; Fernando, was fantastic. He helped with every part of the trip. I highly recommend doing this excursion with this company. Muchas Gracias!
Kersti_K, May 2023
SUMMARY: the whole trip was unorganised, the time management non existent and everyone was constantly confused. Long and expensive trip with very little time at the water. Do not recommend.
HOWARD: Our tour guide HOWARD was terrible. He didn’t explain our plan and he did not speak enough English. He also did not give any information on the location etc that you would normally expect from a tour guide.There are numerous bad reviews on him, we don’t understand why he is still hired.
BREKKIE: we were given food much later than promised and had to pay on spot.
TOURIST TRAP: after eating we wasted time in a poor road side hut where we were coerced into buying water shoes (which you don’t really need).
POOR TIME MANAGEMENT: The whole trip lasted for about 15 hours out of which we spent only 1 hour in the river and 1 hour in the pool! The rest of the time we were either driving on the bus or waiting on something for most of the day. Due to poor time management we got back to the city several hours later than planned.
AMENITIES: the description promised showers, lockers and changing rooms. The shower was broken and run down and we weren’t given time to use it. The lockers did exist but Howard didn’t allow us to bring anything with us claiming that there is no lockers. There were no changing rooms - we were made to change clothes together in the bus.
BADLY PLANNED: we were told to get in our swimwear and walk to the caves. We were not told that we will have to walk like that for around 20 min. to get to the cave. We weren’t able to cover up from the sun and from the road workers that were staring. That was completely unnecessary because other people were walking around the roads fully clothed. We weren’t allowed to take anything with us (no water, no sunscreen etc) because the guide told us that there aren’t any places to leave our items. That was untrue since there were actually lockers on the way. I got a sunburn from this because I couldn’t reapply sunscreen in time.
CAVE: The cave was disappointing - it was tiny and fully packed with people. The description said that you are allowed to freely check the caves out - this is untrue. They make you stay close to your travel group which was obnoxious since our group had two couples and the rest were screaming teenagers. You not allowed to leave the cave and spend your time in the pool or in the river instead.
FREE TIME: no free time was allowed until we insisted that the description says that we get free time. Complaining eventually gave us 1 hour in the river and 1 hour in the pool. The rest of the 15 hour day was spent driving and waiting around!
LUNCH/ DINNER: we paid 25€ for dinner. When we got there, nothing was prepared and we had to ask about the food. Then Howard ‘suddenly’ remembered that he had some people that ordered food. Since nothing was ready, he gave approximately 15€ back to buy ourselves food. Total rip-off.
BUS: Our bus took a weird detour back, going through small dark villages and side roads late at night. No explanation was given to us but the bus driver made comments to the tour guide (in Spanish) about ‘being safe once we get to the main road’. Additionally the bus broke on the way back and we had a maintenance stop which again was done without explanations.
Yolande_W, Apr 2023
The Caves and the Thermal pools. Our young tour guide, Howard, was very professional. He understood what needed to be done and communicated clearly.
AnnaBelle_L, Apr 2023
If I could give this 10 stars I would!
This was absolutely stunning! Def the highlight of my trip to Mexico City.
Our guide Israel was amazing, and very accommodating!
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