You’ll soak in natural hot springs near Guadalajara with local guide Vicente, try a homemade BBQ lunch under the trees, enjoy a tequila tasting at a distillery, and unwind with a massage before heading home relaxed — an easygoing day you’ll remember long after your trip.
The first thing I noticed was Vicente’s hands — always moving, whether steering the van or slicing limes for our drinks. He greeted us outside the hotel with this easy smile and a cooler already clinking with bottles. The drive out of Guadalajara was quieter than I expected; just that low hum of the city fading behind us and the sun starting to warm up the dashboard. Someone in our group asked about the hot springs, and Vicente just grinned: “Wait till you smell the steam.” He was right — it’s earthy, almost sweet, like rain on stone.
I didn’t realize how much tension I’d been carrying until I slid into those mineral pools. The water felt heavy in a good way, like it pressed out all the noise from my head. There were locals there too — an older couple who nodded at us and then went back to their quiet conversation. At one point, Vicente brought over little clay bowls for face masks (he showed us how to smear it on; I got some in my hair). The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus from somewhere nearby. It’s funny how quickly you forget your phone exists when you’re half-floating like that.
Lunch was under a patchy bit of shade — nothing fancy, just folding tables and laughter. Vicente grilled chorizo and chicken while telling stories about his grandmother’s recipes. The guacamole was chunkier than I make at home (better, honestly). We tried tequila from a small distillery on the way back; I tried to pronounce “reposado” properly but mostly made everyone laugh. There was even a quick massage after lunch — not spa-level fancy but real hands working out knots from travel. By late afternoon we were all floppy and loose-limbed, not really wanting to get dressed again.
I still think about that slow warmth in my bones as we drove back toward Guadalajara, windows cracked open to let in the evening air. It wasn’t just relaxing — it felt like someone hit pause on everything else for a day. If you need an actual break (not just another tour), this is probably it.
It’s about an hour’s drive each way from central Guadalajara to the hot springs area.
Yes, a full BBQ lunch with meat, chicken, chorizo, mushrooms, guacamole, and quesadillas is included.
You get a 30-minute massage as part of your day trip experience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can join with adult supervision.
Just bring swimwear, sandals or flip-flops, sunscreen, and maybe a towel if you prefer your own.
Your day includes hotel pickup in Guadalajara by Vicente (your driver-guide-chef), entry to mineral hot springs with clay mask session, refreshments throughout the day including three beers per person, tequila tasting at a local distillery, full BBQ lunch under the trees (meat options plus vegetarian choices), a 30-minute massage for each guest, and round-trip transport back to your hotel by evening.
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