Tolantongo Day Trip: Hot Springs Pools, Caves & River Relaxation

Summary

Thermal pools, cave swims and riverside lunch in Tolantongo

You’ll start before dawn in Mexico City and spend a full day unwinding in Tolantongo’s hot springs pools, exploring waterfalls inside caves with your guide, and relaxing by a turquoise river over lunch. All essentials are included—just show up ready for adventure and leave with that “still-warm” feeling long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We met up at the Angel de la Independencia before sunrise — honestly, I was half awake and clutching coffee. Our guide, Luis, handed out these little backpacks with water bottles and towels (and even a phone protector, which I ended up needing). The drive out of Mexico City was quiet, just headlights and the city slowly fading behind us. By the time we hit Actopan for breakfast, I’d started to wake up — the smell of fresh tortillas does that. There were veggie options too; I tried chilaquiles verdes and made a mess of my shirt. Luis just grinned and passed me extra napkins.

The road after Actopan winds through these dry hills — cacti everywhere, sunlight starting to warm things up. We stopped in San Cristobal for snacks (I grabbed some weirdly spicy chips) before finally reaching Tolantongo. Walking down to the hot springs pools felt surreal — steam rising off turquoise water, cliffs all around. I dipped my feet first because I’m a coward about temperature changes, but wow… it’s like slipping into a warm bath outside. Some people zipped down on the zipline but I just watched — maybe next time.

After soaking in the pools (and taking way too many photos), Luis led us to the caves. That part surprised me most: you step inside and there’s this roar of waterfalls echoing off stone walls, warm water pouring over your head. It’s dark but he handed out headlamps so we could see where we were going — still almost lost my footing once or twice but nobody cared. The air inside smelled kind of mineral-rich? Hard to explain but it sticks with you.

Lunch was by the river — plastic chairs set up right at the edge so you could dip your toes while eating. I ordered tacos with nopales because they looked good on someone else’s plate (no regrets). The river itself is this wild blue-green color from the minerals; it’s warm too, not freezing like mountain rivers back home. We hung around until late afternoon when everyone started drifting back toward the van — sun-tired and smelling faintly of sulfur and sunscreen. Honestly still think about how peaceful that last hour by the water felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to Tolantongo

• Meet at Angel de Independencia
• Depart early to avoid city chaos
• Stop for breakfast in Actopan
• Drive to San Cristobal, Hgo
• Stop for supplies if needed
• Relax in warm thermal pools
• Optional zip-lining to river
• Explore caves and waterfalls
• Relax by the turquoise river
• Have lunch by the river (not included)
• Depart Tolantongo in afternoon
• Stop twice for restroom breaks
• Return to Mexico City

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Mexico City to Tolantongo?

The tour lasts a full day, departing early morning from Mexico City and returning between 7:30pm–9:30pm depending on traffic.

Is breakfast included on this Tolantongo tour?

Yes, a Mexican breakfast buffet with vegetarian options is included during the stop in Actopan.

Are there vegan options available for meals?

There are limited vegan options for breakfast; lunch options may vary at Tolantongo.

What do I need to bring for the Tolantongo hot springs tour?

The tour provides essentials like a backpack with water bottle, towel, sunscreen, headlamp, wet wipes, soap and shampoo—just bring swimwear and personal items.

Is transportation private or shared?

The day trip uses private transportation with comfortable seating—not crowded vans or buses.

Are entry fees or lunch included in the price?

Breakfast is included; lunch is not unless you choose the “lunch covered” option for an extra fee at booking.

Can I try ziplining at Tolantongo during this trip?

Ziplining is available but not included in the tour price—it costs 300 Mexican pesos extra if you want to try it.

Do local guides speak English fluently?

Yes—guides are fluent in English; most have lived in North America as well as Mexico.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup at Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City, private air-conditioned transportation all day with blankets for comfort, a Mexican breakfast buffet with vegetarian choices in Actopan, plus small backpacks stocked with water bottles, towels (both sport and dry), sunscreen, soap and shampoo. You’ll get headlamps for cave exploring and cell phone protectors for water activities. Lunch by the river comes with tables and chairs provided (lunch itself is extra unless pre-paid), plus snacks on your way home so you don’t go hungry after swimming all afternoon.