How to get to Tolantongo from Mexico City
An oasis of green rivers and thermally-heated cave pools, Tolantongo is a true off-the-beaten-path paradise. Here we can enjoy this secluded site, whilst taking in the awesome views of the giant canyons that surround it.
Whilst in Tolantongo we can also make the most of the surrounding Hidalgo region, which includes getting to know the local culture by visiting the nearby city of Ixmiquilpan.
Tolantongo from Mexico City
In this guide we’ll explore some of the most popular ways of getting to Tolantongo from Mexico City. We’ll also take a look at where to stay as well as some other tips based on our time spent here.
Tolantongo Quick Summary:
- 📍 Where is it: Central Mexico
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Moderate
- ⏱ Time needed: 1-2 days
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: March/April/October/November
Where is Tolantongo, Mexico?
Tolantongo is located within the arid wilderness of the Hidalgo region, which is found in the Central East part of Mexico.
Whilst the site has quite a bit to see and do, you’ll actually find it to be pretty remote and far from most major cities and towns. This means getting here can be somewhat challenging, so you’ll need to plan your route and logistics in advance.
As the nearby biome is similar to a desert, you’ll find daytime temperatures are hot whilst lows can drop rapidly in the evening (especially cool from November until February).
The hottest time of the year is from June until September, where highs can reach 96°F, although this also coincides with the wet season.
Is Tolantongo worth visiting from Mexico City?
Yes! We also think it makes the perfect day trip from Mexico City. The most famous part of this site are the cave pools, which are almost like natural rock hot tubs where you can relax whilst enjoying the views of the giant canyons that surround you from all sides.
You can also swim in the green rivers, and head into the caves from where the geo-thermal waters originate.
Nowadays Tolantongo is more popular with locals given that few foreign tourists are heading here, so it’s a great way to experience a more novel cultural destination.
Have you got travel insurance for Tolantongo?
How far is Tolantongo from Mexico City?
Tolantongo is located roughly 202 km north of Mexico City.
The driving time between the two is between 3-4 hours, although it will usually be less if using private transportation or taxis (which can be booked there in the capital with ease).
If using public transportation, then you’ll want to plan for around 4-5 hours. This is because there are no direct buses between the two, where you’ll need to stop in Ixmiquilpan and then take a shuttle or taxi to Tolantongo.
Where to stay in Tolantongo?
Tolantongo is a small and remote site, so most of the accommodation you’ll find will be in the city of Ixmiquilpan (which is 42 km away). There are also hotels in small towns closer to the site, and we’ll recommend the best below.
If you want to keep things cheap, then we recommend staying at the Hotel Avenida Ixmiquilpan. Here you’ll be staying in a private room close to the Parque Benito Juárez, which has good WiFi and free parking on-site.
Those who want a nicer private room (and also be close to the site) can stay at Hotel El Rancherito. Here you’ll have an on-site restaurant to enjoy, staying within the town of San Cristóbal which is just a 5km drive to Tolantongo.
Are you looking for a more luxurious stay? The Villa Del Sol is the perfect option for you, which is an independent apartment hotel where you’ll have your own kitchen and private bathroom.
This is also located within a really nice area of Ixmiquilpan, which is both safe and close to many nearby amenities.
How to get to Tolantongo from Mexico City
Although getting here doesn’t seem so straightforward, it actually is. I (George) have been here before, and have found 3 different ways of making the trip (at this time of writing).
Bus + Shuttle to Tolantongo from Mexico City
It’s more than possible to make this trip using public transportation, and given it’s remote you’d be surprised to learn that it’s pretty easy to reach.
You’ll first take a bus from the Terminal Norte in Mexico City to the city of Ixmiquilpan.
The duration is 3 hours, and there are frequent buses (every 30 minutes or so) leaving from the terminal. Ovnibus is a popular company to go with to reach Ixmiquilpan, with a one-way ticket costing roughly $12. Once in Ixmiquilpan, you can head to the small bus terminal area where shuttles head to Tolantongo.
If you get lost, you can simply say “Buses para Tolantongo” and locals will give you directions. You’ll need to wait for the shuttle to fill-up somewhat, and from here it will take around an hour of driving to reach the site.
Overall you’ll find the buses here a great way of getting around, and also when backpacking around the rest of Mexico.
Driving from Mexico City to Tolantongo
If you’re already used to driving in and around Mexico City (or are feeling brave), then you can also make the trip independently with your own wheels.
You can easily cut-down travel times to around 3.5 hours, and even potentially less if leaning early before rush hour in Mexico City (before 7:00am).
If driving independently, we would recommend visiting some sites before or after Tolantongo whilst in the Hidalgo region. This includes Tula Ruins, Pachuca as well as George’s favorite which is the Basaltic Prisms of Huasca.
Small Group Tour to Tolantongo
Another great way of getting to these caves is by going with an organized tour. This takes out all of the guesswork of planning yourself, where you can truly relax with everything already organized for you.
We highly recommend joining this tour from Mexico City. As well as having round-trip transportation from Mexico City sorted for you, you’ll also have your entrance ticket included.
As a bonus you’ll also have extra time to visit the Hidden Paradise section which has a zip-line as well as 40 additional pools.
How to get to Tolantongo from Mexico City
And that’s all for this guide on how to get to Tolantongo from Mexico City.
This day-trip is arguably one of the best you can take from the Mexican capital.
Here you can swim in naturally-hot pools, explore wild canyon scenery and even go zip-lining here too!
In this guide we’ve explored how to Tolantongo from Mexico City, as well as where to stay and what to do.
Read our Tolantongo Guide to learn more about this site and the best things to do here.
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