To visit Grutas de Tolantongo you need to bring a swimsuit, non-slip water shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, enough cash (credit cards are not accepted), a flashlight, a change of clothes, and drinking water. This list covers everything essential for a day visit or an overnight stay.
What Clothing and Footwear Do You Need for Tolantongo?
The right clothing makes all the difference between enjoying your trip and having a miserable time at Tolantongo. The climate inside the canyon varies: the water is between 35°C and 38°C (95°F-100°F), but the outside air can be cold, especially at night.
Swimsuit (bring a spare)
Your swimsuit is the most important item. Bring at least one spare because the first one will get soaked with mineral water that takes a long time to dry. For the grottoes, a one-piece suit or fitted swim trunks are ideal because there are water currents.
Non-slip water shoes
Mandatory. The surfaces inside the grottoes, the terraced pools, and the riverbanks are made of natural wet stone that is extremely slippery. Water shoes with rubber soles are the best option. Teva-style sandals with a back strap also work. Do not wear flip-flops — they slide off and you can fall.
Full change of clothes
Bring a complete set of dry clothes for the trip home. The wind inside the canyon can be cold, and wet clothing combined with wind causes rapid chilling. Include:
- Dry t-shirt
- Comfortable pants or sweatpants
- Hoodie or jacket (especially if staying overnight)
- Change of underwear
- Dry socks
Jacket or hoodie
Although the water is hot, the drive back on the mountain road can be cold, especially if you travel at night. In winter (November to February), nighttime temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) on the road.
What Essential Items Do You Need?
Beyond clothing, there are items that will make your visit much more comfortable and safe.
Enough cash (no ATMs available)
Cash only is accepted throughout the entire park. There are no ATMs inside Tolantongo. The nearest bank is in Ixmiquilpan, approximately 40 minutes away by car. Plan your budget:
| Item | Approximate Cost 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adult admission | $220 MXN |
| Parking | $60 MXN |
| Food per person | $100-200 MXN |
| Cabin (per night) | $1,200-2,500 MXN |
| Camping (per person) | $150 MXN |
Biodegradable sunscreen
It must be biodegradable. The chemicals in conventional sunscreen damage the unique thermal ecosystem of Tolantongo. At the entrance, they may ask you not to bring in non-biodegradable sunscreen. Biodegradable brands are available at pharmacies and convenience stores.
Small flashlight
For exploring the deeper parts of the main grotto tunnel. Although there is partial lighting, the areas deeper inside are dark, and a flashlight lets you see the rock formations. Your phone flashlight works, but a handheld flashlight is more practical.
Drinking water and snacks
Stay hydrated. The heat from the thermal water and physical activity cause rapid dehydration. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person. Water and food are sold inside the park but at higher prices than in the city.
What Should You Prepare Before Leaving?
There are things you must do before leaving your city because inside the canyon you will not have the opportunity.
Download offline maps
Inside the Tolantongo canyon, there is no cell phone signal from any carrier. Download the complete route on Google Maps (or Waze) in offline mode before losing signal. The signal drops approximately 20 minutes before reaching the park.
Fill your gas tank
The last gas station is in Ixmiquilpan. From there to Tolantongo is a 40-minute mountain road with no gas stations. Make sure you have a full tank or at least half a tank for the round trip.
Save the emergency phone number
Write down the park’s phone number before leaving: +52 55 6465 0507. Without signal you will not be able to look it up. Also write down the address of the nearest hospital in Ixmiquilpan in case of a medical emergency.
Basic first-aid kit
Bring a kit with the essentials: aspirin, adhesive bandages, personal medications, insect repellent, and an anti-diarrheal. The nearest medical facility is in Ixmiquilpan.
What Should You NOT Bring to Tolantongo?
Equally important as what you bring is what you should not bring:
- Non-biodegradable sunscreen — it is prohibited and harms the ecosystem
- Valuables — there are no safes (use the storage area with caution)
- Glass — prohibited in all swimming areas
- Speakers or loud music — respect the natural environment and other visitors
- Pets — animals are not allowed in the park
Final Checklist Before Going to Tolantongo
Use this list to make sure you do not forget anything:
- Swimsuit (+ spare)
- Non-slip water shoes
- Full change of clothes
- Jacket or hoodie
- Towel (quick-dry preferred)
- Enough cash
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Drinking water (1.5L per person)
- Snacks for the road
- Offline maps downloaded
- Full gas tank
- Emergency phone number written down
- Basic first-aid kit
- Waterproof bag for phone/camera
- Bag for wet clothes
Frequently asked questions
Can you bring a camera inside the grottoes?
Yes, cameras are allowed inside the Grutas de Tolantongo. It is recommended to use a waterproof bag or case since the grottoes have constant splashes of thermal water.
Are there lockers to store belongings while swimming?
There is a storage area available for an additional fee inside the park. It is recommended to bring only essentials and leave valuables locked in your parked car.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Tolantongo?
Day visits generally do not require a prior reservation. For cabin accommodations, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season (Easter Week, long weekends, and December).
Do they accept credit cards at Tolantongo?
No. Grutas de Tolantongo only accepts cash for admission, parking, food, and services. There are no ATMs inside the park. The nearest bank is in Ixmiquilpan, about 40 minutes away.
What kind of shoes should I wear to Tolantongo?
Non-slip water shoes with rubber soles are essential. The surfaces inside the grottoes and terraced pools are slippery due to wet stone. Teva-style sandals with good grip also work well.
