What to Wear to Grutas de Tolantongo

In short: Bring swimwear, water shoes, a towel, a warm layer for the 5:30 am pickup, and cash (lots of it — the park is cash-only). Cheap water shoes and phone pouches are sold inside by vendors. Tours handle transport; you just pack for a day at a thermal spring.

SwimwearBring

Water shoesEssential (cheap at park)

TowelBring

Warm layerFor early morning

CashNo ATMs in park

Phone pouchSold inside, ~50–100 MXN

Swimwear

Bring whatever you would wear to a swimming pool or beach. One-piece or board shorts both work. The water is warm (36–38°C in the pools), so you will not need a wetsuit. Many visitors bring two suits so one can dry while wearing the other.

Water shoes

The river bottom is rocky and the pools have some rough spots. Barefoot walking is possible but uncomfortable. You need water shoes. If you do not have a pair at home, do not worry: vendors inside the park sell basic water shoes for about 50 to 100 MXN, cash. They are cheap, simple rubber sandals. Reviewers often mention them; Seannah said to buy them on-site if you do not have your own. You can also bring your own good-quality water shoes from home.

A towel

Bring a regular beach towel or a quick-dry towel. There are showers and changing areas in the park, but you need your own towel to dry off. See showers and facilities at Tolantongo.

A warm layer for early morning

The tour pickup is around 5:30 am. Mexico City mornings in November run about 10–15°C; in summer it is warmer but still cool on the highway. Bring a light jacket, sweater, or long-sleeved shirt to layer over. Once the sun rises and you reach the warmer canyon, you can remove it and stash it in the bus or a locker at the park. Bring something to change into for the return drive in the evening.

Cash

The park is cash-only. There are no ATMs anywhere inside the grounds. Bring more cash than you think you will need. Budget for: entrance fee (230 MXN, but your tour may include this), parking (50 MXN if you drove yourself, usually included in tours), locker rental if you need one, and any extras like water shoes, vendor snacks, or tips for guides. Bringing 500–1000 MXN in bills and coins is wise. ATMs exist in nearby towns (Ixmiquilpan, Cardonal); if you need cash, ask your guide.

Phone protection

If you plan to take photos or bring your phone, bring a waterproof case or a waterproof pouch. Vendors inside the park sell cheap phone pouches (waterproof zip bags) for about 50–100 MXN. It is worth the investment.

Insider tip

Layer your clothes. The 5:30 am pickup is cold, the canyon mid-day is warm, and the evening drive back is breezy. Pack everything except a full change of dry clothes into the locker at the park.

Check what your tour includes

The simplest way to visit Grutas de Tolantongo is a guided tour — a live guide, breakfast and logistics handled, and the canyon in full daylight, with free cancellation.

Check availability & book

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need special swimwear?

No, regular pool or beach swimwear works. The water is warm (36–38°C). Bring two suits if you can so one can dry while wearing the other.

Where do I buy water shoes?

If you do not have a pair, vendors inside the park sell cheap water shoes for about 50–100 MXN, cash only. They are basic rubber sandals. You can also bring your own from home or find them in Mexico City before the tour.

Is the park really cash-only?

Yes. No ATMs exist inside the park. There are ATMs in nearby towns (Ixmiquilpan, Cardonal). Bring cash before you arrive. Budget for entrance, parking (if not in tour), water shoes, vendor items, and tips.