Where Is Grutas de Tolantongo?

In short: Grutas de Tolantongo is in Cardonal, Hidalgo, Mexico, in a canyon about 300 metres deep in the Sierra Madre Oriental. It is roughly 200 km (about 4 hours’ drive) north of Mexico City.

LocationCardonal, Hidalgo

StateHidalgo

RegionSierra Madre Oriental

Canyon depth~300 m

From CDMX~200 km / ~4 hours

Elevation~1,300 m

Geography

Tolantongo sits in a deep canyon carved through the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. The canyon walls are roughly 300 metres high, creating a dramatic setting. The geothermal springs emerge at roughly 1,300 metres elevation. The nearest significant town is Ixmiquilpan, about an hour before the final descent into the canyon. See how to get to Tolantongo for detailed directions.

Distance from major cities

Mexico City: ~200 km / ~4 hours drive.
Querétaro: ~200 km / ~4 hours drive.
Puebla: ~300 km / ~4.5 hours drive.

Book a Tolantongo tour

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What state is Tolantongo in?

Hidalgo. The site is in the municipality of Cardonal, in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains.

How far is it from Mexico City?

About 200 km / roughly 4 hours by road, heading north through Ixmiquilpan. See how to get to Tolantongo.

Is Tolantongo in a canyon?

Yes. It sits in a deep canyon about 300 metres deep in the Sierra Madre Oriental, at roughly 1,300 metres elevation.