The Water is Unreal: Grutas Tolantongo

You have never seen a hot spring like this! Welcome to Grutas de Tolantongo. Three hours North of Mexico City, in the State of Hidalgo, incredible endless pools and hotel rooms have been built into the cliffs overlooking a river with bright teal water. But for the full experience, you can CAMP by the river in your own tent, RV, or rent camping gear from the resort!
In this week's episode, we packed up from the Teotihuacan RV & Trailer Park near Mexico City and headed North (and of course no travel day is ever drama free, lol), eventually reaching the cliffside entrance road to Grutas Tolantongo. The steep grade and hairpin turns made the drive down a challenge, including the last section which is just a dirt road! After paying our admission and fees, we settled into one of the most beautiful campsites we've stayed in since hitting the road in August 2018. Best of all, perfect LTE for calls and work! Pricing and policies have changed since our visit in March, 2020, be sure to check the link below in "Resources" for up to date info.
The next day we explored the grotto, tunnel, waterfalls, pools, and grounds of this uniquely family-friendly Mexican hot springs resort. Many groups were grilling out (you can bring your own food), enjoying the scenery and water with their extended families. Since our visit was on a Monday, many of the restaurants and shops weren't open, but we didn't mind since we had our homes on wheels. :)
On our travel day, we did have a surprising issue with our RV (after watching, more resources available at the link below for anyone with a Sprinter van or RV based on this type of chassis), but we were quickly on our way again.
Have thoughts or questions about the #DigitalNomad life, RVing, our travels in Mexico, or anything else? Comment below!
Missed an episode in our 25 episode Mexico series, #VivaNewstates? Full playlist here!
• VivaNewstates - Our Me...
Grutas de Tolantongo, San Miguel de Allende, Monarch Butterfly Migration, Paragliding over Valle de Bravo, Nighttime at Teotihuacan, Crossing into Mexico, and more in one playlist!
Visit our brand new Patreon Page to learn how together we can help support the communities we explore and for some very exciting news from us! You won't want to miss it. :)
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Resources and Links Available @NewstateNomads.com
www.newstateno...
Updated Pricing info for Grutas Tolantongo
View/Navion Facebook Group
Sprinter "No Start" diagnostic guide
Processing your FMM (Tourist Visa) Online
New Pet Regulations for importing cats and dogs to Mexico
US State Department Mexico Travel Advisories and Map
Books- "Peoples Guide to Mexico" and "Lonely Planet Mexico"
Facebook Groups specific to RV travel in Mexico
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[@NewstateNomads]

Come along on our journey and discover more amazing places to explore! Subscribe now! 🚨 Remember to click the bell for notifications when we post new adventures! 🚨 kzbin.info

[@angelcharco2023]

I reside in Santa ana CA where do you guys actually reside at . Being travelers ?? As a spectator I'm always curious do you have property you actually call home

[@NewstateNomads]

@@angelcharco2023 so glad you found us and thanks for watching! Our RV is our full-time home, though we do have a storage unit in Tampa, FL with a bunch of stuff we could probably sell, lol. It's incredibly freeing to just decide each day whether we stay or start exploring somewhere else. Since we know we have our home, internet access (for work) and the pets, we're ready anytime for new adventures! Hope you'll continue on the journey with us. 👍 -Howard

[@leeverrill]

Iam always amazed at how beautiful this earth is...so many places that blow your mind....enjoy.

[@NewstateNomads]

Couldn't agree more, thanks for watching Lee! 👍 -Howard

[@BenjieBiyahengPilipinas]

You just gave us our first retirement destination in Mexico. Gracias

[@NewstateNomads]

Wow, well that's a great way to kick off a trip to Mexico! Grutas Tolantongo is easily in our top 5 during our journey. 👍 Thanks for watching, Benjie! -Howard

[@juanvillanueva4234]

Thank you so much guys fo sharing this amazing place in my beautiful Mexico please be welcome every day and enjoy..!!!!

[@odettontheway]

Great one! Mexico is on my bucket list! :) You have a new subscriber :)

[@NewstateNomads]

Wow, thanks so much for watching, and glad you're along for the journey! Grab a snack, and dig in, we have plenty more ideas for your Mexico bucket list, too. ❤️

[@chuckhoover5269]

That place is totally unbelievable! Thanks for the video!

[@NewstateNomads]

Unbelievable is a perfect word, Chuck! Thanks for watching! 👍 -Howard

[@sandrap3047]

Beautiful! Has to be the coolest camping spot ever! Love watching your adventures in Mexico!

[@NewstateNomads]

You're right, Sandra! In fact, "Best Mexico Camping" was almost in the title, but even that wasn't fair. This is easily in our top 10 ever! Thanks so much for watching and coming along on our journey! ❤️ -Howard

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Amazing water! Gorgeous. 😍 Yummy food too. 🤤 Definitely need to take a trip here one day! Great share, friends.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching, Takacs, this place is amazing! Be sure to follow along on our travels, lots more to share of incredible experiences! 👍 -Howard

[@solovino3610]

México is so beautiful 😍

[@NewstateNomads]

Yes it is, we loved our time in Mexico. 5 months wasn't enough! Thanks so much for watching, hope you'll continue on the journey with us. 👍 -Howard

[@mielpudin1576]

Thats water waterfall is truthly unreal, omg I need to visit this.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching, Miel! This place should be on a bucket list for sure. Glad you enjoyed this episode! -Howard

[@LadyAgring]

Wow! I love those waterfalls, amazing grotto, tunnel. And the pools looks cool.

[@NewstateNomads]

Absolutely one of our favorite places we've ever visited! Thanks for watching, Sherwoods! 👍 -Howard

[@RyanMegan]

What a cool place!! Thanks for sharing!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed this episode! -Howard

[@KatandDogs]

Wow, this place is just stunning! I thought you could only find hot springs like those in Turkey. Didn't know they existed in Mexico.

[@NewstateNomads]

Mexico is full of surprises like Tolantongo! We loved our time there, can't wait for the next round of exploring south of the border. Thanks for watching! 👍 -Howard

[@jacobthrockmorton5073]

Thanks for the great videos! Just commenting to help the algorithm so other people can find you. Keep up the great Mexico content.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for that! Appreciate you watching, too, Jacob! - Howard

[@WillKupfer]

What? 170 pesos a night for this? What an absolute bargain! Lucky they let you back in and you didn't face any issues, google translate has helped me out countless times haha. I'd love to explore that cave and stay here, what a great experience.

[@NewstateNomads]

Google Translate has helped so many times, wherever we are in the world! And yes, only $7USD (170 pesos) per person per day for this amazing experience! Though they did update hours where they charge (see description for info links), it's absolutely a bucket list item. Thanks for watching, Will! 👍 -Howard

[@mathhhgame]

10 dollars my friend. Only in Mexico. Please don’t change Mexico.

[@blessed2rvgmail379]

I'm getting caught up on your past episodes and just when I thought they couldn't get funnier - RIP sunglasses! 😂😂😂. Seriously, my favorite episode so far!!! 🤣🤣🤣 And of course the location was AMAZING!!! Totally jealous! 😄

[@NewstateNomads]

😂 We had a good laugh about the sunglasses...once Howard was done mourning them! We loved visiting this spot, and you can see why! -Katelyn

[@hamiltoneast]

A compelling video. Thanks for adding a spot to our bucket list. We'll bring safety straps for our shades, due to your generous honesty. Keep 'em coming, please.

[@NewstateNomads]

Glad it was helpful, Christopher, and happy you're along for the journey. Grutas Tolantongo is another must visit in our book! -Howard

[@hopeulikenudes]

Such a beautiful place to visit!

[@NewstateNomads]

Easily one of our all time top places! As always, thanks for watching! -Howard

[@DaVinciStudio]

This journey looks awesome it will be like a dream for me if i get a chance.You guys had a great time and love the overall video you created.You guys looks gorgeous too one of the videos which made my day and also i felt jealous..thanks for sharing.

[@NewstateNomads]

Flattery will get you everywhere, Sam! 😂❤️ Thanks for watching, and be sure to subscribe to join us on our journey! -Howard

[@bertfisk1194]

Thank you so much for filming your wonderful adventures, I get to vacation through you.

[@NewstateNomads]

Hi Bertina! You're quite welcome, thanks so much for watching. We're glad you enjoy them! -Katelyn

[@cashstt716]

Fantastic video Howard and Katelyn! I have to say I 100% LOVED the "Curious Case of the Lost Sun Glasses." I have not laughed that hard in a long time. Right now humor is a great medicine for these tough times. If I could be so bold....I would say you should do a VLOG on Howard's big journey to find a new pair of sunglasses. Think of all the possibilities.....you can have flashbacks to Ol'Blue when he inevitably looses his new ones....breaks them after he throws them at the windshield because the RV won't start.....sits on them when he climbs into the RV drivers seat......we can have a huge sign in Times Square titled "DAYS HOWARD HAS NOT HAD TO BUY NEW SUNGLASSES"......your subscribers can send him their favorite themed (Superman...Batman....R2D2....Harry Potter, etc,) sunglass neck strap holder! Its our duty and obligation to memorialize each pair he loses from this point forward.....THIS IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!!!! Who's with me???

[@NewstateNomads]

Haha, we are dying right now reading these ideas! 😂 I love it. Might become our next reoccurring gag (like the CR-V table). Great idea! ❤️ -Howard

[@alinanaza]

Wow the drone footage looks incredible with the blue water colour. Also the editing on here is top notch, the transitions are really on point. Thanks for sharing your story of the Grutas de Tolantongo, we may have to add it to the bucket list!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching and the compliments! Grutas de Tolantongo is incredible if a bit out of the way. If you have the opportunity while visiting Mexico City, do it! -Howard

[@BonnysOneStepAhead]

Too good video, the caves are awesome...but scary...coming out was difficult, but u did it👍loved watching your video dear

[@NewstateNomads]

Bonny, thanks for watching, glad you're along for the journey! We loved Grutas, such a beautiful place. ❤️

[@WanderingZena]

All the setbacks are the key essence in travel adventure. Glad your campervan worked in the middle of your travel. And wow! The place is soooo magical. I love the colors of the water. Reminds me of Siquijor in the Philippines but they own have their own beauty! I bet I'm not getting out of the water. And the cave, I'm a bit claustrophobic but if I'm with someone who is gonna hold me and knowing that the view is rewarding, I'm definitely game!

[@NewstateNomads]

Glad you enjoyed our adventure, thanks for watching! Katelyn is also a little claustrophobic, but she did great. When else are you going to get an opportunity like that?? 👍 -Howard

[@joulemine]

Really cool experience you guys. Glad you enjoyed your time there. ~Stacy~

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Stacy! It was amazing, and the riverside camping was icing on the cake. 👍 -Howard

[@AcrossThePlanet]

How amazing i went there a couple of years ago, your videos are so good!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching, and glad to hear you've experienced Grutas Tolantongo in person! Did you stay in one of the hotels or camp? -Howard

[@ericvaneck4296]

You are really finding some really cool place to visit down there in Mexico. Another good video!! Can you explain the starter issue or send us a link because we have a View and it would be great to know the issue. thanks

[@NewstateNomads]

Eric, thanks as always for watching our videos, hope they continue to inspire you! Yes, I updated the description of this video with a link to our website that has more info/resources for all Sprinter van and RV owners (including a diagnostic check you can do to determine what might be the cause). I'll reiterate for others reading this message that it has only happened twice, and both times started right up after waiting about 10 minutes, inserting the key, and turning it very slowly.

[@ericvaneck4296]

@@NewstateNomads Thanks, I'll check it out because the rig is really new to us. I've been following the Group on Facebook too.

[@adriannurse1502]

Enjoy and have fun for all of us 🙂

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks Adrian, glad you're enjoying our adventures!

[@garyaberle603]

Beautiful scenery! U guys must have good endurance for all that walking & steps! RIP blue sunglasses! 😎

[@NewstateNomads]

RIP, indeed. I miss those sunglasses... -Howard

[@thescoopontravel9075]

Loved this video! Just visited Grutas Tolantongo two weeks ago and wish I would've seen this before my visit - but I will share with my friends on my blog. Love your narratives and video!! Thanks!! Looking forward to continuing following you.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much for the compliment! Hope you had a great time visiting, we loved it. Such a cool (and gorgeous!) place! Thanks for sharing. We're glad you found us! -Katelyn

[@tarac5137]

So cool!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Tara! We loved Grutas Tolantongo. 👍 -Howard

[@Scrambler85]

Your best video yet 👍

[@angelgonzalezsalazar6988]

I am sorry about your sunglasses. This video is so cool, I have been there when I was little. It is an amazing place! Can't wait for the following videos! Please visit the Geiser it is near there. Or the Dios Padre Balneario which I believe is also a nice place. Thank you we love your channel!!!

[@NewstateNomads]

Angel, thank you so much for the compliments and for watching! Hoping that after the stay at home orders in Mexico expire, we can explore more once it is safe to travel again. Thanks so much for the suggestions, please keep them coming, and glad you're along for the journey with us! 👍 -Howard

[@angelgonzalezsalazar6988]

@@NewstateNomads Hi Howard, thank you for your reply! I know these trying times are not so well to travel, but for sure, I’ll keep you guys on the loop for future videos! Keep it up with the good attitude and stay well.! Greetings from a Mexican student in Buffalo, NY. You got my support!

[@davidwunder1394]

We have just been watching several of your videos. You are doing a great job and keep it up. We too have a Winnebago 24D - ours is the View model but is all respects identical to your rig. We have a question - are either or both of you fluent in Spanish? I would think that would be a requirement to travel to Mexico like you have.

[@NewstateNomads]

David thanks for watching our videos and hope you continue following your RV twin adventures! 😂 To answer your question, neither of us are fluent, I would say we know choice words/phrases and lean on Google translate or Liz from @eatseerv We're continuing to take Spanish lessons and use apps to help us improve! I would say don't let the language be a barrier to consider a trip like this, everyone we come across is beyond patient and helpful even with our limited Spanish. 👍 -Howard

[@adrianaangelcoria1248]

I am sorry for your sunglasses. My family and I went to Tolantongo about 10 years ago but the road scared me because it was too narrow. Beautiful place and it's not expensive.

[@NewstateNomads]

The road was definitely intense! But yes, it's such a gorgeous place and makes the drive down worth it! 🙂❤

[@LinaandDanTravel]

Getting out was really a challenges, but you did a great job! What a nice camp site! The water is sooo nice!!! The caves look nice but scary! Was it hard. to breath inside? We will be following your adventure! happy we found you! Stay safe and healthy! 💕

[@NewstateNomads]

Hi Lina & Dan! Using our tow vehicle as a spotter car was definitely helpful. :) Totally worth it to visit this amazing place. It was only hard to breathe in the first tunnel just because it was so hot and steamy. The grotto and smaller caves were totally fine! Thanks so much for watching! ☺️❤️ -Katelyn

[@gregorycarson3889]

Nice adventure 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@drinkinslim]

What an amazing place. Sorry about the sunglasses. What a great homage to them. I see you've discovered all the video transitions,. :)

[@NewstateNomads]

Stepping up our game and style, thanks for watching and coming along on our journey! -Howard

[@daphglory3]

This is my favorite vid so far ❤️

[@NewstateNomads]

Isn't it such a magical place?! ♥️✨ We loooved it there!

[@juanmjimenez1884]

An other great video from you guys 👍😬

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Juan, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching! 👍 -Howard

[@carlosnino5602]

Wow that looks awsome! R u guys planning another trip to Mexico soon?

[@NewstateNomads]

It's an incredible place! We loved it there, definitely worth the trek down. We are! Stay tuned, we'll have more details on our plans soon. ☺️

[@lachonayunabotella4703]

Good memories, me and my husband visited this place in our honeymoon 16 years ago

[@NewstateNomads]

What a beautiful place to spend your honeymoon! We loved it so much and hope to visit again one day!! Thanks so much for watching! -Katelyn

[@chuckcurtice798]

Love your videos. Also, my wife and I love the lay out of your rig. In fact, it has inspired us to get one, until I saw that you weree having issues with your chassis. What is the issue? I'd like to investigate it before I get a rig. I did read something about the sensors being faulty somehow. Is this the issue you are having? Is this issue specific to the Winnebago? BTW, Tolantongo looks too awesome. Keep up the great videos.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching, Chuck and great question! First, we love our floorplan and be sure to watch our in depth video on our home on wheels if you haven't already. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJSwnWdppLieapI The issue is specific to the Mercedes Sprinter chassis and can affect all RVs (not just Winnebago) or vans built 2014-2018. In over 30,000 miles this has only happened to us twice. Both times, simply waiting a few minutes and then inserting and turning the ignition key SLOWLY resolved it. I have read that if it becomes a consistent problem that a small part is replaceable at a Mercedes shop. Let us know if you have any other questions! -Howard

[@mikasalife]

Friend from r/ here to show support! Loved the water but so sad for the sunglasses....

[@baddecisionsrv8506]

That looks awesome!! RIP glasses....☹️

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching! They will be missed, but new glasses premiere next week! 😂 Grutas Tolantongo was definitely worth losing a pair. 👍 -Howard

[@townswiley4429]

The "Sun Glass Incident" has left me slightly "triggered" bringing back so many painful memories of shades lost....

[@NewstateNomads]

RIP Sunglasses. I stopped buying fancy ones, too much pain 😂😢 Thanks for watching, Kenyon! -Howard

[@yournamehere8212]

This reminds me to take my date swimming on our first date.

[@CrazyDivers]

How's the RV sittuation in these kind of places? I remember not seeing a lot (if none) in Peru, and I don't think they are very common in south america. Are the road and the campsite designed for them?

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks for watching, and great question! RV parks are few and far between. Mostly dry camping and sometimes stable 20A power. This spot was beautiful right by the water, but no hookups. If you were over maybe 30ft, not sure you could make it down the hairpin turns! How was Peru overall? -Howard

[@kenlgraham]

That starting problem reminds me of a issue we have with lockout protection on our Honda Pilot that normally happens after disconnecting the battery. For us the solution is to put the key in and turn to start but wait 30 sconds so the keyfob and computer sync, then start. If we dont do that vehicle may start then quit a mile down the road and make you wait several minutes. This only happens to us after disconnecting the battery but perhaps your RV is somehow isolating battery from onboard computer and doing the same thing?

[@NewstateNomads]

Ken, so glad you found us, and thanks for watching! That's a good theory on why it may not start occasionally. Even Mercedes scratches their head at it, and hours of online searching doesn't yield a guaranteed fix. It happens about once every 4-6 months for us, and typically after we've been driving for a while, so it hasn't reached the point yet of "we need to fix this ASAP." Never at the beginning of the day, either. The battery point I don't THINK is in play here, but we just had our chassis battery replaced and it did it a few trips right after. Don't you just love electrical gremlins? -Howard

[@kenlgraham]

@@NewstateNomads It is the time delay that make me think its involving the antitheft system. Possibly tied to a sequence of locking up the unit or pressing the KeyFob as you have a not vehicle door you can get in which may not be tied in to the Mercedes system. Here is a Google link , Mercedes is listed quite far down the page. www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system . We should get to the Grutas one day, we are retired with a small hotel at PlayaLinda Tapachula, last year was spent circling Chiapas. Also still finding things locally to www.tapachula.info . As I mentioned on our Honda Pilot it occurs primarily after the disconnected battery, but the way to avoid it on the Honda Pilot is to turn on the key without starting for a minute which seems to give the system time to program to your key.

[@Guarrillo999]

SORRY ABOUT YOUR SUNGLASSES. A LITTLE PRICE FOR SUCH EXPERIENCE

[@NewstateNomads]

Exactly! That's why I wear cheap sunglasses. I'd rather enjoy the experience than fret over a nicer pair that washes overboard. Thank you for your understanding... 😂 -Howard

[@rownakrahman2570]

HI! I don't know how to swim! Is the water chest high so that I can walk through the caves and everything! This place has been my dream to visit for a couple of years now!!

[@NewstateNomads]

You can absolutely check out the caves, river, pools, etc without getting into deep water! Hope you can check it off your list soon! 👍 -Howard

[@dldarby82]

All that walking, you guys know the shuttle is only 50¢?

[@NewstateNomads]

😅 we didn't think we had to hike as far as we ended to going. Otherwise we definitely would have taken that shuttle haha

[@jameslester4260]

So about how warm or hot are these pools, waterfalls, and river ? I heard you say 98 degrees for something so that would be warm but not hot yes ?

[@NewstateNomads]

Exactly. The river is WARM but not hot. Some of the pools I would guess were right around 100. Slightly cooler than the hot springs ironically we visited last night here in the US (they ranged from 100 to 112 degrees). Thanks so much for watching! -Howard

[@garyaberle603]

One question I keep meaning to ask you why do I see Howard using this phone for navigation or GPS instead of Some sort of in dash multicolor screen?

[@NewstateNomads]

Gary, as always, a great question. In Mexico, Rand McNally RV GPS (built into our Winnebago) does not have maps for Mexico, and you can't add them/buy them, either. So we rely on Google Maps and a Garmin/Here app to cross reference directions when traveling through Mexico. Not perfect, but it works pretty well! -Howard

[@danielmartinezjr.7609]

Do you recommend taking a dry bag for camera equipment / drone?

[@NewstateNomads]

Hey Daniel! Will you be camping? We didn't use a dry bag at all, but we used our GoPros in the caves, which are waterproof. We flew the drone from the river bank, so as long as you don't plan on taking it for a swim, you should be fine! 😉 It's such a beautiful place! Enjoy!

[@vvalle3318]

No pressure 😂

[@karegamez]

has anybody gone around july??//

[@twittyfatcat8562]

I think I saw you in one of dodos' videos.

[@NewstateNomads]

You did! So glad you found us, and hope you'll continue on the journey with us. 👍 -Howard

[@Rafagazz]

Its so beautiful fantastic 'its the water warm.?

[@mathhhgame]

Thermal water baby

[@NoemiDeVera-wy4hy]

Your rig is large too.

[@mathhhgame]

Where in the world you can get a place like this for 10 dollars. Unfortunately Mexico is been fighting against privatization. Please don’t change or criticize our way of life. We need not club members. We don’t need expensive membership. Let’s keep Mexico Like it is