"Fabulous trip to Tolantongo. The many pools at the hot springs and the cave with a waterfall are spectacular. The cheese tasting and later the wine tasting were lovely. The fellow travelers were deligtful. I’ve been on two of Jen’s trip and she puts together amazing events."
- Pam (Tolantongo Oasis 2026)
DATES DURATION DIFFICULTY GROUP SIZE BEGINS & ENDS MEALS
Nov 16-19, 2026 3 Nights Decent Mobility 16 Max x 2 Groups Patzcuaro & Mexico City 5 (3 B / 1 L / 1 D)
TOUR OVERVIEW
Our adventure begins with two groups departing from different parts of Mexico — one from Pátzcuaro and the other from Mexico City — before coming together for an unforgettable 3-night escape in Grutas de Tolantongo. Nestled in the mountains of Hidalgo, Tolantongo offers a truly magical experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Guests will enjoy the region’s famous turquoise thermal waters, relax in the stunning hillside pools under the stars, and explore the incredible cave featuring a warm thermal waterfall and natural pool inside. We’ll also visit the spectacular La Gloria area, where we can swim beneath cascading waterfalls and take in the lush canyon scenery. As part of our journey, we will also explore the ancient Toltec capital of Tollan-Xicocotitlan, one of the most important archaeological sites in central Mexico. Famed for its legendary and towering "Atlantean" Toltec Warriors that stand guard over the ancient city, this historic destination offers a fascinating glimpse into the power, artistry, and spiritual traditions of the Toltec civilization. Beyond the hot springs and waterfalls, this getaway is all about connection, relaxation, culture, and great food. We’ll spend time enjoying a riverside picnic and gather together for a delicious carne asada barbecue prepared fresh by your hosts. With stunning landscapes, rich history, soothing waters, and unforgettable moments shared together, this trip promises the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. IMPORTANT NOTICE: As Tolantongo is quite a distance for a shorter getaway, this trip involves higher transportation and logistical costs than our usual excursions. To make the experience more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, we are combining two intimate tour groups of 16 guests each in order to share certain communal expenses while still maintaining a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. During our daytime adventures, each group will travel independently and explore different areas of the resort at staggered times to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Tolantongo without overcrowding. While we’ll each have our own unique experiences throughout the day, both groups will come together by the riverside on two special occasions designed for connection and celebration. The first will be an elegant afternoon picnic beside the flowing turquoise river, followed by a fabulous dinner gathering prepared collaboratively by your hosts with great care and hospitality. As evening settles into the canyon, we’ll enjoy a cozy bonfire, laughter, good company, and for those feeling adventurous, a bit of magical night swimming beneath the stars.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
LOGISTICS
4 Days Duration
3 Nights Duration
Hotels (Double Occupancy)
3 Breakfasts with regular coffee, tea or juice. Latte's, cappuccinos and fancy beverages are separate.
1 Picnic
1 Carne Asada Dinner
Private Transportation
3 Days with Local Expert
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES
Entrance to Tollan-Xicocotitlan Archaeology Site
Entrance to Tolantongo for full duration
Entrance to La Gloria for one day
5 SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
1
ANCIENT TOLTEC CAPITAL
Tollan-Xicocotitlan, Hidalgo
Tollan-Xicocotitlan was the ancient capital of the Toltec civilization and flourished between the 10th and 12th centuries in what is now the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Revered as one of the great cultural and military centers of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, the city became famous for its skilled artisans, advanced architecture, and powerful warrior tradition. The site is best known for its towering Atlantean warrior statues, which stand atop the ancient pyramid as enduring symbols of Toltec strength and influence. Tollan-Xicocotitlan played an important role in shaping later Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs, who regarded the Toltecs as masters of wisdom, art, and civilization.
2
CUEVA DEL AGUA
Tolantongo Resort, Hidalgo
Grutas de Tolantongo is home to one of the region’s most extraordinary natural features — a large thermal cave carved into the canyon walls, where warm mineral-rich water flows directly from the mountain itself. Inside the cave, visitors are surrounded by mist, echoing water, and dramatic rock formations while a powerful thermal waterfall cascades from above into the steamy pools below. The water maintains a pleasantly warm temperature year-round, creating a surreal and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Rich in minerals that give the water its famous turquoise hue, the cave has become one of Tolantongo’s most iconic and unforgettable experiences, blending relaxation, adventure, and the raw beauty of nature.
3
LA GLORIA
Tolantongo Resort, Hidalgo
La Gloria is a breathtaking natural area located just across the river from the famous thermal cave, offering a more lush and adventurous side of Tolantongo. Surrounded by towering canyon walls and vibrant greenery, La Gloria is known for its crystal-clear turquoise pools, cascading waterfalls, and winding pathways that lead visitors through the heart of the canyon. Guests can swim beneath refreshing waterfalls, soak in naturally warm mineral waters, and explore hidden corners of this beautiful oasis while taking in the dramatic mountain scenery. With its combination of rushing water, tropical vegetation, and serene thermal pools, La Gloria feels like a hidden paradise tucked deep within the canyon.
4
CHARCUTERIE PICNIC
Tolantongo Resort, Hidalgo
We will gather for a lovely picnic complete with home-baked crackers, elegant artisan cheese sourced from Mexico's cheese route, wild smoked sockeye salmon from Canada's West Coast, smoked oysters, tapenade, olives, and more. Wash down with some lovely artisan wines from our friend Luis, whose winery, Fundamento Vinicola in Valle de Guadalupe, offers a delicious terroir. Please Note: Our photos below was a small picnic for a group of 7. We will be preparing a much larger feast for you!
5
CARNE ASADA
Tolantongo Resort, Hidalgo
You have the kind of hosts who will pack some coolers and a bbq to prepare a feast for all to enjoy by the riverside before sunset. We are dedicated to creating an evening of connection and relaxation, and we are truly looking forward to a magical evening filled with laughter, cheer, the warmth of bonfire-lit faces and a night-swim under the stars.
3 REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH US
1
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL
16 Maximum
This tour is a little unconventional, as we are combining two groups for our picnic and feast, but our excursions will still be small enough for everyone to enjoy intimate conversations with your friends and more ease getting through restaurants.
2
EXPERT GUIDES
Educational Tourism
We enjoy working with experts who are passionate about history, culture and more, and both Mariana and Jaime are well versed on all things about archaeology, as they are about many subjects. You will have the chance to meet both of them to ask questions and learn.
3
A TRULY CURATED EXPERIENCE
Each Tour is Custom Designed
This tour is designed to move at a more relaxing pace than most, as we want you to slow down and fully enjoy the surroundings. We prefer to limit our daily activities to include enough down-time for you to read a book or journal. While we do have a couple of long travel days, we also have 2 evenings that will be free and free time during the day.
TO CONFIRM YOUR TOUR
We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to confirm your tour. We accept payments through Wise or traditional bank transfer. If you would like to use a credit card, we charge an extra 5% to cover their processing fees. You may choose to pay the deposit or full trip amount on your credit card by clicking on the appropriate button below. ALL TOURS ARE PRICED IN MEXICAN PESOS. YOUR BANK WILL CONVERT THE AMOUNT FOR YOU. If you would like to use a payment plan, we can invoice you monthly, The balance must be paid in full by the start of the trip. If you are paying the balance through a bank transfer or by credit card, it is due 2 weeks prior to our tour commencement. Otherwise, you may pay the balance with cash upon arrival in Mexico City or Patzcuaro on November 16. Please purchase Travel Insurance to cover any emergencies that could cause you to cancel your trip. The price for this tour is $14,038 MSN per person. If you are travelling solo, the price for a private room is $2700 MXN extra. Please let us know if you would like to be paired with a roommate, and we will do our best to find someone for you.
LET'S HIT THE ROAD!
DAY
1
BIENVENIDOS
Tolantongo, Hidalgo
MORNING FROM MEXICO CITY: At 9:00 AM, we will meet at Vuela Carmela Restaurant, which is located on Av. Capitán Carlos León – it is just outside the airport terminal. This restaurant is 24 hour local hot-spot, well reviewed for their authentic Mexican breakfasts. It is also in close proximity for a parking lot so the van can park nearby for loading luggage. We will depart the restaurant by 10:15 AM for the ancient Toltec Capital of Tollan-Xicocotitlan (Place of Cattails) in Tula, arriving at approximately 12:00 PM. MORNING FROM PATZCUARO: We will depart at 8:00 AM from Patzcuaro, reaching Tollan-Xicocotitlan at approximately 11:30 AM. We will explore the site, departing at about 1:30 PM for Tolantongo. As both groups will be at the site at the same time, we will see one another. We will enjoy separate tours in different areas of the park, to keep our footprint smaller and make it easier for our guides to be heard. AFTERNOON: Both groups will have delicious baguette sandwiches to enjoy in the van during the commute, as to not spend extra time in restaurants. The commute to Tolantongo takes approximately 2 hours from Tula, which means we should all arrive at the hotel at approximately 4:00-4:30 PM, depending on pit stops and traffic. EVENING: We will have dinner at 7 PM. The pools remain open and lit until 11:00 PM in the area closest to the hotel. We recommend purchasing a waterproof case for your phones, which are available in the park for $150 MXN. They also have water shoes for sale, if you don’t have any. MEALS: Bag lunch is included. All other meals are separate.
DAY
2
PRISTINE THERMAL WATERS
Tolantongo, Hidalgo
MORNING: Both groups will meet separately for breakfast at 8:30 AM. At 9:30, Mariana and Jennifer will take the CDMX group to La Gloria to explore the waterfalls and canyon trails that ascend to a pristine and more remote part of the resort. Enjoy swimming and exploring. If some of you do not wish to climb all the way up, there is a fantastic waterfall near the suspension bridge, so Jennifer will stay with you while Mariana hikes with the rest of the group. Our other group from Patzcuaro will go with Jaime to visit the thermal cave and waterfall, which also has an upper entrance with a tunnel that is full of steaming water. The path is pretty treacherous, as it can be slippery. There is a rope to hang onto, as a guide, and water shoes are definitely mandatory. If you do have any issues with mobility or balance, this is not an activity for you. Please Note: For those from Mexico City, who stay behind at the waterfall pool, Jennifer will depart at 1:00 PM to start preparing our picnic. AFTERNOON: Both groups will head to the riverside by 2:00 PM for an elegant picnic. The river is a series of terraced pools that descend through the canyon base, offering safe swimming opportunities that are fairly shallow. We will enjoy our picnic before deciding what everyone wants to do for the afternoon. Some of you may want to return to the hotel, while others may want to keep exploring the area we are in. This is the beauty of having two vans for our group – is that we can offer transportation back to the resort for those who want to rest, and keep the second van in the parking lot for those of you who want to keep exploring. EVENING: We will have dinner tonight at 7 PM, followed by free time to enjoy relaxing on our balconies or in the pools. MEALS: Breakfast and picnic included. We will pour each guest 1 glass of Mexican Artisanal White, Rose or Red with lunch. If you do not drink wine, please let us know what you would like in exchange.
DAY
3
FEAST NO FAMINE
Tolantongo, Hidalgo
MORNING: This morning we will meet at 8:30 AM for breakfast, before heading out for our second day of excursions. Those of you who visited La Gloria will be bound for the cave, while others will want to head to La Gloria. As we have two vans and the ability for guests to do what you want, we will play this by ear. Some of you who were already in the cave may want to return – regardless, La Gloria and the Cave are accessible from the same parking lot, offering us lots of options. AFTERNOON: Our drivers will be available to take you back to the resort to rest, if you prefer, or we can stay out in this region to keep swimming and exploring. There are restaurants in this area, though they offer basic fare, such as hotdogs and hamburgers. EVENING: This evening we will meet at the riverside for a fantastic feast! Mariana, Jaime and Jennifer are preparing Carne Asada with all the fixings, including a lovely bonfire to roast some marshmallows for a decadent twist on traditional S’mores! MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are included. We will pour each guest 1 artisanal Mezcal to enjoy with your meal. All other drinks are separate, but we will have our coolers filled with ice to keep them cold!
DAY
4
HOMEWARD BOUND
Tolangongo, Hidalgo
MORNING: Please have your luggage packed and ready before meeting us for breakfast at 8:00 AM. Following breakfast, we will load the luggage up to the van before our two groups depart. Mariana’s group will head back to the Mexico City airport to deliver guests to their flights. Jaime and Jennifer will bring our guests back to Morelia and Patzcuaro. AFTERNOON: The commute to Mexico City airport will take approximately 5 hours. As some of you will be flying, you will not have time to stop for lunch. We will explore the food stands to find sandwiches or appropriate snacks for your commute. For those heading to Patzcuaro, our commute will take approximately 6 hours, so we will stop along the way to have lunch. MEALS: Breakfast is included. All other meals are separate. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS MEMORABLE AND SACRED OBSERVATION AND WILL JOIN US FOR SOME OF OUR OTHER ADVENTURES!
"This was a great introduction to this unique region of Mexico. Jennifer is knowledgeable and passionate and ensured we had comfortable landings after each full day of adventure. I will happily repeat this tour as well as engage Jennifer snd Copper Moon Travels in other Mexico Tours."
- Robbin (Women are Sacred 2023)
LOGISTICS & OTHER INFO
ACCOMMODATIONS
Your accommodations are included, based on double occupancy. If you would like to share a room with someone, we will try to match you with another solo traveller. If you would like a private room as a solo traveller, there is an extra charge of $2700 MXN.
BANKING
We recommend contacting your bank to inform them you will be travelling out of country. ATM machines are easily accessible in Mexican Airports, so you can withdraw some pesos upon arrival. Tolantongo is a cash-only resort, for the most part. Some restaurants accept credit cards, but most everything is cash only.
CLIMATE & ALTITUDE
Grutas de Tolantongo sits in a canyon in the state of Hidalgo at roughly 1,250–1,400 meters (4,100–4,600 ft) above sea level, depending on which part of the park you’re in. The cliffside pools are higher than the river area, so you may notice small temperature differences as you move around the site. In November, the climate is usually one of the nicest times to visit: •Daytime temperatures: around 20–21°C (68–70°F) •Nighttime temperatures: around 8–10°C (46–50°F) •Rain: relatively low compared with summer rainy season •Humidity: moderate to high in the canyon, especially near the river and caves •Water temperature: the thermal pools and river stay warm year-round because they are geothermal springs November is part of the dry season, so skies are often clearer and the turquoise water tends to look especially vivid. Nights and early mornings can feel chilly because of the elevation and canyon winds, but the hot springs feel great in contrast.
MEDICAL INSURANCE & EMERGENCY CONTACT
Please purchase medical insurance before you come and send us contact information for your insurance provider AND an emergency contact, in case you are unable to communicate with us. Please send our contact information to a family member or friend in case someone at home cannot get a hold of you.
MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS
This tour requires basic mobility, as there are some stairs to climb in the pools, around the hotel area and also out near the cave. If you are not an avid hiker, you may want to skip ascending La Gloria, but can still easily manage the waterfall and pool, as the ascent is gradual and commute is short. If you have concerns about mobility or balance, please contact us for more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Throughout the years, we have endured many cancellations for various emergencies, which has forced us to change our booking policy. Please purchase travel insurance to cover trip cancellation in the event that you suffer a medical emergency, bereavement, climate event etc.
WHAT TO BRING
These are some recommendations for items you may wish to bring for your trip. * Warm jacket for morning and night * Layered clothing for daytime * 2 Bathing suits, so one can dry while you're wearing the other one * Bath Towel to take to the pools * A warm wrap for when you get out of the water, especially for evenings when it will feel especially cold * Sturdy walking shoes * Aqua Socks for wearing in the water (they do see them at the resort for $150 MXN a pair). * The resort sells waterproof cell phone cases for $150 MXN so you can take your phone into the cave and pools.
FAQ'S
1
HOW MUCH WILL MY MEALS COST?
Sit-down meals will range from $15-$30 US, depending on whether or not you order multiple courses plus drinks. Please remember to bring cash for your tips, as the restaurants do not allow tipping on cards.
2
HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
You will not need a lot of spending money here. The water shoes and water proof cases are $150 MXN, meals are variable and there aren't a lot of souvenirs or boutique shops. You may want to purchase drinks for the cooler, snacks, ice cream and basic comforts. INTERNET: On our last visit in May 2026, Tolantongo was charging $250 MXN per 24 hours of internet service. Data does not work well in this area, due to the remote location. Please be prepared to be off-grid, or pay for internet. (There are lower amounts you can pay per day, if you just want to check in briefly).
3
CAN WE BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON TOUR?
While guests are technically permitted to drink in the van during our tours, we will remove anyone who drinks to excess, at your own expense, especially since we will be hiking and swimming. We prefer guests reserve their drinking for enjoying with food or in the evenings.
4
WHAT ARE THE BATHROOMS LIKE?
The hotel is equipped with decent bathrooms and showers with hot water. When we are out and about, the bathrooms will be more basic with no toilet seats or soap. You may want to pack some hand sanitizer with you.
5
WHAT IS THE STANDARD TIPPING AMOUNT?
We generally recommend tipping your driver around $40-$50 MXN per day, while doubling that for your team leaders, depending on their service. For your hotel or housekeeper, if you ask for cleaning services, we recommend $40-$50 MXN per service. If you are purchasing groceries and someone bags them for you, the average payment is 5 MXN per bag. Our drivers and guides establish their own rates, but tipping is still customary in Mexico, particularly in tourism-based professions. In restaurants, the standard tipping among foreigners is 15-20%. Please do not worry about tipping for meals that are included, as we will cover that! We also encourage our guests to pay all tips in cash whenever possible, as some restaurants do not allow tips to go through on credit or debit cards.
