Discover natural ‘hot-tubbing’ and dip into Mexico’s thermal springs

Published December 19th, 2021

Maybe it is not quite swimming weather in the mountains of Mexico, but what about dunking yourself in a volcanic hot spring?

Mexico is constantly reshaped by earthquakes and volcanoes. Logically, it also has an abundance of natural hot springs, which have been valued for medicinal purposes since long before the Spanish came.

Most are located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a strip of land that extends from Jalisco/Colima into northern Veracruz, with others near the faults off the Pacific coast. They become sparser as you move away from these, but one or more can be found in just about all of Mexico’s states.

The more accessible natural hot springs have been developed into what is called in Mexico balnearios, a somewhat vague term. It refers to any location or business that is a water-themed attraction, so it is important to know what your local balneario offers in order to get the kind of experience you are looking for.

Despite being set up around medicinal waters, most of these places are not tailored for adults only but are family-oriented with something to keep the kids entertained. The idea is for the kids to run around while the adults hang out.

Such parks will always have pools for kids, but that is just about the only guarantee. However, there are some that cater more exclusively to adults, with a luxurious spa-like feel and some are aimed more at families, with water slides and other activities to keep kids happy.

Most of Mexico’s well-known balnearios are located in the center of the country, particularly in  northern Michoacán and the Mezquital Valley of Hidalgo. Michoacán boasts a “health route” (La Ruta de la Salud) that extends from Lake Chapala to the border of México state.

Others balnearios exist in Morelos, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes and elsewhere. This is not only because of the number of hot springs in Mexico but due of the states’ proximity to Mexico City and Guadalajara. There are many more hot springs but they are undeveloped because they are too remote and/or too hard to get to.

Below are suggestions of balnearios to check out, whether you are looking for a spa-like experience or a place to relax with the kids or grandkids while they visit.

Baja California

For a hot springs experience off the beaten path, try the Cañon de Guadalupe area in Mexicali. An oasis in the desert, there are also some campgrounds here, including one that is also a nature reserve promising that each campsite has its own natural “hot tub,” along with springs that can only be accessed by hiking with a guide.

Guanajuato

In this state, the ex-pat enclave San Miguel de Allende has a number of very accessible options just outside town, some family-oriented but also many aimed more toward adult luxury. Kids are certainly welcome, and there will be some pools just for them, but most of these are not children’s water parks.

Escondido Place has a beautiful covered pool with thermal waters that mimics being in a cave. They also have some facilities specifically for kids to relax and splash around. The Mayan Baths definitely goes the adult luxury route, with underground thermal pools and one where you can float and watch a starry night sky. There are also fine dining and spa treatments on the premises, making it a perfect place for adults to pamper themselves. Note, though, that although the waters are mineral-rich, they are artificially heated.