6 Magical Hot Springs In San Miguel de Allende (Info + Map)
Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Ashlea J. Russell
Looking for the best Hot Springs in San Miguel de Allende?
Who doesn’t love to relax? Everywhere I go the first thing I research is if there are any interesting and unique places for me to unwind.
Self-care has becoming a major hobby of mine over the years. So, when I was planning a trip to San Miguel de Allende, naturally I looked for hot springs and spas to enjoy.
It can be a little tricky to get the information you need about hot springs in San Miguel de Allende, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. But don’t worry, I’m here to share everything you need to know to plan a relaxing day trip to some beautiful Mexican hot springs.
Trail Riding & Hot Springs
Looking for something special? How about a 2.5hr trail ride alongside Mexican cowboys, an authentic ranch lunch prepared by local women, and a dip in the steamy hot springs?
Hot Springs In San Miguel de Allende
The hot springs, or aguas termales as the Mexicans say, in San Miguel de Allende are heated by remaining activity in the Taxco-San Miguel de Allende fault system. It’s this activity that heats up over 130 thermal hot springs and wells in the area, some to 40C/104F.
Luckily for us, a handful of these hot springs have been turned into destinations that we can visit to relax. However, if you’re already a fan of hot springs, the experience in San Miguel de Allende may not be what you’re used to.
When it comes to hot springs in San Miguel de Allende, there is something for every traveller, so understanding the experience each location offers is important. This was something I learned the hard way when choosing a hot spring for myself.
Keep on reading to find out all about your hot springs options and one out-of-the-box, but totally worth it hot spring day trip option.
Hot Springs in San Miguel de Allende Map
To keep things nice and easy, I’ve created a map of all the hot springs in San Miguel de Allende for you to choose from (plus the day trip location).
1. La Gruta Spa
La Gruta Spa is probably the most popular hot spring destination in San Miguel de Allende, especially for families.
Located about a 20 minute drive from San Miguel de Allende, La Gruta is more like a recreational swimming pool than a spa, although some spa services are offered.
La Gruta itself is quite a large place, featuring four hot springs of varying temperatures spread throughout lush, green grounds. There are two main pools, a kids pool, plus the main attraction and Instagram moment of La Gruta, the man-made stone tunnel that leads to a steamy cavern pool.
While all the pools are made of concrete, the waters are heated naturally by the hot springs. Surrounding the pools are lots of sunloungers to laze away the day on, but if you intend on getting one you’ll need to show up early as they go quickly.
The various pools are broken up by green family spaces with tables and umbrellas for hanging out or grabbing a bite from the on-site restaurant.
The restaurant itself offers big portions for reasonable prices, but don’t expect the meal of a lifetime. The menu offers a lot of options of mostly Mexican dishes like mole, rice, and quesadillas.
It’s important to keep in mind that while La Gruta is beautiful, you shouldn’t expect a US or Canadian standard. This is a more rustic experience.
The pools are clean and maintained but you’re likely to see twigs, leaves, and even bugs floating in the water. The staff don’t skim the pools during the day so if you see something in the water you don’t like, encourage it out.
La Gruta is a great option for hot springs in San Miguel de Allende if you’re a looking for a family day out or you don’t mind a busier, more rustic experience.
La Gruta Quick Guide
2. Escondido Place Hot Springs
Escondido Place is a bit of a paradox when it comes in hot springs in San Miguel de Allende. On the surface it looks like a high-end spa destination, but in reality it’s (almost) half that, and half the total opposite!
Escondido Place is located about a 20 minute drive from San Miguel de Allende, just under half way to the town of Dolores Hidalgo.
The grounds for this complex are extensive. In addition to the hot springs, Escondido Place features a hotel, spa, restaurant, shop, four ponds, and picnic areas with BBQs.
The size of the grounds along with the picnic areas complete with palapas (palm leaf roofs) and the ability to bring your own food and even BBQ it, make Escondido Place very popular with families.
I found this to be a little confusing because a lot of what Escondido Place seems to be gearing toward is a luxurious haven. Beautiful cabanas can be found near the pools, Instagrammable hanging egg chairs are dotted around the property, and the spa offers a full list of treatments from massages to scrubs to facials.
When it comes to the actual hot springs, Escondido Place is one of the cooler places. The waters here are not as hot as in other places and can be best described as lukewarm. For a hot experience you’ll need to visit the man-made grottos/caves.
All in all there are ten different pools to try, of different sizes ranging from a large outdoor swimming pool down to much smaller cool pools, and three hot grottos/caves to steam in.
Escondido Place Quick Guide
3. The Mayan Baths
The Mayan Baths offers a totally different experience to the other hot springs in San Miguel de Allende. This option aims to be exclusive and is considerably more expensive than the other places in San Miguel de Allende.
For starters, the Mayan Baths are only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays and all other days are available for private rental only.
This is an adults-only destination and to visit you are required to purchase one of their predetermined packages. It is not possible to visit the Mayan Baths without purchasing a package.
Paquete Alom – $2,300MXN [$135USD/$175CAD] Per Person includes entrance, use of facilities, towel and robe.
Paquete 1: Relax – $3,105MXN [$180USD/$240CAD] Per Person includes entrance, use of facilities, towel, robe, and 50-minute relaxation massage.
Paquete 2: Basico – $3,099MXN [$180USD/$240CAD] Per Person includes entrance, use of facilities, towel, robe, three-course meal, and three drinks from the bar.
Paquete 3: VIP – $4,105MXN [$240USD/$317CAD] Per Person is a combination of all the other packages, with entrance, use of facilities, towel, robe, 50-minute relaxation massage, three-course meal, and three drinks from the bar.
Add-Ons – A 50-minute relaxation massage can be added to any package for $1,200MXN [$70USD/$92CAD] and a 50-minute hot stone massage can be added for $1,400MXN [$82USD/$108CAD].
To make a reservation, contact the Mayan Baths via WhatsApp. Unfortunately, reserving the Mayan Baths isn’t so easy as they require a booking deposit via transfer which can be done at an local OXXO store (PayPal not accepted).
This is a much smaller facility than the other hot springs on this list and features two outdoor pools with a beautiful view and sunloungers, and one underground pool with a hot tub area connected by subway pools running through candlelit tunnels of quartz and stone.
The restaurant serves mainly salads, desserts, and Mexican dishes.
This is definitely more of a day spa experience but a pricey one at that. If you want a day spa experience and don’t mind skipping the hot springs, there are more affordable options in San Miguel de Allende that provide an excellent experience.
For example, I spent a half day at Hotel Spa Doña Urraca where I had four treatments, a cocktail, and use of the pool for $1,600MXN [$95USD/$120CAD].
The Mayan Baths Quick Guide
4. The Beach Club at Valle de Los Senderos
The Beach Club at Valle de Los Senderos, also known as Manaia Oasis Urbano is a whole other hot springs experience in San Miguel de Allende.
Valle de los Senderos has truly created a destination, located just 10 minutes drive from San Miguel de Allende. This is a purpose-built private community with residences, a hotel, and beach club. The facilities are free to the residents and are available to the public with a monthly membership or day pass.
The Beach Club is aiming for a luxury experience and they are hitting the mark. The main attraction of the Beach Club is of course… the beach! Balinese beds and sunlounger wrap around the man-made beach and natural pool for swimming.
There’s also a larger pool for stand up paddleboarding, a thermal jacuzzi, games, and bikes to explore the gorgeous grounds.
While this is a family friendly environment there is a designated kids area and children are not allowed to swim in the main natural pool, which means a peaceful day at the beach is possible!
There are two restaurants to choose from and food and drink is available via cabana service on the beach so you can sip the day away without lifting a finger.
This hot springs experience in San Miguel de Allende is the sort of place where you can plan to spend the whole day relaxing. Bring a book, cue up some tunes and just unwind with a beach day 600km/375 miles from the coast!
Reservations are recommended by email at: [email protected]
The Beach Club Quick Guide
5. Xote Water Park
Xote Water Park is a family-focused water park, warmed by thermal waters located a 20 minute drive from San Miguel de Allende. This is the perfect place for families to spend some time.
The water park is small by US and Canadian standards but it’s still a lot of fun. There are three large waterslides, several splash pads and thermal pools, as well as water games and designated areas for smaller children.
Xote has a restaurant on site serving classic Mexican dishes but some people choose to bring their own food and rent a BBQ.
There are also camping facilities for those who want to overnight in the park but it’s worth noting that there are no locker facilities so that’s something to consider when packing.
Xote Water Park Quick Guide
Hot Springs Near San Miguel de Allende
While all the local hot springs in San Miguel de Allende are great options, if you want an incomparable, bucket-list-worthy hot spring then you need to head out of town.
6. Grutas Tolantongo
Grutas Tolantongo is a Mexican bucket list destination located in the neighbouring state of Hidalgo. The stunningly beautiful grottos are on the side of a mountain, overlooking an incredible valley and mountainscape that has to be seen to be believed.
The Tolantongo experience really dwarfs the other hot springs in San Miguel de Allende based simply on sheer size. The park features a suspension bridge, waterfalls, grottos, natural tunnel, zipline ($), trekking trails, thermal river and thermal pools.
There are even buses in the grounds to shuttle you from place to place so you can make the most of your time here.
For me, this is one of the most incredible places in all of Mexico to visit and it’s so off-the-beaten-path most people never make it here.
Visiting Grutas Tolantongo isn’t easy but it’s definitely worth it. The drive from San Miguel de Allende is about 3.5 hours so it’s recommended to spend the night either camping, or in one of the surrounding hotels.
I first discovered Grutas Tolantongo when I was visiting San Miguel de Allende and Querétaro and I instantly started figuring out how to visit without having to rent a car.
This is how I came across an English day trip to Grutas Tolantongo from Querétaro (a beautiful colonial city one hour south of San Miguel de Allende).
The private day trip makes it so easy as you’ll travel with a certified guide in an air-conditioned vehicle through the gorgeous countryside to Hidalgo. Then you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the park, take incredible photos, and make lasting memories, before heading back to Querétaro.
Grutas Tolantongo Quick Guide
How To Visit Hot Springs In San Miguel de Allende
Because they’re just outside of town, visiting the hot springs in San Miguel de Allende is easy! If you have a car, all of these locations are on Google Maps so just pop in the name and hit the road. If you don’t have a car, keep reading.
Visiting the Hot Springs Without a Car
Without a car, the best way to visit the hot springs, Chapel of Jimmy Ray, or any day trip from San Miguel de Allende is by private taxi.
Your instinct might be to opt for a regular radio taxi or take an Uber or DiDi but this would be a mistake. All these are ways to get around San Miguel de Allende safely but getting back is another story.
Cell phone signal and data are very spotty if not nonexistent outside of San Miguel de Allende and taxis, Ubers and DiDis stay in the bounds of the city.
I recommend booking your journey with my favourite, trusted private taxi company that I use in San Miguel de Allende, Taxi Águila. They are super reliable, safe, clean, and offer really fair rates, often cheaper than authorized taxis.
You can quote and book Taxi Águila via WhatsApp and count on them to be there when you need them. I recommend that you prearrange a pick up time with them for your journey back, just in case you can’t get signal.
Take a Trail Riding and Hot Springs Tour
If you’re looking for a little more activity than just the hot springs then there’s a fantastic alternative. The Trail Riding and Hot Springs Tour in San Miguel de Allende is such a classically Mexican day out.
The tour is operated by Beth, a US transplant who has lived in San Miguel de Allende for years. Her tour employs local cowboys to lead the trail riding and Indigenous women to cook the authentic Mexican ranch lunch. This means that in addition to having an amazing experience, you also know you’re supporting the locals.
Pick up is at 9am and then you’ll head to a ranch just outside of town where you’ll meet the cowboys and be fitted with horses.
Then you’ll take off on a 2.5hr trail ride through the Mexican countryside, cantering through stunning vistas before returning back to the ranch. At the ranch, the ladies will have prepared your authentic (and delicious) Mexican lunch so you can “fill your boots” before the next part of the day.
After your western experience and filling your belly you’ll head to one of the local hot springs to relax.
Beth’s tour visits either La Gruta (Wed – Sun) or Escondido Place (Mon/Tues) so prepare to end your day with a much needed soak before being dropped off back at your accommodation.
This is one of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende and a memorable experience to boot.
What To Pack for the Hot Springs
Whether you’re going for the day or just for a quick visit, it’s important to pack the right things for your visit to the hot springs in San Miguel de Allende. Check out this list for the items you don’t want to forget.
Where To Stay In San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is full of gorgeous places to stay but choosing the right one, in the right location can make a big difference to your trip. Here are my top picks for places to stay in San Miguel de Allende:
📍Mid-Range Option: Casa Florida is my favourite place to stay in San Miguel de Allende. This small, 6 room boutique hotel is located just around the corner from the famous church, features two rooftop terraces, and spacious rooms, and a full kitchen for guest use. I always feel at home in this hotel.
📍Luxury Option: L’Ôtel Casa Arca is the hotel at Doce-18 Concept House and when it comes to boutique luxury in San Miguel de Allende, this is hard to beat. Located steps from the famous Parroquia with an outdoor pool, effortlessly luxe rooms, and champagne bar, this is the celebrity experience.
San Miguel de Allende FAQS
You’ve got questions about San Miguel de Allende, and I’ve got answers.
What Is the Prettiest Street in San Miguel de Allende?
San Miguel de Allende is gorgeous and photoworthy on almost every street. Some of my personal favourites have been streets in Colonia Guadalupe, just outside the protected city area.
But when it comes to the proclaimed “prettiest street” in San Miguel de Allende, most people are talking about the totally Instagrammable Calle Aldama. To find the perfect picture spot you can use Google Maps to search for Casa del Inquisidor.
Is San Miguel de Allende Expensive?
San Miguel de Allende can be expensive, but it can also be done on a budget. I visited a few of the highly rated rooftop bars and restaurants and found that prices could exceed what I would see in Canada or the US.
But I also found that, there are loads of much more affordable places to eat and drink where the quality was just as high, for a fraction of the price, like my personal favourite, Tostévere. It’s all about ignoring the hype and going for the lesser-known places.
Is San Miguel de Allende Walkable?
San Miguel de Allende is a highly walkable place but be prepared to give your legs a workout! San Miguel de Allende is a colonial city built on a hill so be prepared to walk up and down uneven roads, sometimes even with cobblestones.
My legs were totally exhausted after a week in walking around San Miguel de Allende!
Is It Safe to Walk Around San Miguel de Allende at Night?
San Miguel de Allende is a safe place to walk around, even at night. In fact, I walked home alone from dinners and drinks every night that I was in San Miguel de Allende and didn’t have any issues.
There is usually a lively buzz around the city at night which keeps it feeling nice and safe. But as with anywhere, it’s best not to wander around alone in the wee hours of the morning.
Summary: Hot Springs In San Miguel de Allende
The hot springs are one of the best day trips from San Miguel de Allende and a wonderful way to relax in this picture-perfect place.
Whether you’re looking for a high-end spa experience, a once-in-a-lifetime memory maker, or somewhere simple to soak in the waters, there’s an option for you.
Hot springs are all about therapeutic waters and relaxation, so whatever your pleasure, this article should have everything you need to plan your perfect day in the pools.