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Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie

We decided to check out La Gruta hot springs in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico one beautiful, albeit chilly Sunday morning. It had been recommended to us to arrive early because La Gruta spa gets busy, especially on the weekends. It just happened to be the time change weekend, so arriving at the opening time of 7 am meant that it was still in the high 40s F (approximately 9.4°C). Brrrrrr!*

We decided to take a chance and arrive around 8 am.  Just how crowded was it?! What else is it helpful to know before visiting

*The forecast for the day was 82°F or 27.8°C, which is typical of central Mexico weather, especially in springtime.

La Gruta Hot Springs San Miguel de Allende with Kids Review

Whether or not there are health benefits to soaking in hot springs, the warm waters sure are fun!

 

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There are so many things to do in San Miguel. Check out this San Miguel free walking guide to start your adventures in this fabulous town of Cultural Heritage of Humanity (declared so by UNESCO).

Overview of La Gruta hot springs

Arriving at the hot springs

We arrived just after 8 am. We parked very close to the entrance, which was great! Once inside, we immediately got a locker to store our clothes and important items. We made sure to take our towels with us.

La Gruta wasn’t at all busy yet on this particular morning. It was still chilly outside! I had read reviews that the hot springs weren’t hot enough. Luckily, they were plenty warm even with the morning chill still clinging to the air. It felt like heaven to walk into that first warm pool.

I found four pools in total.

When we arrived, the largest pool was empty of water and being cleaned. There weren’t very many people and we didn’t even notice it wasn’t open yet until we’d been there around an hour. The first pool we came to after getting our locker in the locker room was also still being filled. The pool that has the tunnel that takes you into the blue grotto was already full and nice and hot!

Notes: This pool is probably about 4+ feet deep and it remains that deep through the tunnel and into the grotto. Children 3 and under aren’t allowed into the grotto. People with heart conditions are advised against going into the grotto as well. It’s very hot and steamy.

The Blue Grotto

I don’t know if that’s its official name or not, but La Gruta (which translates to the grotto) does have a grotto. Tucked back into the corner of the pool, there is a dark tunnel that leads to a cave (man made) of the hottest, steamiest water. I was in heaven. I was warm and happy and everything in my life was perfect at that moment.

Since it was still early, around 8:30 in the morning in April, the cave was still rather dark. The steam from the warm water further reduced visibility. My children were a little bit uncomfortable, so be aware that it might freak out other little kids, too. However, once La Gruta started getting busy, we didn’t attempt another trip into the grotto to see if more light was provided by the skylights.

I made a second trip in there without the kids. This time, I stood under the water shower for about two seconds. I should’ve taken a little more time there, but I’d stupidly worn my glasses and I didn’t want to lose them! I recommend leaving your glasses in your locker if you wear them, especially if you want to enjoy the pounding water inside the grotto.

The Restaurant

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside La Gruta. There is a restaurant on premises. They serve from 8:30 am to 5 pm. There is also a bar and that looked open pretty early, as well, though I did not partake in an alcoholic beverage. We had a meal mid morning and I’m pleased to say that the food was rather good. It was moderately priced, too.

I also tried a frapuccino. At first, I wondered why I didn’t order a hot drink, since it was still a little chilly outside. When it arrived and I took my first sip, I was thankful I’d chosen it. It was a delicious drink!

Given that outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, I was pleasantly surprised that the prices were reasonable and the food was good.

Also, there are tables set up outside over the grounds. You can get food service at all of them! If you aren’t in the restaurant, you must pay with pesos. Credit cards can only be used inside the restaurant.

Low Times, Busy Times

By late morning, the hot springs were bustling. We returned to the pools and noticed that it was getting busier. People kept arriving. I’d watch people head toward the pool with the tunnel and grotto. Far more went in that direction than returned from it. My husband asked if I wanted to go again and I replied that it seemed too busy. The tunnel was too narrow for swimmers moving in both directions.

The smaller pool closest to the grotto was getting filled up with people. It was busy enough that it was difficult to move around at all. As we were leaving, we did check out the larger pool. It was getting filled with people even as it was still being filled with hot water.

Additionally, there was a kiddie pool off in another corner that was filled with water by mid morning (and also families).

How to Plan Your Day Trip to La Gruta, San Miguel de Allende

I do recommend arriving as close to opening time as possible, especially if you are visiting on a weekend. When the outside air is cold, the pools are delightfully warm. Even if you don’t want to get into the water right away, early arrival ensures a closer parking spot (if you are driving yourself), a locker rental, and ability to have a beach chair or two.

Tips

• Arrive early
• Rent a locker (50 pesos, take exact change; my money was returned when I returned the key)
• Claim a beach chair

I also recommend to see the grotto straight away. At the bottom of the stairs after the locker rooms and bathrooms, there will be a pool on your left and another straight ahead. The pool straight ahead is the pool with the grotto. Once in the pool and you are facing a water fall (it was off while we were there), the tunnel is to the left in the back corner.

Many people will stay all day. I recommend planning at least two hours. We stayed around 4 hours. For our next visit, we will plan to arrive closer to 7 am and we will probably be packing up by 11:30 or 12, if it is a weekend.

I had locker 33. It was the perfect location. Plus, it was oversized. I was able to fit two backpacks in it with space to spare!

Remember to bring

• Swimsuits
• Flip flops and/or water shoes
• Towels for everyone*
• Rash guards and sunscreen
• Dry clothes and shoes for afterwards
• Pesos

*We brought old towels so we could leave them unattended without worrying about them. La Gruta does NOT provide towels.

If you forget anything, you can buy it at the store on the property.

More information & admission price

Admission in 2024: $250 MSN (pesos) per person.

Children under 3 do not pay. At the time of publication, they accept Visa and Mastercard.

Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday

They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

La Gruta does offer more services than just the thermal waters. You cannot bring in food, drinks, pets, or weapons. For more information, visit the La Gruta spa website.

Would I go to La Gruta Hot Springs again?

Yes!

If you’re looking for things to do in San Miguel de Allende with kids, visiting La Gruta Spa is a great place. Even if it’s a little chilly outside, the water temperature is nice and warm. If you go early, there is room for to do a little bit of swimming. My kids had a fantastic time and it was still relaxing for my husband and me.

Have you visited La Gruta hot springs or another San Miguel hot springs?  Have you visited other hot springs in Mexico? Where is your favorite hot springs place?

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