La Gruta Spa - Image 1
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La Gruta Spa

4.4
·7k reviews·El Cortijo, Mexico

Relax in warm thermal pools and a unique cave grotto near San Miguel de Allende. A tranquil escape with a touch of magic.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, all pools ready

CrowdLow
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La Gruta Spa - Image 1

La Gruta Spa

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, all pools ready

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Relax in warm thermal pools and a unique cave grotto near San Miguel de Allende. A tranquil escape with a touch of magic.

4.4
(7k reviews)

"The Grotto pool with its spectacular light display is an unforgettable experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds

Get there before opening, especially on weekdays, for the most peaceful experience.

🧳 Pack Smart for Comfort

Bring your own towel, sandals, and mosquito repellent. No outside food or drinks allowed.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grotto Pool

The Grotto Pool

Main Grotto Area

Experience a unique, steamy cave pool with natural light filtering through the ceiling. Pure relaxation!

InstagramReddit
Thermal Pools

Thermal Pools

Various locations on site

Multiple turquoise-hued pools with varying temperatures offer a soothing soak.

InstagramReddit
Man-Made Cavern Experience

Man-Made Cavern Experience

The Grotto

A man-made cavern accessible via a narrow, cave-like walkway, leading to a magical grotto.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Relaxing Visit

Arrive early, especially on weekdays, to beat crowds and ensure all pools are ready. Weekends are packed, and some pools might be drained to save costs. Construction noise can be an issue, so check for ongoing work before you go. Reddit+1

What to Pack for Your Spa Day

Bring your own towel, sandals, and mosquito repellent. Outside food, drinks, and pool toys are not allowed. Lockers are available, but consider bringing your own lock or renting one. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, all pools ready
Crowd
Low
When
Early afternoon (around 1 PM)
Why
Spectacular light in the grotto
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Can be very crowded
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

one of the most unique restaurant experiences near mexico city. Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera ate here!! :’) #lagruta #teotihuacan #mexicocity #cdmx #laciudaddemexico #traveltok #teotihuacanpyramids #mustvisit #restaurant #fridakahlo #diegorivera #lagrutarestaurante
@champagneroddd
442.8K likes • 1.9M views

🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds

Get there before opening, especially on weekdays, for the most peaceful experience. Reddit+1

🧳 Pack Smart for Comfort

Bring your own towel, sandals, and mosquito repellent. No outside food or drinks allowed. Reddit+1

#🇲🇽 #🦗 #lagruta #restaurantelagruta #teotihuacan #mexico #mexicocity🇲🇽 #cuidaddemexico #restaurante #mexicanfood #lagrutarestaurant #grillo #travel #traveling #traveltiktok #traveltok #mexicantiktok #gaytravelguy #gaytiktok #gaybear #gaybearsoftiktok #CapCut @Eddie Colis
@alexandercolon07
293.8K likes • 3.6M views
🔥 Este lugar en México es un paraíso escondido... y te va a sorprender. 🔥 Imagina sumergirte en aguas termales a 40°C, dentro de un túnel secreto que te lleva a una gruta mágica. 😍🌊 📍 La Gruta Spa – San Miguel de Allende ✨ Relájate en aguas termales naturales ✨ Disfruta de masajes y temazcal ✨ Prueba comida deliciosa en su restaurante 💰 Entrada: $300MXN (Vale cada centavo, créeme 🫶) 📌 Guárdalo...
destinostopconfer
3K likes • 87.9K views

💧 Check Pool Availability

Some pools may be drained to save water, especially during off-season or weekdays. Reddit+1

💰 Locker Rental

You can rent a lock for your locker for 50 pesos if you don't bring your own. Reddit

la gruta spa 🌎
lagruta2023
51 likes • 6.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds

Get there before opening, especially on weekdays, for the most peaceful experience. Reddit+1

🧳 Pack Smart for Comfort

Bring your own towel, sandals, and mosquito repellent. No outside food or drinks allowed. Reddit+1

💧 Check Pool Availability

Some pools may be drained to save water, especially during off-season or weekdays. Reddit+1

💰 Locker Rental

You can rent a lock for your locker for 50 pesos if you don't bring your own. Reddit

✨ The Grotto's Light Show

Visit the main grotto around 1 PM for a magical light display through the ceiling. Reddit

🧼 Shower Before Swimming

It's customary and hygienic to shower before entering the pools. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

La Gruta Spa is praised for its clean, warm thermal pools and the unique Grotto experience, offering a relaxing escape. However, some visitors note that the pools are heated rather than natural hot springs, and construction noise or drained pools can detract from the tranquility. Weekends are very crowded, making weekdays the preferred time to visit.

"Better than Escondido, but...
The good: clean pools, free wifi, and less crowded. I got there early (8am), and only pool 5 was ready for use. They were busy cleaning and filling the other pools... I had read somewhere they do it on Wednesday, so I was disappointed when I got there on Thursday thinking all the pools would be ready. However, pool 5 with the Gruta was amazing and the water was hot. If you go inside the Gruta at around 1pm, the light comes through the ceiling creating a spectacular scene.
They have many changing rooms and toilets, so it never feels crowded. They also have large lockers. I brought my own lock, but apparently, you can hire a lock for 50 pesos. The grounds were clean and well-kept. The restaurant was ok-I just had a sandwich and coffee.
The bad: They were busy with construction right next to the main pool, so the constant noise of hammering and grinding completely spoiled my day. I was hoping for a less crowded experience than Escondido, which I got, but the noise made La Gruta less peaceful. I would still recommend it, though. Remember to bring your own towel and mosquito repellent."

Carina Steyl

"La Gruta is a great place to spend a whole nice sunny day. Water is clean and warm and really relaxing. Entrance is 300pesos and not outside drinks, food or pool toys are allowed. Their menu seems good but didn't try the food.
Place is packed on weekends, so better to go during the week. It also closes at 5pm.
Don't forget to shower before using pools, bring a towel, sandals and enjoy yourself!"

Great Eh

"First of all these are not hot springs, they heated swimming pools. We felt this was a little deceiving. Second we arrived in August, apparently off season and half the pools were empty to save money. Some of the grounds are nice and the food was better than expected. The bathrooms did not have toilet paper, not sure how to respond to this one. The best experience was the spa. Our massages were professional and well performed. Overall this is a glorified swim club."

Marc Belitsky

What People Like

Unique Grotto pool
Clean thermal waters
Relaxing atmosphere

What People Dislike

Construction noise
Drained pools
Heated, not natural

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Gruta Spa is located about 15 minutes from San Miguel de Allende. Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available. Some visitors also mention it's about a 3.5-hour drive from Mexico City. Instagram+1

Yes, La Gruta Spa is accessible from Mexico City, with some sources indicating it's about a 3.5-hour drive away. Instagram

For convenience, consider a taxi or ride-sharing service from San Miguel de Allende. Driving is also an option if you have a car. Instagram

While not explicitly detailed, local taxis and ride-sharing are common from nearby San Miguel de Allende. Instagram

La Gruta Spa is located near San Miguel de Allende, which is a different region from Teotihuacan. The restaurant 'La Gruta' is near Teotihuacan, but the spa is in Guanajuato. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is approximately 300 pesos per person. It's advisable to confirm current pricing upon arrival. Reddit+1

No, outside food, drinks, and pool toys are not permitted at La Gruta Spa. Reddit

La Gruta Spa typically closes at 5 PM. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekdays, to maximize your visit. Reddit

While not always required, booking in advance or arriving early is recommended, especially for weekend visits, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Information on specific child pricing is not readily available, but the general entrance fee is around 300 pesos. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include several thermal pools with varying temperatures and the unique 'Grotto' cave pool, which is a man-made cavern. InstagramReddit

Some reviews suggest they are heated swimming pools rather than natural hot springs, though the water is warm and relaxing. Reddit

Yes, La Gruta Spa can be very crowded on weekends. Weekday visits are highly recommended for a more relaxed experience. Reddit+1

The spa offers changing rooms, toilets, lockers, showers, and a restaurant. Reddit+1

Yes, massages are available and are described as professional and well-performed, offering a great spa experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The restaurant offers decent food, with some visitors describing it as average but reasonably priced. Sandwiches and coffee are available, and some have tried enchiladas. Reddit+1

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but typical Mexican cuisine is served. It's best to inquire directly at the restaurant. Reddit

The food at the restaurant is generally considered reasonably priced, especially for a spa facility. Reddit

Yes, they offer drink and food service in certain areas around the pools. Reddit

The restaurant serves Mexican cuisine, with options like sandwiches and enchiladas mentioned. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors share stunning photos and videos on social media. Be mindful of other guests' privacy. TikTokInstagram+1

The Grotto pool with its unique lighting, the turquoise thermal pools, and the cave-like entrance are highly photogenic. Instagram+2

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones, but it's always best to check on-site or with management before flying. TikTok

Midday, especially around 1 PM, offers the best natural light inside the Grotto. Early mornings can also provide beautiful, soft light. Reddit

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but professional shoots might require prior arrangement. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

La Gruta Spa can be a fun outing for families, offering a unique environment for kids to explore. The warm thermal pools provide a relaxing experience for all ages. TikTok It's advisable to arrive early on weekdays to ensure a less crowded and more manageable experience with children. Reddit+1 Remember that outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan accordingly for snacks and meals at the on-site restaurant. Reddit Ensure children have appropriate swimwear and consider bringing water shoes for comfort around the pools. Reddit

💑 Couples Seeking Relaxation

La Gruta Spa is an ideal spot for couples looking for a romantic and relaxing getaway. The serene thermal pools and the unique Grotto offer a tranquil setting for quality time together. Instagram+1 Consider booking a couples massage for an extra touch of pampering. Reddit Visiting on a weekday morning ensures a more intimate and peaceful experience, allowing you to fully unwind. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

While not the cheapest activity, La Gruta Spa offers good value, especially considering the unique experience. The entrance fee is around 300 pesos, and the on-site restaurant is reasonably priced. Reddit+1 To save money, pack your own towel and sandals, as rentals might add up. Reddit+1 Visiting on a weekday can also contribute to a more relaxed and potentially less rushed experience, allowing you to make the most of your visit without feeling pressured by crowds. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Appeal of La Gruta Spa

La Gruta Spa offers a distinctive experience centered around its thermal pools and the captivating 'Grotto' cave. Unlike typical hot springs, some visitors note that the pools are heated rather than naturally occurring, though the warm, relaxing water is a consistent highlight. Reddit The spa's main draw is the man-made cavern, accessible through a narrow, cave-like passage, which houses a steamy pool illuminated by natural light filtering from above. Instagram+1 This unique setting, combined with the tranquil turquoise waters, makes it a memorable destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Instagram+1

The spa grounds are generally well-maintained and clean, featuring multiple pools with varying temperatures. Reddit+1 Visitors can find ample seating areas with umbrellas and tables, and food and drink service is available in designated spots. Reddit While the spa aims for a peaceful atmosphere, it's important to be aware of potential construction noise, as reported by some guests, which can detract from the serenity. Reddit Despite this, the overall experience is often described as a great way to spend a sunny day. Reddit

For those seeking additional relaxation, La Gruta Spa also offers professional massages, which have been highly praised by visitors. Reddit The combination of soothing thermal waters, unique cave features, and spa services makes La Gruta a compelling option for a day trip or a relaxing getaway near San Miguel de Allende. Instagram+1

Navigating Crowds and Timing Your Visit

Understanding the crowd dynamics at La Gruta Spa is crucial for an optimal experience. Weekends are notoriously busy, with the spa often packed, leading to a less tranquil atmosphere. Reddit+1 To avoid the throngs, visiting on a weekday is strongly recommended. Reddit+1 Arriving early, ideally before opening, is key to securing a locker, finding a good spot, and enjoying the pools with fewer people. Reddit+1

Some visitors have noted that certain pools might be drained on weekdays or during off-peak seasons to conserve water or manage costs. Reddit+1 This means that while you might find fewer people, not all amenities may be fully operational. However, the main Grotto pool is consistently a highlight, and visiting around 1 PM can offer a spectacular light show as sunlight filters through the cave's opening. TikTokReddit

Planning your visit around these factors can significantly enhance your enjoyment. If a peaceful, less crowded experience is your priority, prioritize weekdays and early mornings. If you don't mind a livelier atmosphere, weekends are still an option, but be prepared for larger crowds. Reddit

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