The State of Hidalgo, Mexico, a hot springs paradise

 The way to Las Grutas de Tolontango is gorgeous

 X rock in Mexico?

 This is the walk to the hot springs cave and tunnel

 The hot springs cave. All the way at the back there is a dark tunnel leading to another completely dark cave with stalactites and warm water falls, which are the source of the river. There is no light in there. To get there you fight the strong current by holding onto a rope. It can be a frightening experience for some, especially in the dark. This is definitely a very special place. We believe that you would not be allowed to access such a tunnel in the United States because of the risk. Everybody here seems to enjoy this special experience a lot.

 From the cave, you take a short walk down to the hot springs river

 The temperature of this river is about 93F

 From the river, you can hike 2km up the hill to the other part of the hot springs resort: Paraiso Escondido and its overhanging hot springs pools.

 The hotel Paraiso Escondido is on the top right.

 There are 40 pools like this at Paraiso Escondido (hidden paradise)

This is a traditional "barbacoa de borrego".  Mutton is cooked overnight on hot rocks, and under thick agave leaves. Down at the bottom, in the middle; is a dish containing a scalding hot broth ("consome").

 This is the entrance of the hot springs complex: to the right is the way to the hotel Paraiso Escondido and its warm pools; to the left is the entrance to the cave and tunnel, and the other hotel La Gruta. In either case, you have to pay for your soaking tickets for the duration of your stay right here. There is no internet in either place and you cannot make any reservations ahead of time, neither by phone nor by internet. You find out if there is availability when you get here. 

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