El Pathecito

El Pathecito is one of the old names of thermal bathing in this corner of Hidalgo. It lies in the community of Pathecito, in the valley between Huichapan and Tecozautla, where warm water rises from the ground in a landscape of mesquite, cactus and walnut trees. Locals in Huichapan say it was the first balneario in the state, opened long before the thermal-park boom that now fills the valley on weekends.

The idea is simple and family-friendly: pools fed by warm spring water, green areas for a picnic, shade and room for children to run around. It feels more like a traditional Mexican balneario than a resort, and it draws families from the surrounding villages as well as visitors on their way to Tecozautla.

Right next door is Balneario Chichimequillas, which leans toward nature, with thermal pools, wide gardens for camping and walks along the river where you can also bathe. Together the two make an easy half-day of soaking if you are staying in either Huichapan or Tecozautla, and a quieter alternative to the busier parks around El Géiser.