Cave 16 km west of Zimapán
Caves with 40 °C thermal pools deep in the Moctezuma River canyon, reached on foot or by boat with a local guide.
Xajhá is an adventure more than a stop. Hidden in the canyon of the Moctezuma River west of Zimapán, these caves hold springs of thermal water at about 40 °C, so the reward at the end of the trip is a warm soak inside the rock, among stalactites, stalagmites and the bats that roost in the ceiling.
Getting there is half the experience. From the community tourist station at Xajhá, you follow the river through a canyon of tall limestone walls, crossing the water several times; in the dry season it usually stays below the knee. The shorter route is about four and a half kilometers each way on foot, or part of the way by rowboat, and longer treks are possible. Count on most of a day, including time in the caves.
The site is run by a local ecotourism group, which also offers rappelling, a zip line, camping, palapas and simple meals. Going with one of their guides is strongly recommended, since the river level and the terrain change with the season.
What to see and do
Soak in the 40 °C thermal pools inside the caves.
Hike the river canyon, wading across the Moctezuma several times.
Take the rowboat option for part of the route if you prefer an easier trip.
Explore the cave formations and watch for the bat colonies.
Camp overnight at the tourist station to start early.
Getting there
The Xajhá tourist station is roughly 30 minutes from Zimapán by car; the last stretch is a rough dirt road where a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle helps. From the station it is a walk or boat ride to the caves. Book ahead with the local guides, bring water, sun protection and shoes that can get wet.
16 km west of Zimapán
Directions from Zimapán on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Grutas de Xajhá shares the climate of Zimapán, 16 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Zimapán your base
Grutas de Xajhá is an easy trip from Zimapán, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.