Major city · Mexico
Ixtapan de la Sal
Go for one night for the thermal pools and the small colonial centre; add a second night only if you first check Grutas de la Estrella opening days and transport.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, mild)
- avoid Jun–Sep (rainy season), Easter week and January Feria de la Sal if you want quiet
- Airports
- MEX · TLC
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
Ixtapan de la Sal is a small Pueblo Mágico in Mexico State, about 2 hours by bus from Mexico City, built around hot mineral springs. The town itself is a compact colonial centre with a 16th-century parish church and a market; the reason to come is the water — public balnearios, hotel spas and a water park. It pairs well with Toluca or Valle de Bravo rather than as a standalone long stay.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ixtapan de la Sal, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyIxtapan de la Sal is a small tourist town and generally calm; the real risks are weekend crowds at the pools, strong sun at altitude…
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10.Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance (Mexico) · 078 Green Angels roadside help
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMEX Mexico City Benito Juárez (Bus from Observatorio terminal, about 2 h; or drive via Toluca).
- Getting aroundThe compact centre is walkable, but distances to the balnearios and spa hotels along Blvd.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or fresh juice at a market stand2026 estimateM$30–60 (≈ US$2–4)
- Street or quick mealSet lunch (comida corrida)2026 estimateM$120–200 (≈ US$7–11)
- Taxi, about 5 kmTaxi, about 3 miTaxi across town2026 estimateM$60–120 (≈ US$4–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimateM$200–400 (≈ US$11–25)
- Museum or sight ticketBalneario entryVaries by site; check.M$80–250 (≈ US$5–14)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personMX$350 (≈ US$19)
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomMX$1,400 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomMX$2,800 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,300 (≈ US$75) · High MX$2,500 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MEX Mexico City Benito Juárez (Bus from Observatorio terminal, about 2 h; or drive via Toluca) · TLC Toluca (Closer by road; Flecha Roja buses run about hourly from Toluca, roughly 1 h)
Weather and climate
Ixtapan de la Sal: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C72°F
5°C41°F
2 rd
Feb
23°C73°F
6°C43°F
2 rd
Mar
26°C79°F
8°C46°F
2 rd
Apr
27°C81°F
10°C50°F
4 rd
May
27°C81°F
12°C54°F
10 rd
Jun
25°C77°F
13°C55°F
18 rd
Jul
24°C75°F
13°C55°F
21 rd
Aug
24°C75°F
13°C55°F
21 rd
Sep
24°C75°F
13°C55°F
19 rd
Oct
24°C75°F
11°C52°F
10 rd
Nov
23°C73°F
8°C46°F
4 rd
Dec
22°C72°F
6°C43°F
2 rd
High / low °C°F · rd = rain days
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The compact centre is walkable, but distances to the balnearios and spa hotels along Blvd. Arturo San Román are not confirmed here — plan on taxis or local combis rather than walking in the heat (check). Las Grutas de la Estrella needs a taxi or your own car.
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Grutas de la Estrella
goDoor to door: Check
Taxi or car, about 15 km from townTaxi or car, about 9.3 mi from town
Limestone caverns with stalactites; go in the morning and check opening days.
Toluca
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Flecha Roja bus from the town terminal, about 1 h
Bigger city with markets and museums; easy onward link to Mexico City.
Valle de Bravo
overnightDoor to door: Check
Bus or car via Toluca
Better as a separate stop than a return day trip.
Malinalco
cautionDoor to door: Check
Bus or car via Tenancingo
Archaeological site and town; check connections, they are not frequent.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro
Walk to the plaza, parish church and Mercado Municipal; budget hotels and guesthouses.
Barrio de San Gaspar / Blvd. Arturo San Román
Spa hotels and resorts along the boulevard; pools on site, short taxi ride to the centre.
Near Parque Acuático Ixtapan
Best if the water park is the main reason for the trip; quieter at night.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$600–1,000 (≈ US$35–55) excl. bed
- Mid
- M$1,000–1,800 (≈ US$55–100) excl. bed
- High
- M$1,800 (≈ US$100)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 1 night × MX$1,400 | MX$1,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × MX$1,300 | MX$2,600 |
| Flecha Roja bus Mexico City (Observatorio) → Ixtapan, one way2 × MX$140 · check | MX$280 |
| Flecha Roja bus Toluca → Ixtapan, one way2 × MX$80 · check | MX$160 |
| Balneario Municipal entry2 × MX$80 · check | MX$160 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 · 2026 estimate | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$510 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,805 per person per day, bed included | MX$5,610≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate
2026 estimate in pesos; long-distance buses and flights excluded. Bed and daily figures are estimates, not quoted rates. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or fresh juice at a market stand2026 estimate | M$30–60 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Set lunch (comida corrida)2026 estimate | M$120–200 (≈ US$7–11) |
| Seafood plate at a casual restaurant2026 estimate | M$200–350 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Balneario entryVaries by site; check. | M$80–250 (≈ US$5–14) |
| Taxi across town2026 estimate | M$60–120 (≈ US$4–7) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate | M$200–400 (≈ US$11–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bring cash: smaller balnearios, market stalls and taxis may not take cards.
- Schedules differ by venue: Balneario Municipal and Parque Acuático Ixtapan have listed daily and weekend hours, but weekday closures are reported for some pools — check current opening days before you travel.
- The water park and public baths get crowded at weekends and on Mexican holidays.
- The sun is strong; use sunscreen and drink water.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance (Mexico)
- 078
- Green Angels roadside help
- 078
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Ixtapan de la SalIxtapan de la Sal
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No embassy in town; the US Embassy and most embassies are in Mexico City (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Mexico City (Observatorio) → Ixtapan: about M$140 (≈ US$8), just under 2 h (check)
- Bus Toluca → Ixtapan: about M$80 (≈ US$5), about 1 h (check)
- Taxi across town: M$60–120 (≈ US$4–7)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dees-KOOL-peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyoh)
- El agua, por favor — The water, please (el AH-gwah por fah-VOR)
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ixtapan de la Sal. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, mild) · avoid Jun–Sep (rainy season), Easter week and January Feria de la Sal if you want quiet · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MEX and TLC: last Flecha Roja departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster for Centro with rescue anchors: plaza, parish church, Mercado Municipal.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Parque Acuático Ixtapan, Balneario Municipal, Grutas de la Estrella) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weekend and holiday arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.