
Grutas de la Estrella
Discover the subterranean marvels of Grutas de la Estrella, a cave system in Tonatico, Estado de México, featuring stunning rock formations and a dram...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour

Grutas de la Estrella
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the subterranean marvels of Grutas de la Estrella, a cave system in Tonatico, Estado de México, featuring stunning rock formations and a dramatic staircase entrance.
"Absolutely beautiful place with astounding caves and a great staircase descent."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good grip is essential for navigating the cave system safely.
💰 Affordable Entry
Expect a low entrance fee, often including a guided tour. Great value for money!

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 3,430 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Subterranean Wonders
Inside the caves
Marvel at stunning rock formations like 'El Mamut' and 'Los Novios', sculpted over millennia.

The Grand Staircase
Entrance to the caves
Descend 450 steps into the earth, a dramatic prelude to the cave's natural beauty.

Bat Encounters
Inside the caves
Keep an eye out for resident bats, a fascinating part of the cave's ecosystem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Stairs!
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good grip is essential for navigating the cave system safely.
💰 Affordable Entry
Expect a low entrance fee, often including a guided tour. Great value for money!
🚗 Easy Access Road
The road leading to the caves is generally in good condition.
🍽️ On-site Dining
A small restaurant at the entrance offers nice, affordable food and accepts card payments.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good grip is essential for navigating the cave system safely.
💰 Affordable Entry
Expect a low entrance fee, often including a guided tour. Great value for money!
🚗 Easy Access Road
The road leading to the caves is generally in good condition.
🍽️ On-site Dining
A small restaurant at the entrance offers nice, affordable food and accepts card payments.
💧 Check Weather
Heavy rains can cause temporary closures due to river currents.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Grutas de la Estrella as a beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonder, highlighting the stunning rock formations and the unique experience of descending into the earth. The affordable entry fee and knowledgeable guides are frequently mentioned positives, making it a great value. However, the significant number of stairs can be challenging for some, and potential closures due to heavy rain are a point of caution.
"Absolutely beautiful place.
The road to get there is in great condition, the landscape is awesome, parking is free, there is a little restaurant just by the entrance, they take cars payments and the food is very nice and not expensive at all, great service.
The caves themselves are astounding, as is the staircase that take you there.
Great place, not expensive."
Tayen A. Sosa
"A beautiful case system that is accessed for only 42 pesos per person, which includes a guided tour that lasts approximately 1 hour. Be aware that there is a large number of stairs leading down to the cave entrance, and additional sets of stairs once you are inside the cave."
Chris Wegert
"The visit is completely worth it. But the way is short... almost a kilometer!
For a more fun I recommend Cacahuamilpa which is very close to this one"
Feisal Adam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grutas de la Estrella are located in Tonatico, Estado de México, about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Mexico City. Many visitors drive, and the road is generally well-maintained. Some suggest it's a great day trip destination.
Yes, parking is available and often free at the entrance to the caves.
While driving is common, you might be able to reach Tonatico by bus from Mexico City or Toluca and then take a local taxi to the caves. Research bus routes in advance.
The road leading to the Grutas de la Estrella is reported to be in great condition, making the journey smooth.
Yes, the caves are located near the magical town of Tonatico and Ixtapan de la Sal, making it a good base for exploring the region. Some travelers recommend Cacahuamilpa caves as a nearby alternative.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, often around 42 pesos per person, which typically includes a guided tour.
Generally, advance booking is not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival. However, it's always wise to check for any special holiday or event requirements.
Opening hours can vary, but they are typically open during daylight hours. It's best to check their official social media or local tourism sites for the most current information, especially regarding potential closures due to weather.
Yes, the admission fee usually includes a guided tour, which lasts about an hour and covers approximately one kilometer inside the caves.
While some facilities like the restaurant may accept card payments, it's advisable to carry cash for the entrance fee and any smaller purchases, as card acceptance can be inconsistent.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour inside the caves typically lasts about one hour and covers a distance of approximately one kilometer.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential due to the numerous stairs. Wear layers as the cave temperature can be cooler than outside.
Yes, there are a significant number of stairs. You'll descend about 450 steps to reach the cave entrance, and there are more stairs inside.
Yes, visitors have reported seeing bats inside the caves, which adds to the natural experience.
The terrain involves stairs and pathways. While the guides ensure safety, it requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to the stairs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the caves, but be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the formations or wildlife.
The unique rock formations, the dramatic staircase entrance, and the overall subterranean landscape offer fantastic photo opportunities.
A good smartphone camera or a DSLR with decent low-light capabilities will work well. Tripods might be cumbersome due to the stairs and narrow paths.
While generally permitted, avoid using excessive flash that could disturb bats or damage delicate formations. Always follow your guide's instructions.
The caves are illuminated with artificial lighting to highlight the formations, creating a dramatic visual effect for photography.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit