The Hidden Fire Route

The trip leaves the Mezquital Valley, where faults let steam escape, drops south and ends at the Los Azufres caldera and at Ixtlán. It is the same heat in three chapters: first you watch it erupt at 95 °C, then you bathe in what that heat has warmed, and finally you stand beside the caldera that makes electricity.

• The long leg is Ajacuba to Los Azufres. Sleep at Ajacuba and leave in the morning; do not stack another visit on the same day.
• Ixtlán has no hotel of its own. The day ends there: it is a visit, not an overnight.
• Centro Vacacional Ajacuba to Los Azufres Rancho Viejo is 2 h 45 min of driving. Better to end the day before you set off.
• Los Azufres Rancho Viejo to Géiser Ixtlán de los Hervores is 2 h 59 min of driving. Better to end the day before you set off.
• El Géiser surfaces at 95 °C and the pool sits at 40 °C. The jet is for looking; the bath is the other number.
• Centro Vacacional Ajacuba surfaces at 55 °C and the pool sits at 40 °C. The jet is for looking; the bath is the other number.
• Géiser Ixtlán de los Hervores surfaces at 90 °C and the pool sits at 40 °C. The jet is for looking; the bath is the other number.

1. Day 1

   Lodging on site: El Géiser

   1. El Géiser

      40 °C

      Tecozautla, Hidalgo

      The show of the route. The vent erupts at 95 °C and the pool beside it sits at 40 °C. There is a hotel.

      Paved road · Has a hotel

      See on the map

2. Day 2

   Lodging on site: Tlaco Balneario · Centro Vacacional Ajacuba

   1. 1 h 38 min · 75 km

      Tlaco Balneario

      43 °C

      Chilcuautla / Tlacotlapilco, Hidalgo

      The same valley, without the theatre: a 42 °C pool and a hotel. Everyday Mezquital heat.

      Paved road · Has a hotel

      See on the map

   2. 1 h 7 min · 54 km

      Centro Vacacional Ajacuba

      40 °C

      Ajacuba, Hidalgo

      A 55 °C vent beside 40 °C pools, inside a holiday centre with rooms.

      Paved road · Has a hotel

      See on the map

3. Day 3

   Lodging on site: Los Azufres Rancho Viejo

   1. 2 h 45 min · 210 km

      Los Azufres Rancho Viejo

      41 °C

      Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacán

      The caldera that produces about 250 MW, here in the form of a 41 °C pool. Sleep at the ranch.

      Paved and dirt · Has a hotel

      See on the map

4. Day 4

   No stop this day has lodging of its own

   1. 2 h 59 min · 227 km

      Géiser Ixtlán de los Hervores

      40 °C

      Ixtlán, Michoacán

      The census's other geyser, at 90 °C. You visit and move on: there is nowhere to stay on site.

      Paved road · No hotel on site

      See on the map