Recowata Hot Springs Tour

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat amid stunning scenery, the Recowata Hot Springs Tour offers a chance to unwind in warm mineral pools surrounded by the rugged beauty of Chihuahua’s canyon landscapes. While I haven’t taken this trip myself, I’ve researched carefully to give you a detailed, balanced view of what you can expect. This tour is especially appealing if you love natural settings, scenic viewpoints, and a relaxed pace that lets you soak in the environment at your leisure.

What I particularly like about this experience is how it combines scenic vistas with natural thermal pools—offering both visual splendor and genuine relaxation. Plus, the inclusion of local guides and the thoughtful touches like a prepared meal or snack make it feel more personalized than many group tours. That said, a possible drawback is the cost of lockers (MX$90), which might seem extra if you’re on a tight budget.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature, want a break from busy city life, and are comfortable with a 3-kilometer descent into a canyon. It’s ideal for those who want a mix of sightseeing and soaking, with a flexible schedule and a private, intimate group experience.

Key Points

• Authentic natural experience: Soak in warm mineral pools at Recowata, kept at 30°C year-round.
• Scenic views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas from the canyon viewpoint and during the descent.
• Flexible exploration: Guides provide detailed info, but you’re free to relax at your own pace.
• Convenient transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup included, making logistics simple.
• Value for price: At $99, it covers transportation, guide service, water, and a snack—good value for a full-day outing.
• Potential extra costs: Locker rental is available for MX$90, and food is not included, so plan accordingly.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins with a hotel pickup in Creel, a charming town in the heart of the Chihuahua mountains. From there, you’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, with your private group. This is a big plus because it simplifies logistics and keeps the experience intimate—perfect if you prefer avoiding large, crowded tours.

First Stop: Aguas Termales De Recohuata

Your adventure kicks off with a visit to the hot springs at Recohuata, located at the bottom of the Tararecua canyon. The springs stay at a cozy 30°C all year, making them pleasant for relaxing baths or just enjoying the soothing warm waters. The drive to this spot offers scenic views, and the tour is flexible—whether you prefer to walk down or take a vehicle, the descent offers spectacular canyon vistas.

In reviews, this part of the tour is highly praised for its tranquility. Travelers often mention how refreshing it is to dip into the thermal pools after a scenic drive and walk. The natural setting feels untouched and genuine, far from the commercialized hot springs you might find elsewhere.

Second Stop: Tararecua Canyon Viewpoint

Next, you’ll ascend to the Tararecua Canyon viewpoint — a spot that offers panoramic views over part of the Copper Canyon circuit. From here, you’ll get a bird’s-eye perspective of the rugged ravines and lush vegetation below. This viewpoint is free and open to all, allowing for photos and quiet contemplation of the vast landscape.

Reviews highlight how stunning the view is, especially if the weather is clear. It’s a worthwhile pause that underscores the region’s impressive geology and natural beauty.

Third Stop: Descending into the Canyon

After soaking in the views, you’ll descend another 3 kilometers into the canyon, either by foot or vehicle—your choice. This descent is the highlight for many, as it offers incredible visuals of the canyon walls and the surrounding wilderness. The descent itself is lively and offers plenty of opportunities for photos, with some describing it as “spectacular.”

This part of the tour is both exciting and peaceful, giving you a closer look at the canyon’s rugged terrain. The walk down is manageable, and even if you choose the vehicle option, you’ll enjoy the same breathtaking scenery.

Final Stop: The Hot Springs at the Bottom

Finally, you’ll arrive at the bottom of the canyon, where the hot springs await. The pools are kept at a constant 30°C, making them ideal for relaxing, especially in cooler weather. Many travelers comment on how they appreciated the chance to unwind in the natural thermal waters, feeling the stress melt away while surrounded by the sounds of nature.

The tour emphasizes relaxation, so take your time to enjoy the pools, splash around, or just sit and take in the view. A prepared table awaits you, allowing you to enjoy a meal or snack—either brought along or purchased during the tour—adding a personal touch to your experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers round-trip transportation in a comfortable vehicle, bottled water, and the services of an expert guide. It’s a private experience, so your group will be the only ones participating, fostering a more relaxed and personalized atmosphere.

Snacks and meals are not included; you’ll need to bring your own or buy something locally. The locker rental (MX$90) is optional but recommended if you wish to secure valuables during your soak.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $99 per person, this tour balances cost and experience well. The price includes transportation, guide service, bottled water, and a scenic, relaxing day in nature. The addition of a prepared meal or snack enhances the experience, making it feel more complete. Compared to other excursions in similar environments, it’s a solid deal, especially considering the private nature of the tour and the flexibility it offers.

Considerations

While the tour is priced reasonably, keep in mind the extra cost of lockers if you plan to store valuables. Also, since food is not included, you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to buy them on-site. Weather can influence the experience, so it’s wise to check the forecast—canceled tours due to poor weather are fully refundable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing day in nature with scenic views and thermal pools. It’s suitable for those who enjoy gentle hikes or descents and want a more intimate, guided experience rather than a large group. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat.

It’s also a good choice if you appreciate authentic natural settings with minimal commercial influence. If you’re after a quick splash of adventure combined with stunning scenery, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Recowata Hot Springs Tour offers a peaceful and scenic escape into Chihuahua’s rugged wilderness. Its combination of natural thermal pools, panoramic canyon views, and flexible itinerary makes it an appealing choice for anyone wanting to recharge away from crowds. The included amenities and private group setting add to its value, ensuring you get a personalized and memorable experience.

While it does require some walking and descent into the canyon, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking scenery and soothing warm waters. The optional locker fee and food not being included are minor considerations, but overall, this tour promises a genuine connection with nature in a setting you’ll find both beautiful and restorative.

This trip is best for travelers who love being outdoors, enjoy scenic vistas, and want a peaceful day to reconnect with nature. If you’re after a quiet, authentic experience with a touch of adventure, the Recowata Hot Springs Tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup directly from your hotel in Creel, making it convenient to start your day without worries about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and relaxing in the hot springs.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, snacks or a packed lunch (since food isn’t included), and cash if you want to rent a locker or buy snacks locally.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the descent into the canyon—kids should be comfortable with walking and outdoor activities.

Are the pools accessible year-round?
Yes, the hot springs are kept at 30°C all year, making it a good option regardless of the season.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Bad weather might lead to cancellation and a full refund or rescheduling.