Laguna Larga (Los Azufres)

Which Laguna Larga this is

Several places in Mexico are called Laguna Larga, and a few have warm water nearby. This page covers the best known one for soaking: the Campamento Turístico Laguna Larga in Los Azufres, eastern Michoacán, a lakeside camp with thermal pools run by the Sociedad Ecoturística Laguna Larga de Los Azufres. If you were looking for a different Laguna Larga, check the state before you set off.

What to expect

Los Azufres is a high, cool, pine and fir forest in the hills of eastern Michoacán, part of the volcanic belt that crosses central Mexico. The ground here is hot. Steam vents, bubbling mud and sulphur springs are scattered through the woods, and the area is also a working geothermal field, so you will see pipelines and power installations on the drive in.

Laguna Larga itself is a long, narrow lake of cold fresh water ringed by trees. México Desconocido points out that the lake does not steam or show any thermal activity. The soaking is in the pools beside it. The cooperative runs three bathing sections, Laguna, Vivero and San Alejo, and one ticket covers all three. Between them there are pools, a children’s splash area and sulphur-smelling spring water. The operator says the springs reach up to 104°F40°C; a 2023 article by Escapada H put the soaking water at up to about 95°F35°C. The truth will vary by pool and by day.

This is a family place more than a spa. Expect picnic tables, gazebos, a restaurant serving regional food, a small shop and boats for hire on the lake. On a cold morning, the contrast between the frosty air and the warm water is the whole point.

Getting there

The usual route is through Ciudad Hidalgo, on Federal Highway 15 in eastern Michoacán.

• From Mexico City: take the México-Toluca highway west, continue toward Zitácuaro, then on to Ciudad Hidalgo, and follow local signs for Los Azufres. México Desconocido estimates about 4.5 hours; Escapada H says closer to 3.5. Leave early so you arrive in daylight.
• From Ciudad Hidalgo: take the road north toward Ucareo. It climbs steadily into the forest. Laguna Larga is signed from the road.
• From Morelia: drive east to Ciudad Hidalgo and follow the same route.

The mountain road is winding, and fog is common on winter mornings, so take it slowly. The camp has a large parking area. A car is by far the easiest way to get here; otherwise take a taxi from Ciudad Hidalgo.

When to go

October to March is the cool, dry season and the best time for a hot soak. Days are often clear and nights are cold in the high forest, which is when the warm pools feel best. México Desconocido also recommends this window.

Summer brings afternoon rain and lush forest. It is still pleasant, but the pools feel less special when the air is warm and wet.

Crowds: weekends, Semana Santa, the Christmas break and long weekends bring families from the surrounding cities. Weekdays are much quieter. If you want a cabin on a weekend, book at least a week ahead, as the operator advises.

Prices and booking

All prices are from the operator’s website, which carries a 2025 copyright. Confirm them when you book.

• Balneario: MX$100 adults, MX$80 children. Earlier articles from 2023 quoted MX$80, so prices have risen.
• Camping: MX$200 per person per night, adults and children alike. This includes one night and access to all three bathing sections. The camping area faces the lake and has toilets and showers.
• Cabins: from MX$1,200 a night for two people to MX$3,800 for a cabin sleeping 18. Each has a grill and a fireplace. Extra people MX$200.
• Rooms: from MX$550 a night for two, up to MX$3,800 for the largest suites.

The site lists phone and email contacts on its contact page, though they were not filled in when we checked. Book through the website or ask in Ciudad Hidalgo for current numbers. Opening hours are not posted online.

Where to stay nearby

The simplest option is to stay at the camp itself, in a tent, a cabin or a room. Other balnearios in Los Azufres, including the Eréndira, Tejamaniles and Rancho Viejo sites mentioned by México Desconocido, also rent cabins. Ciudad Hidalgo, down the hill, has ordinary hotels and full services. Morelia is the nearest large city.

Safety notes

• Official travel advice: Canada’s travel advisory for Mexico (updated October 19, 2026) tells visitors to avoid non-essential travel to Michoacán, except the cities of Morelia and Pátzcuaro. Los Azufres is outside those exceptions. If you decide to go, drive only in daylight, stay on main roads and check the latest advisory first.
• Hot ground: Los Azufres is an active geothermal area. Stay on paths, keep children away from steam vents and mud pools outside the balneario, and never test water you do not know.
• Sulphur: the water and air smell of sulphur. It can tarnish silver jewellery, so take it off before you soak.
• Cold nights: temperatures drop sharply after dark, especially in winter. Bring warm layers and a proper sleeping bag if you camp.
• Health claims: the operator promotes the sulphur water for skin and joint problems. Those are its own claims; treat the pools as a warm bath, not a treatment.

Nearby stops worth adding

Los Azufres has several other thermal balnearios within a short drive, each with its own pools and cabins, so you can try more than one in a weekend. The forest around Laguna Larga is good for short walks, birdwatching and, in the rainy season, mushroom spotting.