La Barranca de Huentitán Agua Termal

## Overview La Barranca de Huentitán Agua Termal is a free natural hot spring located along the dramatic Barranca de Huentitán — one of the most impressive canyons in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Situated near the municipality of Tonalá on the outskirts of Guadalajara, this thermal spring emerges from deep within the canyon walls, fed by geothermal activity beneath the rugged volcanic landscape of western Mexico. The water at this hot spring has been described by visitors as pure and naturally heated, originating from underground sources within the Barranca de Huentitán rather than from the surface waters of the nearby Río Santiago. This distinction is important, as the Río Santiago and the adjacent Presa Colimillas (Colimillas Dam) have been widely documented as heavily contaminated. The thermal spring itself, however, draws from a separate subterranean source and has been reported to remain uncontaminated. The Barranca de Huentitán is a canyon of significant ecological and cultural importance to the Guadalajara metropolitan area. It is home to unique flora and fauna, some of which are considered at serious risk of extinction. Conservation advocates have raised concerns about proposals to expand dam infrastructure in the area, warning that such projects could threaten the canyon's delicate ecosystem — including this thermal spring and the species that depend on its clean, warm waters. ## Directions 1. From central Guadalajara, head northeast toward the Barranca de Huentitán area. 2. Navigate toward the GPS coordinates **20.696466, -103.225655**, which place the hot spring near the Presa Colimillas along the Río Santiago canyon. 3. The spring is located within the canyon itself, so expect a descent into the barranca. Access may involve steep, unimproved trails — sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. 4. Using a GPS-enabled device or offline maps app is highly advisable, as signage in the area may be limited. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on GPS coordinates. Local conditions and trail access can change — consider asking locals in the Huentitán or Tonalá area for the most current route information.* ## What to Expect Visitors to La Barranca de Huentitán Agua Termal will find a naturally heated spring set within the striking scenery of one of Jalisco's deepest canyons. The surrounding landscape features steep canyon walls, subtropical vegetation, and views of the Río Santiago far below. The hot spring water emerges from underground geothermal sources and has been reported by visitors to be clear and clean, distinct from the polluted surface water of the nearby river and dam. Water temperature and flow may vary seasonally. Be aware that reaching the spring requires navigating into the canyon, which can involve challenging terrain. The area is relatively remote, so visitors should come prepared with water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear. Cell phone service may be unreliable within the canyon. The ecological sensitivity of the Barranca de Huentitán cannot be overstated — visitors are encouraged to practice strict leave-no-trace principles to help protect the endangered species and fragile habitat that make this area so special.