Quick answer
The most accessible hot springs from Puerto Escondido are the Atotonilco Hot Springs, in the village of San José Manialtepec (coastal Oaxaca), about 30 minutes west by car on Federal Highway 200. With KORU you rent your car or jeep in Puerto Escondido and go at your own pace in 2026.
Where are the Atotonilco hot springs really?
According to El Universal Oaxaca, the Atotonilco Hot Springs sit in the village of San José Manialtepec, about 30 minutes by car from Puerto Escondido, on the coast, not in the Sierra Sur or toward Oaxaca City. They are three natural pools of hot, sulphurous water rising among the rocks on a hillside, beside the Manialtepec River, in the municipality of Villa de Tututepec.
Watch out for two common mix-ups. San José del Pacífico, in the Sierra Sur about 3 hours away on Highway 175, is famous for its sea of clouds, its mushrooms and its temazcal steam baths, not for natural hot springs. And the developed Termas de Atotonilco are in Tepalcingo, Morelos, a different resort often confused with the coastal Oaxaca one.
How do you get there from Puerto Escondido?
The car only reaches the village of San José Manialtepec, west of Puerto Escondido on Federal Highway 200. From there the final stretch is on foot or on horseback: a round-trip trail of about 8 kilometers (5 miles, per AllTrails), moderate difficulty and close to 2 hours of walking, with slippery river crossings and a rocky bottom. This is the heart of the experience, not a spot you drive straight up to.
Hire a local guide
It is recommended to hire a local or certified guide in San José Manialtepec for the walking or horseback stretch. The trail crosses the river several times over a slippery bed; a guide helps with orientation and access and supports the community's economy. Set out early and wear firm shoes you can get wet.
When to go and what's the road like?
The Barranca Larga–Ventanilla motorway (104 km, opened on February 4, 2024, per SICT) links Oaxaca City with Puerto Escondido in about 2.5 hours, down from 6.5; Federal Highway 175, via San José del Pacífico, is the scenic official alternate. But in October 2025 the motorway suffered landslides with single-lane traffic (Heraldo de México), and Capufe recommended Highway 175 as the detour.
Book with KORU
For Manialtepec, a car with good ground clearance helps; message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we'll quote you. Insurance and deposit are confirmed at booking [VERIFY with KORU]. Remember the rainy and hurricane season runs June to October: in 2025 Hurricane Erick made landfall on June 19 near Pinotepa Nacional. Check the road and don't drive at night.
“Renting in Puerto Escondido gives you the freedom to leave early for Manialtepec, walk to the pools without rushing and be back at the beach the same day.”
— KORU RENT
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Frequently asked questions
The most accessible are the Atotonilco Hot Springs, in the village of San José Manialtepec, municipality of Villa de Tututepec, on the coast of Oaxaca and beside the Manialtepec River. They sit about 30 minutes by car west of Puerto Escondido, not in the Sierra Sur.
Not entirely. The car only reaches the village of San José Manialtepec on Federal Highway 200. The final stretch is on foot or on horseback: a trail of about 8 kilometers round trip, with close to 2 hours of walking and slippery river crossings.
Yes, it is recommended to hire a local or certified guide in San José Manialtepec for the walking or horseback stretch. The trail crosses the river several times over a rocky, slippery bed; a guide helps with access and orientation and supports the community's economy.
Entry is usually under about 150 pesos per person, in cash, with basic community services. There are no ATMs and almost no signal, so bring small bills. Confirm the amount and the state of the access locally before going, as it can change with the season.
No. San José del Pacífico, in the Sierra Sur about 3 hours away on Highway 175, is famous for its sea of clouds, its mushrooms and its temazcal steam baths, not for natural hot springs. It is a different destination sometimes confused with Atotonilco.
The dry season, November to April, offers firmer roads and safer river crossings. From June to October it rains and there can be floods and landslides, like those on the motorway in October 2025. Leave early, with a full tank, and avoid driving at night.
KORU RENT operates in Puerto Escondido. Message us on WhatsApp to book your car or jeep and plan your day at the Atotonilco hot springs. Drive calmly, check the road and enjoy the coast of Oaxaca.