Spas
Eje 5 Oriente #94, Col. Pantitlán. 08100
What it is. A public balneario in Pantitlán, in the east of the city: pools, warm water and the kind of family swimming complex that is a fixture of Mexican weekends and almost invisible to visitors.
What a balneario is, and what it is not. Not a spa. It is a swimming and bathing complex, typically with several pools at different temperatures, often fed by thermal or heated water, plus changing rooms, green space and food stalls. Entry is charged per person and is inexpensive; the clientele is local families, and weekends are busy.
Where it puts you. Pantitlán, in Iztacalco, is one of the most heavily connected points in the whole metropolitan area: Metro lines 1, 5, 9 and A all terminate or cross here, and the station is the busiest interchange in the system. It is not a tourist district — this is a working part of the city — but it is extremely easy to reach.
Practical notes. Eje 5 Oriente #94, colonia Pantitlán. Metro Pantitlán. Bring your own towel, flip-flops and a swimming cap, which many Mexican pools require; cash for entry and for the lockers. Confirm the opening days and current price by phone before travelling, since balnearios often close one day a week for maintenance.
