A day tour in Montanejos hot springs.

REVIEW · MONTANEJOS THERMAL SPRINGS & HIKES

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs.

  • 4.519 reviews
  • 8 hours (approx.)
  • From $107.17
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Traveller rating 4.5 (19)Duration8 hours (approx.)Price from$107.17Book viaViator

Hot springs and a waterfall in one day? Yes, please. This Montanejos tour is built around real swimming time—geothermal warm baths at Fuente de los Baños, then a second chance to cool off in the river at Salto de la Novia. What I like most is that you’re not just looking from the sidelines: you get hands-on time in both water stops, and you’ll do it with an English-speaking guide (often Juan Carlos) who keeps things upbeat with smart guidance and good timing. The one thing to think about is that this runs for about 8 hours and is best when the weather cooperates, so come prepared for a day that leans outdoors.

The pacing is also the right kind of structured. You start with a smooth Valencia-to-Montanejos transfer, then you get a long block at the main hot spring area, followed by the waterfall stop before heading back to Valencia. My other favorite detail: the tour price includes the big paid entrances (hot springs and waterfall), while lunch is on you, so you can plan your own food budget instead of being forced into one set meal.

One possible drawback: like many day tours, it can feel less like a guided lecture and more like a well-run route with time to enjoy. In a couple of cases, people expected more on-the-road talk and more hands-on direction. If you’re the type who wants constant narration, you’ll likely get more value by asking questions and being clear about what you want to see.

Key highlights that make this day trip worth your time

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs. - Key highlights that make this day trip worth your time

  • Two swim moments: warm spring bathing at Fuente de los Baños, then river time at Salto de la Novia
  • Tickets included where it counts: entry for the hot springs and the waterfall stop is built into the price
  • Small group size (max 6): easier conversations and a less-chaotic feel than big-bus tours
  • An experienced, personable guide: Juan Carlos is repeatedly credited for friendly, well-timed guidance and jokes
  • Air-conditioned transport: comfortable transfers for the longer ride between Valencia and Montanejos
  • You must be on time for the meeting point: the schedule is tight, and departure is at 9:00 am

Montanejos hot springs: what the day actually delivers

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs. - Montanejos hot springs: what the day actually delivers
This is a classic “Valencia escape” day. You leave the city behind, spend most of the day around Montanejos’s thermal area, then add the showstopper that locals brag about: a waterfall stop with river bathing options at Salto de la Novia.

The tour’s value isn’t just that it includes two attractions. It’s that the time allocation supports real enjoyment. Fuente de los Baños is a full block (about 3.5 hours), and Salto de la Novia is scheduled so you’re not stuck in a long car window with only a quick photo. That matters, because with water-based stops, the best part isn’t always the view—it’s the time spent in it.

Also, the route is practical. You’re not bouncing between too many “one-and-done” photo spots. The day is built around two anchor experiences, with the travel time serving those anchors rather than stealing from them.

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The 9:00 am meeting point and the schedule reality

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs. - The 9:00 am meeting point and the schedule reality
You’ll meet at Av. d’Aragó, 31, El Pla del Real, 46010 València. The start time is 9:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Here’s the scheduling truth: when a trip like this is aiming to fit hot springs plus a waterfall, punctuality is not optional. If you arrive late, you don’t just miss a few minutes—you can miss the departure itself, and that’s how the day unravels.

If you’re staying near the city center, this is straightforward. If your hotel is farther away, plan for transit and a little buffer. Even a short walk can eat time. I’d rather you arrive early, stretch your legs, and get your bearings fast than show up stressed.

Valencia to Montanejos: a comfortable transfer that sets the tone

The trip starts with about 1 hour 30 minutes heading out of Valencia toward Montanejos by van or bus, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. This is the kind of ride that keeps the day from feeling like a slog—especially if you’re going in warm weather.

Why this matters: you’re trading a “drive yourself” headache for a route that’s already timed. You don’t have to figure out the order of stops, and you don’t have to worry about where to park. That’s not glamorous, but it is the difference between enjoying the day and spending your energy on logistics.

The tour keeps this part simple: you’re transferring into the Montanejos area and getting ready for the main water stop.

Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos: where the thermal time happens

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs. - Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos: where the thermal time happens
This is the centerpiece. You’ll spend about 3 hours 30 minutes at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, where the tour includes admission. The core idea is bathing in the hot springs—water time, not just viewing time.

You also have a restaurant on-site at the hot springs area. Food isn’t included, but having the option right where you’re already relaxing can be a big convenience. If you try to turn this into a separate lunch mission, you risk losing prime bathing time.

What to expect from the experience itself:

  • Expect to spend time in the water, not just pass through.
  • Plan for a slower rhythm than the waterfall stop, because hot springs reward “settle in” time.
  • Bring the mindset that you’re going to feel warmer than usual, so pacing matters when you’re moving afterward.

A few practical thoughts you’ll appreciate:

  • Bring swimwear you’re comfortable wearing for a long stretch.
  • If you use sandals or water-friendly shoes, pick something you can handle easily around wet areas.
  • If you like photos, do a quick “walk and scout” before you go too deep into bathing—once you’re relaxed, it’s harder to remember you wanted that one shot.

The best part of this stop is that it’s built for downtime. A day trip can easily become exhausting if everything is rushed. Here, you get enough time to actually slow down.

Salto de la Novia waterfall: views plus a river-bathing option

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs. - Salto de la Novia waterfall: views plus a river-bathing option
After the hot springs, you head to Salto de la Novia. The timing is about 2 hours total, including travel and time at the waterfall area: roughly an hour’s drive from Montanejos (then about an hour at the site).

Admission for this stop is included too. And the experience isn’t only “look at the waterfall.” The plan includes time to see the waterfall and bathe in the river.

A realistic way to think about this stop:

  • You’ll likely do more moving here—walk around, find the viewing spot, then decide if you want river time.
  • Water temperature can feel different from the hot springs. That contrast is part of the fun, but it also changes your energy level.

Also, this stop is where the guide’s value shows up. People who leave happy with this tour often highlight that the guide points out the best viewpoints and helps you time your swim so you’re not scrambling. Guides like Juan Carlos are often described as friendly and good at keeping the energy light, which helps when you’re switching from warm baths to cooler river water.

One more note: some departures may include extra scenic passes along the way (like the area around Navajas and the nearby pantano, or reservoir), but that can’t be assumed for every run. Even if that detail isn’t part of your exact day, the waterfall stop itself is the main reason you’re here.

How the guide changes the experience (Juan Carlos, small group, English)

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs. - How the guide changes the experience (Juan Carlos, small group, English)
This tour tops out at 6 travelers, which is a big deal for a day like this. Smaller groups mean:

  • easier conversation
  • less waiting around
  • more chances to ask questions while you’re actually at the sites

It’s also offered in English, which helps a lot when you want guidance on where to go, what to prioritize, and how to get the most out of bathing areas.

In multiple accounts, Juan Carlos is specifically praised for being warm, funny, and tuned into the day—showing people the best spots to enjoy the views and swim. Even if your personal style is more quiet, that kind of guide presence helps keep the day smooth.

That said, not every tour will feel like a constant commentary session. If you’re the type who wants a running tour script the entire time, you may find this more hands-on and time-based than lecture-heavy. The upside: you’re spending more of the day actually in the water and less of it listening.

What’s included, what isn’t, and where you can save

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs. - What’s included, what isn’t, and where you can save
Here’s the straightforward breakdown:

Included:

  • Transfer to attractions
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tickets (hot springs and waterfall admission are covered)
  • Mobile ticket

Not included:

  • Lunch (you can eat at the hot springs restaurant, but you pay for food yourself)

Price check: it’s listed at $107.17 per person for about 8 hours. On paper, that might sound steep if you compare it to the cost of bus fuel or an individual ticket. But this price is buying you the parts that cost time and friction: round-trip transport out of Valencia and entry fees that would be annoying to coordinate on your own.

If you already know you want two specific water stops and you’d rather not plan the day yourself, this can feel like good value. If you love DIY and you’re comfortable driving and figuring out your own timing, you might be able to do it cheaper—but you’ll trade that savings for stress.

Practical tips so your day feels easy

A day tour in Montanejos hot springs. - Practical tips so your day feels easy
A tour like this is simple, but water days have their own rhythms. Here’s how to make it smoother:

Arrive early at the meeting point. The start is 9:00 am. Build in time to get there, check your mobile ticket, and avoid last-minute panic.

Bring what you’ll need for swimming. Swimwear is obvious, but also think about what you’ll want for wet conditions after. The tour includes river bathing time, so you’ll want footwear or sandals that won’t turn into a hassle.

Plan for changing temperatures. Hot springs warm you up. Then you may be moving to a cooler river environment at Salto de la Novia. Take a minute before you jump in at the river, and don’t treat it like it’s the same water as the hot baths.

Budget for lunch. You’ll have the option to eat near the hot springs area, but food costs extra. If you want something specific, bring a plan rather than guessing.

Bring a weather mindset. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So check the forecast the day before and be flexible.

Who this day trip suits best

This is a great pick if you:

  • want a water-focused day with real time to bathe
  • like small groups and a more personal pace
  • prefer a guided route instead of driving from stop to stop
  • are traveling in English and want guidance without translation stress

It’s also a solid “family-with-children” style outing because the group is small and the schedule gives you downtime at the hot springs. That said, it still involves walking and water time, so keep your group’s comfort level in mind.

If you’re mostly looking for a lot of monuments, city wandering, or a long guided history talk, this isn’t built for that. This is about the water: hot springs first, waterfall and river second.

Should you book this Montanejos hot springs day trip?

I’d book it if your priority is a well-paced combo of thermal bathing plus a waterfall river stop—and you want transport and tickets handled without turning the day into a planning project.

I might hesitate if:

  • you need constant guide narration and very structured explanations at every step
  • you’re strongly budget-focused and don’t mind DIY logistics
  • you know you’ll be late to a 9:00 am departure (because punctuality really matters here)

One last practical thought: with a small group (max 6) and a schedule that’s clearly designed around the water times, this tour tends to reward people who arrive prepared and ready to enjoy rather than “collect sights.” If that sounds like your style, you’ll probably have a day you remember long after the drive back to Valencia.

FAQ

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

How long is the Montanejos hot springs day trip?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes transfers, an air-conditioned vehicle, and tickets. Lunch is not included.

Do I need a mobile ticket?

Yes, this tour uses a mobile ticket.

Where do I meet the guide, and what time does it start?

You meet at Av. d’Aragó, 31, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, starting at 9:00 am. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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