A thermal water park in a hidden valley near Villanueva, about 60-63 km south of Zacatecas city, built around a large thermal pool that feeds five smaller pools, with four water slides for a family day out reached along a dirt access road.
Parque Acuatico El Salitre sits in a secluded area near Zapoqui, part of Villanueva municipality, about 60 to 63 km south of Zacatecas city on Federal Highway 54. The drive takes roughly 45 to 50 minutes to Villanueva, followed by a dirt access road into the park itself - there is no scheduled public transport for this last stretch, so a car is the only practical way in.\n\nThe park has operated for about a decade around a large thermal pool that feeds water into five smaller pools of varying depth, along with four water slides for children and teenagers. It has a rustic, hidden-away character rather than the polish of a large commercial water park, which is part of its local appeal - it draws mostly regional visitors rather than international tourists.\n\nA half to full day works well here: the pools and slides fill a morning and afternoon easily, and visitors should bring their own food since on-site options are limited. The dirt road access means conditions can be rougher after heavy rain, so a standard car should be fine in dry weather but visitors should check conditions during the June-September rainy season.
| Distance | About 60-63 km south of Zacatecas city via Federal Highway 54, roughly 45-50 minutes by car |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Car via Federal Highway 54 to Villanueva, then a dirt access road; no scheduled public transport to the park itself |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | Year-round, busiest March-October and Semana Santa |
| Address | Zapoqui, Villanueva, Zac. |
Amenities
- Thermal pools of varying sizes
- Four water slides
- Basic changing facilities
- Parking
Good to know
- Best for
- Families and travelers wanting a lesser-known thermal spot away from the capital
- Water
- Natural thermal spring water feeding a main pool and five secondary pools
- Facilities
- Multiple thermal pools, four water slides, basic changing rooms, parking
Location
Zapoqui, Villanueva, Zac.
22.3536, -102.8831 View on map
Highlights
- Swim in a large thermal pool that feeds five smaller pools of varying depth
- Use the park's four water slides, popular with children and teenagers
- Experience a hidden, rustic thermal spot reached by dirt road rather than a commercial resort
- Combine with a visit to Villanueva's town center on the same day
Tips for visiting
- The final approach is a dirt road - check conditions before driving during the June-September rainy season.
- Bring food and drinks; on-site options are limited.
- Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience; the park is busiest on weekends and during Semana Santa.
- Combine with a stop in Villanueva town, a short drive away.
When to visit
Year-round; busiest March through October and during Semana Santa. Check road conditions in the rainy season.
Accessibility
The pool decks are mostly flat but the dirt access road and basic facilities make the park difficult for wheelchair users or travelers with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Parque Acuatico El Salitre?
By car via Federal Highway 54 to Villanueva, then a dirt access road into the park. There is no scheduled public transport for the final stretch.
How far is it from Zacatecas city?
About 60 to 63 km south, roughly 45 to 50 minutes of driving to Villanueva plus the additional dirt-road approach.
What makes this balneario different from the larger water parks?
Its secluded, dirt-road setting and rustic character give it a hidden-away feel compared to more developed commercial parks elsewhere in the state.