Forget Pricey Pools, Locals Swarm FREE River Haven – But Danger Lurks

Feeling like you're roasting on a spit south of the border? You're not alone. When the mercury explodes in southern Morelos – and brother, does it explode – the smart money ain't wasting cash on fancy water parks with sky-high entrance fees. Nah, the real escape hatch, the place where everybody goes to beat the brutal heat, is the good ol' Tehuixtla River.

That's right – FREE. Zero pesos to dive into those cool, refreshing waters. Located near Jojutla, this stretch of the Amacuzac River has become the go-to spot for families and friends desperate to ditch the swelter for a few hours. Forget chlorinated concrete jungles; this is nature's answer to feeling like a fried egg on the sidewalk. You can swim, splash, or just park yourself on the bank and finally breathe.

But hold your horses, amigo. This ain't Disneyland on the water. The Tehuixtla ain't playing games. Those river currents can get serious, especially if you ain't Michael Phelps or if you've got kids or grandma tagging along. Non-swimmers? Forget about it, or stick to the absolute edge. The local honchos claim they roll out lifeguards and paramedics, especially during peak insanity like Holy Week, but let's be real: YOUR safety is YOUR job. Keep those peepers peeled, constant vigilance ain't just a suggestion, it's mandatory if you don't want your chill day turning into a tragedy. Little ones and the elderly are prime targets for trouble here, so watch 'em like a hawk.

Now, let's talk chow. Sure, you could be a tightwad and pack your own sandwiches. But where's the fun in that? Part of the Tehuixtla experience is navigating the scrum of vendors hawking local grub (check out the picture – sizzling shrimp, anyone?). Yeah, you gotta dodge some crowds, but hey, that's atmosphere! Plus, you can usually rent tables and chairs for peanuts. Even if you splurge a little, it's gonna cost you a heck of a lot less than those wallet-gouging theme parks. Want an insider tip? Locals buzz about a waterfall, the "borbollón," spilling out near the Issstehuixtla spa – might be worth checking out if the main river drag gets too jammed.

So How Do You Crash This Free Water Party?

Listen up, city slickers. If you're hoofing it from Mexico City:

1. Drag yourself to the Terminal del Sur bus station (that's in Taxqueña).
2. Grab a bus ticket to Jojutla.
3. From Jojutla, hop on the Route 8 public ride or hail a taxi – tell 'em "Issstehuixtla."

Got your own wheels?

1. Hit the Mexico-Acapulco highway, heading south.
2. Cough up the cash at the Alpuyeca toll booth.
3. Drive about 15 kilometers (that's like 9 miles) further. Keep your eyes peeled for the Tehuixtla-Tequesquitengo exit.
4. Follow the signs pointing towards Issstehuixtla. Boom, you're there.

The Tehuixtla River (or San Pedro Tehuixtla, if you wanna be official – the old timers say the name means something like 'place of spiky rocks,' which sounds about right) ain't fancy. It's real, it's crowded, it's cheap, and when that sun is beating down, it's paradise. It's a legit slice of local life away from the tourist traps. Just remember: respect the water, watch your back (and your kids), and maybe grab some of those shrimp. It beats melting in the heat, guaranteed.