Hierve el Agua Petrified Waterfalls Tour from Oaxaca

The petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua lies in the mountains east of Oaxaca, about 70 kilometres from the city, at the edge of the Zapotec community of San Isidro Roaguía. Its name means "the water boils", after the springs that bubble up from the ground. The water is rich in calcium carbonate and other minerals, and over thousands of years, as it flowed over the cliff edge and evaporated, it left behind huge white curtains of rock.

There are two formations: the larger cascade, visible across the ravine from the main viewpoint, and the smaller one, right below the pools. Seen from a distance they look exactly like frozen waterfalls hanging from the green mountainside. A trail leads down and around to the best viewpoint of the larger cascade; allow time for the walk back up, which is steep in places.

The natural pools on the cliff edge

Above the smaller cascade, the spring water collects in shallow natural pools that seem to spill straight into the valley, like an infinity pool shaped by nature. The water is cool rather than hot, despite the name, and is tinted turquoise by the minerals. Swimming in the pools is the highlight of many visits, so bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes.

Around the pools you see the small springs themselves, gently bubbling, and thin streams running across the mineral terraces. The rock can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and move carefully near the edge. The best time to visit Hierve el Agua is in the morning before the midday heat, and this tour arrives in good time to enjoy the pools and the light before the busiest hours.

Ancient terraces and views over the valleys

Hierve el Agua is not only a natural wonder. The Zapotec people who lived in this area built small irrigation canals and terraces on the slope to carry the spring water to their fields, and traces of this system, more than two thousand years old, can still be seen near the pools. The optional walk with a local guide explains the geology, the history and the cultural importance of the site for the community that cares for it.

From the paths around the cliffs the views open over deep valleys and layer after layer of blue mountains, especially beautiful on clear days. Many visitors ask whether Hierve el Agua is worth visiting from Oaxaca: for the combination of scenery, swimming and history it is one of the most rewarding day trips in the region.

How to get to Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca

Reaching Hierve el Agua on your own means a long ride by public transport and a final stretch on a mountain road, so a Hierve el Agua tour with transport is the easiest option. The van leaves central Oaxaca at 09:00 and takes about 1.5 hours, crossing the valley east of the city before climbing into the hills.

On site you have about 3 hours. If you join the optional local guided walk, which lasts around an hour, you still have about 2 hours of free time; if not, the full 3 hours are yours. There is no breakfast stop, so eat before you leave and bring a packed lunch, snacks and water. The entrance ticket is paid at the site. At the end the van brings you back to Oaxaca and drops you at your accommodation.