Experiencing the magic of Hierve el Agua in 2023

The magic of Hierve el Agua.

What is Hierve el Agua known for?

These remarkable petrified waterfalls of Hierve El Agua, formed from calcium carbonate, have been shaped over thousands of years by the flowing carbonated water. Descending from the springs, the water gracefully plunges down rugged cliffs that stand over 50 meters tall.

Magic!!! Is the only way to describe Hierve el Agua. High up in the mountains with spectacular panoramic views, and miles away from anywhere (60km from Oaxaca City), lies these amazing petrified waterfalls and natural pools. You have to see this place if you are in Oaxaca city.

It’s amazing that for thousands of years, natural springs have been running into the pools and off the cliff face and have formed what looks like frozen waterfalls. It nearly looks fake.

On the way up, get ready for about 10 km’s of windy, bumpy roads. It all adds to the adventure. Just sit back, hold on and enjoy the ride.

So get yourself out of the city for a day trip and some fresh air.

If you’re feeling up to it, take a dip in the pools. Hierve el Agua actually means boil the water, but the water was freezing, although refreshing. But it’s one of those things, if you go all the way up there, you might as well take a dip.

The Hierve el Agua Cabañas

The best way to get the whole place to yourself is to stay a night in the cabañas there. You can’t book them, just turn up. For 160 pesos ($10) pp per night, it’s totally worth it. We got there in the afternoon and watched the tour groups come and go until about 5pm. Then everybody was gone. Not a sound. Chilled out in total peace to watch the sun go down over the mountains. Then woke up for sun rise, walked down to the pools and got to enjoy the place without a single person there. Magical!! If you want to get the good pics, stay the night in a cabaña.

There’s about 7-8 comedores with all the typical Mexican food, so you won’t go hungry. They shut when the last of the tours leave.

How to get there.

Tours

There are two ways to get there. Do an organised full day tour from Oaxaca city for about 200 pesos ($13) plus entrance fees of about 100 pesos These can be booked through your hotel/hostel or there are lots of companies in town. They will pick you up at about 10am. You will visit four places. Tule (the biggest tree in the world, measured by width), a small factory/workshop of Mexican hand crafts, Hierve el aqua and a Mezcal factory. This is a great way to see a bit of everything.

On your own

The other way is to do it solo. Walk 20 mins to the baseball stadium in downtown, where you can take shared taxis/colectivos 40 minutes to Mitla for 25 pesos. There you will get dropped off near a waiting pick-up truck/camioneta that will take you up to Hierve el Agua in about 40 minutes for 40 pesos. They will drop you off a 10 min walk from the entrance.

Hierve el Agua is defiantly worth the day trip. You just have to visit this place. It’s awesome!

JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off-the-beaten-path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

You’ve been there? Let me know how it was.

Also in the Oaxaca valley is another natural wonder, the ancient tree of El Tule. Check it out on your way back into town!

Happy travels!!