Hierve el Agua is a beautiful natural wonder located in Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s a set of mineral springs and rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls. Here is a travel guide to help you plan your trip to Hierve el Agua.
Information about Hierve el Agua
There’s an entrance fee of around 50 Mexican pesos per person to enter and you have restrooms, showers, and changing rooms available on-site. They also have several food and drink vendors at Hierve el Agua selling traditional Mexican snacks, soft drinks, and beer. Try their mangos and coconuts. They are delicious!
When to visit Hierve el Agua
The best time to visit Hierve el Agua is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is usually sunny and warm during this time.
How to get to Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is located about 70 km southeast of the city of Oaxaca and the journey takes around 2 hours. The easiest way to get there is by hiring a taxi or taking a guided tour, but you can also rent a car and drive there yourself.
What to do in Hierve el Agua
There are several things to do in Hierve el Agua:
Hiking: The area around Hierve el Agua is perfect for hiking. There are several trails you can take that offer stunning views of the valley and the cascading waterfalls.
Swimming: There are several natural pools at Hierve el Agua that you can swim in. The water is cool and refreshing, and it’s a great way to cool off after a long hike.
Photography: Hierve el Agua is a photographer’s paradise. The stunning views and unique rock formations make it a great place to take photos.
Petrified Waterfall: The star of the place. The petrified waterfall is a unique rock formation that resembles a cascading waterfall. It’s a must-see when visiting Hierve el Agua.
What to pack for Hierve el Agua
When visiting Hierve el Agua, be sure to bring:
Comfortable shoes: The area around Hierve el Agua is rocky and uneven, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
Sunscreen: The sun can be intense in Oaxaca, so it’s important to protect your skin with sunscreen.
Swimsuit and towel: If you plan on swimming, be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel.
Hat: The sun can be intense in Oaxaca, so wearing a hat can help protect your face from the sun.
Water and snacks: There are some local vendors at Hierve el Agua, but its always good to bring plenty of water and snacks.
Tips to visit Hierve el Agua
Here are a few tips to make your visit to Hierve el Agua more enjoyable:
Arrive early: Hierve el Agua can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Arriving early can help you avoid the crowds and enjoy the stunning views in peace.
Respect the environment: Hierve el Agua is a natural wonder, so it’s important to respect the environment. Don’t litter and be careful not to damage the rocks or vegetation.
Bring cash: There are no ATMs at Hierve el Agua, so be sure to bring cash for any souvenirs or snacks you might want to buy.
Tour Experience
I decided to go with a tour as I didn’t feel comfortable driving by myself. I booked it with Coyote Adventures and I had the best experience. The tour starts really early in the morning in Oaxaca. On your way to Hierve el Agua, you stop for an authentic delicious breakfast. You would be one of the first people to enter the Hierve el Agua and will have enough time to explore the area and relax. Then you will begin the 7km hike down the valley to reach another secret hidden oasis. After hiking, you will stop for lunch and continue your way to a Mezcal Distillery own by a local family where they will demonstrate the magic of mezcal production.
Use this Hierve el Agua travel guide to plan your trip. If you need more information about Oaxaca, check my Oaxaca travel guide.
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