Hierve el Agua
Mineral-rich spring water has deposited white, seemingly frozen 'petrified waterfalls' down a cliff. Natural pools on the cliff edge let you swim while gazing over the mountains.
Hierve el Agua lies in the mountains about 70 km southeast of Oaxaca city. Its name means 'boiling water', but the spring water is not actually hot; it only bubbles. Over thousands of years, calcium carbonate has built up on the cliff face, forming white travertine 'waterfalls' 30-50 meters high that look like frozen streams from afar. At the top of the cliff, several natural and man-made mineral pools let you swim while gazing out over the valley. It's Oaxaca's most photogenic scene. From the car park, it takes about 10 minutes to walk down to the pools. A roughly one-hour loop trail descends to a viewpoint on the opposite side, where you can capture the full view of the big waterfall. The site is managed by the local community, and separate entry and village fees apply, totaling several dozen pesos. It is usually combined with Mitla and the mezcal distilleries in a day trip. The final stretch by car is a mountain road. The site has been temporarily closed due to community disputes, so check whether it is open before setting out. Bring swimwear and non-slip shoes, as the travertine surface is slippery.
Opening hours
About 8:00am–6:00pm (community-managed; may close temporarily)
Nearby sights
- Mitla
- Santiago Matatlán
- Yagul
- Tlacolula Sunday Market
- Teotitlán del Valle
- Dainzú
- Árbol del Tule
- Ocotlán de Morelos