
Home / Day Trips in South America / Day Trips in Mexico / Day Trips From Oaxaca de Juarez / Hierve el Agua Mexico: Day Trip From Oaxaca de Juarez
A day trip from Oaxaca to Hierve el Agua is a popular excursion that typically lasts between 8 to 12 hours, offering visitors a chance to experience some of the region’s natural and cultural highlights. These tours usually include visits to multiple sites, with Hierve el Agua being the main attraction. The petrified waterfalls and natural pools at Hierve el Agua are a stunning sight, where visitors can swim and enjoy the scenic views.
Most tours begin early in the morning, with pickup from hotels or designated meeting points in Oaxaca city. The exact pickup time is often confirmed a day before the tour, and participants are advised to be ready 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time. Tours are conducted in air-conditioned vehicles and led by bilingual guides who provide commentary in English and Spanish.
In addition to Hierve el Agua, these day trips often include stops at other notable sites such as the ancient Zapotec archaeological site of Mitla, the giant El Tule tree, and the artisan town of Teotitlán del Valle, known for its traditional rug-making. Many tours also incorporate a visit to a mezcal distillery, where visitors can learn about the production process and enjoy a tasting of this traditional Mexican spirit.
The price range for these day trips typically falls between $40 to $50 per person, depending on the specific itinerary and inclusions. It’s important to note that while transportation and guide services are usually included, entrance fees to sites (ranging from 20 to 90 Mexican pesos per site) and meals are often not included in the base price. Some tours offer a stop at a local restaurant for lunch, which may be an additional cost.
Visitors are advised to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, swimwear if planning to swim at Hierve el Agua, and cash in Mexican pesos for entrance fees and optional purchases. The tours are generally not suitable for people with mobility issues or certain health conditions, and may not be appropriate for very young children.
Most tour operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip, allowing for flexible planning. Overall, these day trips provide a comprehensive overview of Oaxaca’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, making them a popular choice for visitors looking to explore beyond the city limits.
Hierve el Agua is a stunning natural wonder located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, about 70 kilometers east of Oaxaca City. This unique geological site is renowned for its petrified waterfalls and mineral-rich spring water pools, making it a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
The name “Hierve el Agua” translates to “the water boils” in English, which is a misnomer as the water is actually cool. This name comes from the bubbling appearance of the springs as they emerge from the ground, resembling boiling water. The site consists of two main rock formations that look like cascading waterfalls frozen in time. These formations, created over thousands of years by mineral-rich water depositing calcium carbonate, are among the few examples of petrified waterfalls in the world.
The larger of the two formations is called “Cascada Grande” (Big Waterfall) and stands at an impressive height of about 30 meters. The smaller formation, known as “Cascada Chica” (Small Waterfall), is approximately 12 meters tall. These petrified waterfalls are not only visually striking but also geologically significant, offering insights into mineral deposition processes over millennia.
At the top of the rock formations, visitors can find a series of natural pools filled with mineral-rich spring water. These pools, varying in size and depth, offer a unique swimming experience with panoramic views of the surrounding Oaxacan mountains. The water in these pools is a striking turquoise color due to its high mineral content, primarily calcium carbonate and magnesium.
Beyond the main pools, there are hiking trails that lead to viewing points offering spectacular vistas of the petrified waterfalls and the surrounding valley. These trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, catering to different fitness levels and providing opportunities for visitors to explore the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
The site holds cultural significance for the local Zapotec people, who have inhabited the region for centuries. Ancient Zapotec irrigation systems have been discovered in the area, suggesting that Hierve el Agua has been an important water source for agricultural purposes for over 2,500 years.
Visiting Hierve el Agua is not just about admiring its natural beauty; it’s also an opportunity to experience local culture. The site is managed by the nearby community, and local guides offer tours that provide insights into the area’s geology, history, and cultural significance. Additionally, there are small eateries near the site where visitors can sample traditional Oaxacan cuisine.
Conservation efforts are ongoing at Hierve el Agua to protect this unique ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to follow responsible tourism practices, such as using biodegradable sunscreen to protect the mineral pools and staying on designated paths to prevent erosion.
The best time to visit Hierve el Agua is during the dry season, typically from November to April, when the weather is more predictable and the trails are easier to navigate. However, the site is open year-round, and the rainy season (May to October) offers its own charm with lush, green landscapes.
Access to Hierve el Agua has sometimes been affected by local disputes, so it’s advisable for visitors to check current conditions before planning a trip. Most visitors arrive as part of organized tours from Oaxaca City, which often combine the trip with visits to other nearby attractions like mezcal distilleries and artisan villages.
Hierve el Agua stands as a testament to the incredible diversity of Mexico’s natural landscapes. Its unique geological features, combined with the cultural richness of the Oaxaca region, make it a must-visit destination for those exploring this part of Mexico. Whether you’re swimming in the mineral pools, hiking the surrounding trails, or simply marveling at the petrified waterfalls, Hierve el Agua offers a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.
©2025 all rights reserved Guided Day Trips