If you’re visiting Oaxaca, you must probably have Hierve el Agua at the top of your list, and so should you. This natural spring with pools and three petrified waterfalls (one of them 200 meters tall) is a majestic place worth seeing, especially for its breathtaking views of Oaxaca’s numerous green mountains. Locals say that when God created the earth, he sent here all the mountains he had to spare.
Update: Hierve el Agua is now open to the public!
1. Beat the crowds
Since Hierve el Agua is practically Oaxaca’s postcard, it’s almost imposible to skip the crowds. But, if you avoid Friday, Saturday and Sunday and be at the entrance by 8:00am, you’ll have a small window without anyone around (big buses of tourists tend to arrive at 8:30-9:00).
2. Wear comfortable shoes
From the parking lot, you’ll have to walk down the mountain a bit to see the waterfalls and pools, so wear a pair of sneakers and watch your step. They’ll also come in handy if you want to venture into the biggest waterfall and see the view from the top. And, do pack a pair or flip-flops for hanging around the pools, because it can get very slippery.
3. Don’t bring a swimsuit
Pictures of people inside the pools made us believe Hierve el Agua was a hot spring, but it turns out the water is freezing cold! Especially at 8:00am. So, if you are not preparing your visit for the afternoon, after the sun has warmed up the water, don’t bother bringing your swimsuit. Just take off your shoes, dip your feet and enjoy your surroundings.
4. Enjoy the road trip
Hierve el Agua is not that far from Oaxaca City, but because of the bumpy road and all the curves it’s a 1h30 drive. We suggest you calculate 2 hours, so you can stop and admire the beautiful views along the way.
5. Have pocket change with you
Restrooms charge $5.00 mxn per person, and they may not have change for big bills. Best to carry some coins and avoid paying extra.
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Useful information
- We’ve pinpointed the location on to this map.
- Open hours: 08:00 – 18:00
- Entrance fee: $25 mxn per person
- If you go by car, you’ll pass a sort of checkpoint where you’ll have to pay a toll of $10 mxn per person + $50 mxn for parking.
- A Taxi may charge you $200 mxn + whatever he’d like to charge for waiting + $200 mxn for the ride back.
- To get to the tallest waterfall, follow the path that’s on the right side of the main pool (the one with the tree). It’s very well traced, so you can’t get lost.
Also, here’s a list of our favorite spots to enjoy Oaxaca’s cuisine!
