Everything you need to know about Hierve el Agua
Thinking about taking a splash at Hierve el Agua? Well, you’re in for a treat my friends. It’d be fair to say that you probably haven’t experienced anything quite like Hierve el Agua because I don’t think there’s anything else quite like it.
A mind-boggling natural wonder nestled in the heart of Oaxaca, located about 1.5 hours away from Oaxaca City, Hierve el Agua offers a unique blend of relaxation and awe-inspiring beauty. The frozen waterfall-like formations is truly a sight to behold. So, in a nutshell, Hierve el Agua is where you wanna be.
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How to get from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua?
There’s 4 ways to get to there… from taking a tour, to going it solo.
1 – Tours of Hierve el Agua
Taking a tour to Hierve el Agua is your easiest and best option. Hotel pick-ups, a guided tour and a chance to ask your guide questions about everything and anything Oaxaca related gives you the best value. The best part is that to get to Hierve el Agua, you have to go past the Mezcal region and get to visit some towns along the way.
Some tours take you to Hierve el Agua, let you bask in its glory for 1-2 hours (because Instagram-worthy moments can’t wait forever), and then whisk you away to other cool spots in Oaxaca. Places like the majestic Arbol de Tule Tree, the enchanting Mitla pueblo mágico (magic town), the village of Tlacolula de Matamoros Oaxaca, and even the behind-the-scenes look at how the heavenly Oaxaca mezcal is made at the Fabrica de Mezcal Artesanal.
The best tours are :
El Tule – Teotitlán del Valle – Mitla ruins – Hierve el Agua – Mezcal
Private Tour – Hierve el Agua – Mezcal tasting – Textiles
2 – Hire a Private Driver for the day
You can hire a private driver here for the day. Also taxi drivers are quiet often willing to do day trips to anywhere you like at a negotiated day price if you ask while in town or at your hotel.
3 – How to get to Hierve el Agua without a tour.
It’s possible to get to Hierve el Agua without a tour, but just it’s going to be a bit of a mission as there’s no direct route. It takes around 2.5 hours each way.
There’s 3 steps and its a little time consuming, but if you’re up for the journey… 👌 I’ve done it a few times, but I also live here so I’m not on any time limits or wanting to see the making of mezcal or artenesias along the way.
Ok, first, make your way in front of the volgswagon dealership alongside the baseball staduim here. Here you’ll either take the bus or a shared collectivo (maron looking taxi) heading towards MITLA. Tell them you’re going to Hierve el Agua. You’ll then be dropped off at the pick-up trucks just as you enter Mitla. You’ll jump in the back of one of them and head up the 45 min bumpy drive up the mountain. They leave about every half an hour or when they’re full. And do the reverse on the way back.
Can you swim at Hierve el Agua?
Yes is the short answer! So make sure you take your swimming gear.
Did you know Hierve el Agua means ‘boiling water’? Are you thinking thermal pools? I’m afraid to be the one to let you know, while the water bubbles out of the ground like boiling water, it’s actually quite cold when you first get in. But so refreshing.
Hierve de Agua cabins / cabañas
Hierve el Agua actually has cabins / cabañas you can stay at, and will cost you between $600 – $1200 pesos (US$35-US$70) a night. These can’t be booked online or anything, the only way is to turn up and ask. The one time I stayed there, we were the only ones there.
The best part of the Hierve el Agua cabins is that whoever is staying there will be the only people in the whole place from 5pm, and doesn’t open again until 7am.
Best time to Visit Hierve el Agua?
As early as possible is best. If you’re on a tour, depending which one, you’ll likely get there in the afternoon. But If you’re going solo, or a private tour, the early the better before the other tours get there and to give you as much time as possible there.
Is Hierve el Agua worth it?
Yes, defiantly!!
