Discover the breathtaking beauty of Hierve el Agua on an intimate small-group experience with no more than six participants, so you can truly connect with other travelers, live an authentic adventure, and enjoy a guided experience that enriches every step of the journey. Leave Oaxaca early to arrive before the busiest hours and enjoy more time exploring the site without unnecessary stops along the way.

 

Fully guided in English and Spanish, this half-day adventure combines hiking, spectacular viewpoints, the famous petrified waterfalls and time to swim and relax in the natural spring-fed pools without feeling rushed.

 

Hike Around the Petrified Waterfalls

 

Meet your guide in downtown Oaxaca and travel directly to Hierve el Agua. Once there, set out on a scenic hike around the rock formations, stopping at some of the best viewpoints before descending to the base of the petrified waterfalls to admire the massive formations from below.

 

The hike offers a completely different perspective of Hierve el Agua and the surrounding mountains, taking you well beyond the pools and main viewing areas.

 

Relax in the Natural Pools

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After hiking back up, enjoy time at Hierve el Agua's famous spring-fed pools. Cool off with a swim, dip your feet in the water or simply relax while taking in the sweeping mountain views.

 

Before returning to Oaxaca, you'll also have time to enjoy traditional Oaxacan food from one of the local vendors at the site.

 

Discover the Story Behind Hierve el Agua

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Hierve el Agua was formed over thousands of years as mineral-rich spring water flowed over the cliffs, gradually creating the spectacular petrified waterfall formations visible today. Rising above a dramatic mountain landscape, the cliffs reach approximately 50 to 80 meters in height.

 

But Hierve el Agua is more than a natural wonder. The area is also an important archaeological site, where Zapotec communities developed an extensive system of canals and terraces more than 2,500 years ago to manage the spring water. Remnants of this ancient irrigation system can still be found throughout the surrounding landscape.