Hierve el Agua hike: Petrified waterfalls & mineral pools

Connect with a small group and soak in stunning views without the rush or crowds

A half-day guided hike from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua, a site of mineral-rich spring pools nestled below rock formations that resemble frozen waterfalls. You hike down the petrified formations to viewpoints, then up to the springs for a swim, followed by lunch at a local eatery. The guide speaks English and Spanish, groups stay under six, and all fees and transport are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hierve el Agua hike and swim adventure

• Meet at 7:30 am in Oaxaca
• Drive 1.5 hours to Hierve el Agua
• Hike down along petrified waterfalls
• Hike up to the springs
• Swim in mineral-rich spring pools
• Eat lunch at local eatery
• Drive back to Oaxaca city

The experience

You start at 7:30 am from your hotel in Oaxaca City for a 90-minute drive southeast to Hierve el Agua, located in the foothills of the Sierra mountains. The route itself is scenic, and the early start means you arrive before the day-trippers. Once there, you hike down along the rock formations, the petrified waterfalls, stopping at viewpoints to take in the landscape, then climb back up to reach the mineral springs at the top. The hike covers roughly 2.5 km with about 130 meters of elevation gain. Expect a 30-minute ascent on rocky stairs, so moderate fitness helps.

After the hike, you swim in the mineral-rich pools while the views stretch across the surrounding valleys. This is the core of the experience: the water is cool and refreshing after the climb, and you have time to soak without rushing. A bilingual guide leads the whole way, pointing out details and pacing the group so everyone stays together. Hiking poles are provided, and you can refill your water bottle throughout the day.

Lunch comes next at a local eatery near the site, where you eat regional Oaxacan dishes (tlayudas, quesadillas, tacos, fruit salad), and drinks like coconut water or micheladas. By around 1:30 to 2 pm, you're back in Oaxaca City. The whole outing runs about six hours door-to-door, and because groups cap at six people, you're never part of a crowd.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and private transport from Oaxaca City.
• professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• all entrance fees.
• hiking poles.
• drinking water.
• and lunch at a local eatery with regional Oaxacan dishes and drinks.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Valterra Excursiones

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Oaxaca City means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to reach Hierve el Agua. Groups stay under six, so you get a paced, guided experience rather than being herded through with dozens of others.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How strenuous is the hike at Hierve el Agua?

The hike covers 2.5 km total with about 130 meters of elevation gain. You descend rocky stairs to viewpoints, then ascend back up to the springs. The climb takes roughly 30 minutes. Moderate fitness is needed, and the operator notes that if you're not somewhat active or are 70 or older, the hike may feel short but strenuous.

What are the petrified waterfalls at Hierve el Agua?

Hierve el Agua's rock formations resemble frozen waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. They're mineral deposits built up over time, and you hike down along them to reach viewpoints before climbing back up to the mineral springs at the top.

Can I swim in the pools at Hierve el Agua?

Yes. After the hike, you swim in the mineral-rich spring pools at the top of the site. The water is refreshing, and you have time to relax in the pools while taking in the views of the surrounding landscape.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and private transport from Oaxaca City, all entrance fees to Hierve el Agua, a bilingual guide in English and Spanish, hiking poles, drinking water to refill your bottle, and lunch at a local eatery are all included.

What time does the tour start and end?

You meet at 7:30 am for pickup from your hotel in Oaxaca City. The drive to Hierve el Agua takes 90 minutes, and you return to the city around 1:30 to 2 pm, making the full outing about six hours.