Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca: Petrified Waterfalls & Natural Pools

Two Hundred Meters of Mineral Water Frozen in Stone

You're driven to Hierve el Agua's petrified waterfalls, swim in natural mineral pools, and have the option to hike to the main cascade: all in one half-day without stopping elsewhere. The 3-hour stay lets you move at your own pace instead of being herded through, and your air-conditioned vehicle handles the mountain roads both ways. Bring cash and swimwear. No card payments or restaurant stops along the route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Hierve el Agua waterfalls

• Travel 1.5 hours to Hierve el Agua
• Hike 1.5 hours to main waterfall
• Swim in natural pools
• Spend 3 hours at the site
• Return 1.5 hours to Oaxaca city

The experience

The petrified cliffs of Hierve el Agua rise above you the moment you arrive: white limestone cascades that stopped flowing thousands of years ago, built layer by layer from calcium carbonate in the water. You're standing at what looks like a waterfall mid-freeze, except it's been this way for millennia. The drive from Oaxaca City takes an hour and a half through mountain roads, and then you step out into the kind of quiet that makes you realize how loud the city was. Your guide points out how the mineral deposits created those pale streaks running down the rock face, and you start to understand why people call it "boiling water": Hierve el Agua literally means that in Spanish, even though nothing's moving.

You get three hours at the site, which is the real gift here. Most half-day tours rush you through, but this one lets you actually swim in the natural pools without watching the clock, wade into the mineral-rich water that's warmer than you'd expect, and just sit with the view of the valleys spreading out below. If you want to hike to the main waterfall (about an hour and a half up), your guide can take you, but it's optional, so you're not forced into it if you'd rather float and rest. Bring your swimsuit, bring cash for the 70-peso entrance fee and snacks (cards don't work here), and eat breakfast before you leave Oaxaca or pack a lunch, because there are no stops on the way.

The return trip takes another hour and a half, and you're back in the city by early evening. The whole day is six hours door-to-door, which means you're not losing your whole afternoon but you're also not rushing through one of Oaxaca's most unusual natural formations.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with Spanish-speaking driver, round-trip transport from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua, and 3 hours at the site to swim in natural pools and explore the petrified waterfalls.
• An optional guided hike to the main waterfall is available.
• You pay separately for the 70-peso entrance fee and any food or snacks at the site.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-day tour to Hierve el Agua09:00

Half-day option with late check-out10:30Lasts 6 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 10:30

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 18

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.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Oaxacatours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see Hierve el Agua's unusual geology without arranging your own transport or timing. The fixed 3-hour stay gives you room to swim and rest instead of rushing, and the driver handles the mountain roads both ways.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

How long is the drive from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua?

One hour and thirty minutes each way. The total tour is 6 hours including the 3-hour stay at the site.

Can you swim in the pools at Hierve el Agua?

Yes. The natural pools are part of the experience. Bring a swimsuit and be prepared for mineral-rich water that's warmer than typical mountain pools.

Is the hiking optional?

Yes. The hike to the main waterfall takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and is optional. You can swim and rest at the pools instead if you prefer.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, cash (at least 270 pesos for the entrance fee and snacks), sunscreen, and water. Eat breakfast before leaving or pack a lunch. There are no restaurant stops on the route.

Do they accept card payments at the site?

No. Bring cash for the entrance fee (70 pesos) and food. Cards are not accepted.

What's included in the tour?

Air-conditioned vehicle, Spanish-speaking driver, and transport from Oaxaca City. Entrance fee and food are paid separately.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The hike is optional, but the site involves walking on uneven terrain and climbing to reach the pools. Check with the operator about your specific needs before booking.