Hierve el Agua is one of those natural formations that sounds impossible until you see it. Mineral springs have been depositing calcium carbonate over the cliff edge for thousands of years. The two natural pools at the top are the payoff — the larger one has an infinity edge effect with the Valley of Oaxaca far below. Most visitors combine with Mitla ruins and a mezcal village. An excellent full day from Oaxaca City.
Hierve el Agua
Plan Your Hierve el Agua Trip →Scroll
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Region
oaxaca
Best Time
October, November, December +2 more
Daily Budget
$20–$90 USD
Getting There
70km from Oaxaca City — rent a car, take a guided day tour, or colectivo to Mitla then taxi (2.5 hours total).
🎒 Gear We Recommend for Hierve el Agua
Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreen
Cenote rangers will turn you away with chemical sunscreen. This is not optional — cenotes are closed ecosystems and the rules are enforced.
Packable Wide-Brim Sun Hat
Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Monte Alban — all open-sky sites with brutal midday sun. A wide brim is the difference between an enjoyable morning and a miserable afternoon.
DEET 30% Insect Repellent
Dengue is present in coastal Mexico. Evenings in Tulum, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta require protection. Natural alternatives fail in tropical humidity.
Filtered Water Bottle (LifeStraw)
Never drink tap water in Mexico. A filtered bottle eliminates plastic waste at ruins and in smaller towns where bottled water may not be cold.
40L Carry-On Backpack
Mexico City to Oaxaca to Yucatan by ADO bus — you want carry-on only. ADO allows overhead bags. A 40L bag handles 12 days with mid-trip laundry in Oaxaca.
Before You Go: Travel Insurance
A medical evacuation from a remote area of Mexico can cost $10,000+. We use SafetyWing for every trip — it's affordable, covers medical and evacuation, and you can sign up even after you've left home.
"We've thankfully never had to file a claim, but having it is peace of mind every time we board that plane." — Scott
Check SafetyWing Rates →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calcium carbonate from the mineral springs has solidified over the cliff edge over thousands of years, creating formations that look exactly like frozen waterfalls cascading down the mountainside.
Yes — there are two natural pools fed by the springs. The edge of the larger pool has an infinity effect over the valley below. Be careful near edges — surfaces are slippery.