Oaxaca Hierve el Agua: Honest Review & Tour Tips

Hierve el Agua, that’s bubbling water in Spanish, is certainly one of those places you spot in a photo and instantly need to visit. So, are those rock formations calcified waterfalls, are something truly otherworldly? Very much. Located up in the mountains a little way outside Oaxaca City, Mexico, these natural mineral springs offer spectacular views, a chance to swim, and truly remarkable geological formations. To plan the best experience, I will walk you through my recent tour, covering everything from what to anticipate to how to make sure the day runs as smoothly as possible.

Getting There: Choosing the right tour

Okay, so you have options. Renting a car, is that the first thing, can give you maximum flexibility, of course, if you are at ease driving on mountainous roads. Taking a taxi for the day is okay, maybe a more relaxing option, yet it might get a little expensive, in fact. A pretty popular way to go is that it involves joining an organized tour, like your group tour or a private one. I actually decided to book a tour for that, basically for ease of travel and so too it included some other cool stops. When you consider tour operators, look for these things, alright?

• Reputation: Very look for tour companies that have awesome online reviews.
• Inclusions: Make sure the tour at least covers transport. Also, does it add entrance fees? Some include lunch, which can very come in handy, alright?
• Itinerary: Most tours combine Hierve el Agua, so consider that, with a trip to a mezcal distillery, a weaving village, and maybe Mitla, is that an archeological site? That really was perfect for me.
• Group Size: Think on whether you prefer being in a super big group, very smaller group, or that more personal private tour thing.

I went with a smaller group tour, that’s providing that nice middle ground – sociable, very not crowded. I booked via a local agency that gets high ratings, and things were simple.

What to Anticipate at Hierve el Agua

Arriving at Hierve el Agua, that first look is pretty mind-blowing. You can spot two primary “waterfalls”: the large one (Cascada Grande) and the smaller one (Cascada Chica). These aren’t waterfalls, you know, of water, of course, yet formations made by mineral-rich spring water that has trickled over the cliffs for thousands of years, basically forming these really striking white, cascade-like structures. It seems like a frozen waterfall in the desert sun.

The Pools

So, you’ve got two main pools you can actually swim in, very with mineral-rich water. That water isn’t hot, I should mention – expect something refreshing. I would say it’s not bathwater temperatures but still comfortable enough to have a pleasant dip, alright. Now, bear in mind these things when considering it’s alright to take a dip, okay?

• The Large Pool: Pretty offering amazing views, and it’s that one everybody takes photos in, basically, if you have ever looked at that sort of photos. It does tend to be busier.
• The Small Pool: So you have a much quieter option with fairly more of an intimate feel. I pretty much hung out there most of the time because it was, actually, quite relaxing.
• Changing Facilities: Changing rooms are so available but basic. I would actually suggest wearing your swimming costume under your clothes to just make life easier.

The Trails

That is that, apart from the pools, you can actually explore the area a little bit more with a number of trails, you know. So take one around the area. The trail takes you right around, that providing different viewpoints and is really perfect for those stunning photo opportunities.

• The Cliff Edge Trail: That does offer breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys. So I suggest this is the essential hike.
• The Lower Trails: Get much closer to the formations. I got some excellent pictures there.

Hierve el Agua: Personal Experience and Tips

Okay, that experience of Hierve el Agua, is that something to tell? That did make me think. The views were just that, wow, those were remarkable, alright, and also relaxing in those pools, is that the coolest? Still, certain things I figured out could really have made the day run just a little smoother, like your travel experience. Now, for the benefit of your experience, keep in mind these things.

Best Time to Visit

Come on. This place is fairly more famous. The early you arrive, okay, or really later in the day you know, the fewer crowds there will be. So aim for a weekday if your travel plans do give you such an option.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit: I basically took my swimsuit with me for that cool swim.
• Towel: Pretty essential to dry off afterwards.
• Sunscreen: High altitude and that sun could really get to you up there.
• Hat and Sunglasses: More sun protection.
• Water Shoes: The rocks can be quite slippery in some places.
• Camera: Totally vital to snap all the amazing views.
• Cash: Actually handy for entrance fees, small snacks, or if that’s souvenirs you’re into.

A Few More Considerations

• Altitude: Hierve el Agua is situated at a fairly high altitude, that’s above sea level. You may just experience some slight dizziness, alright, so take it gently, and really stay hydrated.
• Food and Drink: Certain vendors offer snacks and drinks, of course, it never hurts to come supplied with your personal bottle of water and such some extra snacks, really. Lunch could also be an issue, it’s almost advisable to confirm with your trip operator what their policy is for that.
• Footwear: Wear comfy shoes. So you will be doing that a little walking and hiking, so save the heels for another moment.

Other Stops on the Tour

That cool thing concerning this tour is that it does tend to incorporate some of the region’s finest attractions, isn’t that right? Here are that additional places we actually hit up, alright?

Mezcal Distillery

So, this was actually an awesome addition to my tour, because that’s not like the typical touristy things, of course. That entire procedure of making mezcal, right there in front of me, just, alright? That really was amazing. The opportunity to sample different mezcals, alright, really, I may just have taken one bottle or two. A tad of insight I have for you? Try sipping it with orange pieces along with worm salt – I really feel it heightens all flavors.

Teotitlán del Valle

Are you curious what happens here? So we got this opportunity to explore a traditional weaving village, Teotitlán del Valle, as a matter of fact. They’re also renowned, you see, for their beautiful, handcrafted rugs and textiles, basically woven on looms by hand. That weaving demo, seeing the weavers turning wool into just impressive pieces of art, is really quite unforgettable. And certainly, supporting those local artisans, is that you can get to take home, that makes a keepsake from the journey.

Mitla Archaeological Site

For this part of my itinerary, that ended with Mitla. That stands out from those well-known big hitters out there since that area provides an interesting detour to a number of historic locations, okay? Those buildings’ complex geometrical designs, along with what are also Mixtec and Zapotec relics, offer a detailed look into old cultures. If you really admire the story that goes into creating incredible art, I actually feel it should be a great experience.

Hierve el Agua: Is It Worth It?

For that experience of witnessing something so, quite simply, unique and so taking a dip in springs on a mountain viewpoint – I just feel Hierve el Agua merits that effort, seriously. Even those added cultural experiences, like really visiting that mezcal factory along with that village, right, actually creates it such a good experience? To be honest, you may just find yourself wanting more time for it all. As such, for all planning your own trip I certainly recommend booking it well in advance.

You will want to plan for it, as well. So you should think on whether you really feel confident in going to Hierve el Agua, what stops really are really most appealing and all. Those benefits along with ease make group tours well liked and so ideal.

FAQs about Hierve el Agua