Review: Oaxaca’s Hierve el Agua, Teotitlan, Tule, Yagul

Oaxaca, so often whispered about for its gorgeous scenery and captivating culture, packs a walloping punch when it comes to unique travel destinations. That said, you have a range of experiences, from seeing mineral waterfalls at Hierve el Agua, browsing the stunning weavings of Teotitlan del Valle, gazing up at the behemoth Arbol del Tule, and feeling the vibes of ancient history at the Yagul archeological site. Join me, if you would, while I recount my adventures hopping between these must-sees, hoping it provides you, in some respects, with exactly the sort of inspiration you need for your trip.

Hierve el Agua: Petrified Waterfalls and Breathtaking Views

Hierve el Agua, just a name that sort of means “the water boils,” is very different from your typical waterfall. You see, very much unlike gushing water, you’re going to encounter rock formations here. These almost resemble cascading waterfalls. The trick of the eye is really the result of mineral deposits built up over thousands of years. Honestly, it is one of the planet’s super cool geological oddities that also allows for amazing views of the surrounding Oaxaca landscape.

The adventure in this place starts with the drive, or so it does. Typically, snaking roads climb into the mountains, affording vistas at nearly every turn. And so, when you do reach Hierve el Agua, there’s just this certain sense of having reached some hidden, natural palace. You have options for taking it all in. A short hike will lead you to both “waterfalls,” as some call them, where you can gawk at the formations from several different vantage points. I tell you what, it’s an ideal chance to stretch those legs a bit and soak in some pure air.

Arguably, one of the cooler draws is the opportunity to swim in the mineral springs themselves, kind of. There are two pools up on the cliff edge. Because they are saturated with minerals, the waters here feel therapeutic and quite refreshing, particularly under the sun, I will add. What’s more, the pools give you what feels like infinity-pool views of the valleys. Remember, the place can get crowded, so consider visiting earlier in the morning for a less interrupted experience.

Teotitlan del Valle: Where Zapotec Weaving Traditions Come Alive

A bit further along this route, just east of Oaxaca City, lies Teotitlan del Valle. As a matter of fact, this is this village where textile artistry thrives. Teotitlan is well-known for its weaving traditions, actually passed down through generations, and it gives any tourist the possibility of delving a bit deeper into the cultural soul of Oaxaca.

Basically, almost as soon as you enter Teotitlan, you’ll be welcomed by locals who happen to be weavers inviting you into their workshops and homes. Don’t let this scare you off, but lean into it, as some might say! You can look at them doing their work, which, in some respects, is absolutely mind-blowing. Using both conventional and modern techniques, they can produce rugs, tapestries, bags, and clothing of mind-blowing detail and beauty. They just love to describe every single step in the weaving process. From washing and dyeing the wool to using looms that happen to be generations old, they are passionate about preserving Zapotec heritage.

The artistry here draws not just from time-honored Zapotec symbols and patterns. But you’ll also discover works incorporating modern, contemporary designs, so you’re certain to come across that treasure that feels oh-so-right. Feel inspired to haggle, you know? It is anticipated and a part of the buying culture. But mostly do remember to show honor for the artistry and labor that goes into each piece, or so you should.

Arbol del Tule: Standing in Awe of a Natural Giant

Just imagine standing under the shade of a tree that’s witnessed centuries float by! That’s the sense you get visiting the Arbol del Tule, I have found, a massive Montezuma cypress in the town of Santa Maria del Tule, or so you may see. Frequently called one of the thickest trees across the globe, its gnarled trunk has a circumference of almost 138 feet. What I’m trying to get at is, it is something to see.

Estimates usually suggest the tree is over 2,000 years, or so you might see, old. Stories say it was grown by a priest of Ehecatl, some Aztec wind god, very, very ancient as that may be! Today it serves as a center of gathering for locals. Little children can run and play around it. There are some local guides that may be willing to help you spot some of the shapes which may be seen from its bark, things that seem like animals’ faces. You’re able to buy street cuisine and handcrafted mementos around its fenced-in perimeter, making your visit one filled with many tastes and fun things.

Yagul: Exploring a City Carved in Stone

As far as your Oaxacan expedition, don’t leave without looking at a little piece of ancient history. It just so happens to be a journey to Yagul, an archeological site that might be older than time itself. The remains of what was formerly a Zapotec city-state are dramatically perched up high on a hill. Visiting offers sweeping sights along with an appealing peek at pre-Hispanic life.

And so, after arriving at the site, one can’t help but picture the place bustling, back in its time, or so it is fun to picture. You can explore stone buildings like palaces and temples and ball courts, all telling ancient stories and history. The “bat building,” so very named because of its relief carvings depicting bats, is truly worth going to. Very well too, think about getting a local guide to teach you the relevance of structures, because each unlocks one further mystery relating to Zapotec and Mixtec cultural blends over generations.

I tell you what, walking on top of the pyramids through which the town spreads will most certainly reward the climb by amazing scenery overlooking that Oaxacan Valley. So pack loads to drink and slather with sunscreen. The area will probably get really scorching as there’s very little to none shade around. Consider coming really early or sometime past mid-day if only to evade any mid-day warmth that may make it really unpleasant to go traipsing around. If the day ends and there’s no sound to anything other than whispering winds throughout the rock formations and the landscapes sprawling out past every point is pretty profound!