Hierve el Agua
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What people say
Arthur Costa Manso
"This is a set of natural rock formations that resemble cascades of water falling off a cliff. It also contains a number of small mineral pools as well as 2 man-made pools for swimming.
Getting to Herve El Agua is a little more challenging but also provides great adventure.
The first thing you should do is catch a bus to the town of Mitla. It costs 20 pesos and you can catch it either at the 2nd class bus station or along Jose Vasconcelos Boulevard (Highway 190), after it leaves the station. Just stand on the correct side of the road and wait for a bus with a big MITLA sign. The town is about 40km away, so this bus ride takes about an hour.
You can tell the driver you’re planning on visiting Hierve el Agua and he’ll drop you off where all the trucks are waiting for passengers.
Once you get off the bus, all of the truck drivers will be yelling out Hierve El Agua to try and get you on their truck, which departs once it’s full. They pack it to the brim, so do not expect a comfortable ride. It’s also a 1-hour bumpy and windy road up to the top, but it does have some pretty spectacular views. Prices my vary for this truck. Mine had about a dozen people on it and everyone paid 75 pesos. While on the truck, you will also have to pay an additional 15 pesos to get into the general area and then 50 pesos for entry. That’s 160 pesos total for the day so far.
I did enjoy visiting Hierve El Agua and the views are spectacular from up there. I would think twice about visiting during the rainy season or even a cooler day since I’ve heard it can get pretty cold up there. Luckily, it was a beautiful, sunny day and we were also able to enjoy the pools, which I think are the highlight of the attraction, and there are lots of great photo opps too. Not much shade up there so you should also bring anything that will protect you from the sun or keep you hydrated. Upon leaving the site, the food area is another attraction of its own with tons of delicious food and drink options. I was happy to see they’re also not really overpriced, even though they’re right in front of a tourist spot. To get back to Oaxaca, you just follow the same exact process. A truck back down the hill for the same price and then a bus back to Oaxaca from Mitla.
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Maria Angela Sanchez
Available for hire
"Hierve el Agua is famous for its “frozen waterfalls,” which are actually mineral deposits that have formed over time. The site includes two main pools where visitors can relax and take in the stunning views. The surrounding landscape offers panoramic vistas of the valley and the distant Sierra Madre mountains, making it an excellent spot for photography and nature appreciation. The area also has walking trails for exploring the natural beauty and learning about the geology and mineral deposits.
How to Get There from Oaxaca City Using Public Transportation:
Bus to Mitla:
Take a bus from Oaxaca City to Mitla. Buses to Mitla depart from the second-class bus terminal (Central de Autobuses de Segunda Clase) or sometimes from the main bus terminal.
The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Local Transportation from Mitla to Hierve el Agua:
Upon arriving in Mitla, you will need to find local transportation to Hierve el Agua. Look for a shared taxi (colectivo) or a tour that includes transportation to Hierve el Agua.
Colectivos or shared taxis generally leave from Mitla's central market or main plaza and take about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Hierve el Agua.
Note: It's a good idea to confirm the latest bus schedules and local transportation options ahead of time, as they can vary. Some visitors also choose to book a tour from Oaxaca City that includes transportation to Hierve el Agua for a more convenient experience."
Anneka Brink
"Definitely find time to make the journey to Hierve el Agua. It’s a day trip from the city, and most tours out there include other activities such as visiting Mitla, a mezcal tasting, or checking out traditional weavers. There are many tours to choose from, so find one that suits your interests most. One thing I’d recommend is trying to get to Hierve el Agua earlier in the day when it’s warm and you can enjoy the water before all the crowds arrive. "
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