Hierve el Agua Waterfall

Address: Near San Isidro Roaguía, 40 km east of Oaxaca City (local access roads)

Hierve el Agua is a set of natural rock formations and mineral springs in Oaxaca state, Mexico, that resemble petrified waterfalls formed by mineral deposits. The site is a prominent geological and tourist attraction in the region.

The location features two main calcified cascades and a series of terrace-like mineral pools where visitors commonly wade. Ridgelines and viewpoints above the formations offer broad views across the Tlacolula Valley and surrounding semi-arid landscape.

The formations were created when mineral-rich spring water flowed over cliff edges and deposited calcium carbonate and other minerals over long periods, building the cascade-like structures and terraces.

Hierve el Agua lies in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, in the Tlacolula Valley area east of Oaxaca City and near the archaeological and town area around Mitla. It is accessed by road from nearby towns in the valley.

• Geological formation: Formed by mineral-rich spring water depositing calcium carbonate and other minerals over millennia, producing the appearance of frozen waterfalls and terraced pools.
• Visitor tips: Located in a semi-arid high valley where hiking to viewing ridges and pools is the usual visitor activity; bring water, sun protection and sturdy footwear for uneven trails.

What to See#

• Petrified cascades: Two primary calcified escarpments form the best-known formations, each resembling a cascading waterfall created by mineral deposits from springs over long periods.
• Terrace pools: A set of terraced mineral pools, partly natural and partly developed for visitors, allow wading and provide foreground views of the formations.

Hierve el Agua is about 70-80 km east of Oaxaca City and roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive. Many visitors join an organized tour from Oaxaca (tours include transport), or hire a car/driver to take the rough road to the miradores and pools.

• Arrive early to avoid tour buses; the main viewpoint and the smaller pools can get crowded late morning.
• Bring sturdy shoes; the paths to the miradores are often rocky and can be slippery where springs have flowed across the path.
• Don't miss the lesser-visited 'petrified cliff' viewpoint-many people only walk to the larger pool overlook.