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Hierve el Agua is a pair of mineral cliff formations in the mountains east of Oaxaca's central valleys, within the community of San Lorenzo Albarradas. Spring water rich in calcium carbonate has trickled over the edges for millennia, leaving behind pale, rippled curtains of stone that look like waterfalls frozen mid-fall. The name, meaning "the water boils," refers to the bubbling springs at the top.
Visitors come to wade in the shallow mineral pools perched at the clifftop beside the bubbling springs, where the view drops away over forested ridges. The cascada chica is the formation most people photograph, while the larger cascada grande stands across the gully and is best appreciated from a distance. Look closely around the springs and you can see ancient canals and terraces, an irrigation system built by early Zapotec farmers. A hiking loop below the falls descends to the base of the formations for a sense of their scale. Food stalls and a few simple cabins sit near the entrance.
Most people come on a day trip from Oaxaca City, often paired with the ruins of Mitla and a mezcal stop along the way. Arriving early avoids tour crowds and midday heat. Access is controlled by local communities and has occasionally been suspended, so it is worth checking the current situation first.
WiserMap travel guideHierve el Agua Mexico Petrified Waterfalls and Cliff PoolsPlan Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca: petrified waterfalls, cliff-edge pools, Zapotec canals, the hiking loop, Mitla, local food, where to stay and how to get there.Read the guide
The small cascade is the more visited of Hierve el Agua's two petrified waterfalls, a white curtain of calcium carbonate that looks like frozen water hanging off the cliff. Above it are the famous natural infinity pools with views over the valleys. Arrive early to get photos before the crowds and tour buses come up from Oaxaca.
The larger and taller petrified waterfall faces the small one across a ravine and is best seen from the viewpoint near the pools. A trail descends past it toward the valley floor. It glows in afternoon light, and its streaked mineral surface is striking up close. Wear shoes with grip, as paths are steep and loose.
Mineral springs bubble up at the clifftop and fill shallow pools, giving the site its name, which means the water boils, even though the water is cool. Visitors swim in the main pools at the cliff edge with sweeping mountain views. Bring swimwear and a towel, and avoid sunscreen that harms the water if you can.
Around the springs, the Zapotec people carved a system of small terraces and irrigation canals into the rock more than two thousand years ago to channel the mineral water to fields. The channels are still visible on the slopes near the pools. Look for them along the path between the springs and the small cascade, and stay off fragile edges.
A loop trail of about an hour leads from the pools down beneath the small cascade and around to views of the large one, passing through dry scrub and rocky slopes. It gives the best perspective on the petrified falls. The path is steep and slippery in places, so wear proper shoes and carry water in the heat.
Community-run food stalls near the entrance serve tlayudas, quesadillas, memelas, fresh juices and local mezcal, and simple cabins are available for those who want to stay overnight and see the pools at sunrise. Prices are modest and mostly cash only. Staying the night lets you enjoy the site before the day visitors arrive.
On the highway between Oaxaca City and Hierve el Agua, Santiago Matatlán calls itself the world capital of mezcal, with dozens of small family distilleries where agave is roasted in earth pits and crushed by stone wheels. Many tours stop here for tastings. If driving, let a passenger do the sampling and buy bottles to take home.
San Lorenzo Albarradas is the Zapotec mountain town that co-manages part of the Hierve el Agua area. It has a colonial church and a quiet plaza, and the road through it offers views over the Sierra. Stopping here gives a feel for rural Oaxacan life, and local eateries are cheaper than those at the springs.
The small community of San Isidro Roaguía sits right beside Hierve el Agua and runs one of the access points to the site, collecting entry fees and managing parking and stalls. Visitors pass through on the dirt road up from the main highway. Be aware that local disputes sometimes close access briefly, so check before you go.
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