One of the highlights of our itinerary in Oaxaca, México is a visit to Hierve el Agua, a site that offers views of the mountains and the petrified waterfall formed over thousands of years.
Hierve el Agua is located about an hour and a half from Oaxaca City. After breakfast at the hotel and our transfer to the site, we’ll hike up to the main attraction—two rock formations that resemble cascades of water frozen. Along the way, we’ll learn about the ancient Zapotec canals that still function to this day, channeling the spring water to the pools at the top.
Travel tip 1: Be ready for a hike! Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. This is a medium-difficulty hike with elevation and climbing. Not feeling up to the physical activity? You can also forgo the hike and go straight to the natural springs. You will have wonderful views of the mountains and more time to enjoy the scenery and natural pools.
If you decide to join the guided hike, remember that the tour will be given in Spanish!
Travel tip 2: Pack your swimsuit! While Hierve el Agua is famous for its petrified waterfalls, the site also features natural mineral pools where you can take a dip and enjoy the scenic views. Make sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, camera, and a change of clothes if needed.
Language tip: Try learning some key vocabulary before you go, like “cascada petrificada” (petrified waterfall), “aguas termales” (hot springs), “canal de riego” (irrigation canal), and "manantial" (natural spring). Familiarizing yourself with these terms can help you follow the tour more easily and deepen your understanding of the site beforehand.
Don’t worry if you don’t catch every word during the Spanish tour. Language immersion is about exposure and practice; even if you don’t fully understand every word during the tour, being surrounded by the language is a great way to enhance your skills!
Want to learn more about Hierve el Agua and build vocabulary? Here are a few websites to check out:
Turismo México (español)
Programa Destinos México (español)
Oaxaca Travel (English)
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