Hierve el Agua Travel Guide
Discover the best natural attractions, cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and food scene of Hierve el Agua, in Oaxaca state, Mexico. Plan your trip with our comprehensive guide.
- Introduction to Hierve el Agua
- List of Places to Visit in Hierve el Agua
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Hierve el Agua
- Best Things to Do in Hierve el Agua: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Hierve el Agua
- Food and Drink Scene of Hierve el Agua
- Where to Stay in Hierve el Agua: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Hierve el Agua: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Hierve el Agua
- Best Time to Visit Hierve el Agua
- Do’s and Don’ts of Hierve el Agua
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Hierve el Agua: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Hierve el Agua
- Where to Go Next from Hierve el Agua: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Hierve el Agua
Located in the Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua is a natural wonder that tourists should not miss. Hierve el Agua, which means “the water boils,” is a series of mineral terraces that look like cascading waterfalls. The terraces were formed over millions of years from calcium carbonate deposits in the water, and they are the only such formations in the world that are not made of limestone. The scenery surrounding Hierve el Agua is stunning, with mountains, valleys and a clear blue sky, making it a perfect place for outdoor activities.
List of Places to Visit in Hierve el Agua
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Mitla Archaeological Site
- Monte Alban Archaeological Site
- Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church
- Museum of Oaxacan Cultures
Natural Attractions of Hierve el Agua: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Mineral springs
- Hierve el Agua waterfall
- Petroglyphs at San Lorenzo Albarradas
- Tule Tree
Hiking/Biking Routes of Hierve el Agua
Exploring Hierve el Agua on foot or bike will give you a more intimate experience with the area’s natural beauty. The following are some of the most popular hiking and biking trails in Hierve el Agua:
- Hierve el Agua - Roaring Waterfalls Trail
- Hierve el Agua - The Mitla Trail
- Hierve el Agua - Monte Alban Trail
Best Things to Do in Hierve el Agua: Activities and Tours
- Mineral baths
- Hiking and biking
- Bird watching
- Balloon rides
- Guided tour of Mitla and Monte Alban
Week-Long Itinerary for Hierve el Agua
Day 1: Arrival in Oaxaca, visit Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, and Oaxaca Regional Museum Day 2: Hike to Hierve el Agua, visit Tule tree, overnight in Hierve el Agua Day 3: Guided tour of Mitla and Monte Alban, overnight in Oaxaca Day 4: Visit Mitla Archaeological Site and Museum of Oaxacan Culture, overnight in Oaxaca Day 5: Hot spring mineral baths, overnight in Hierve el Agua Day 6: Biking on the Roaring Waterfalls Trail, overnight in Hierve el Agua Day 7: Hot air balloon ride and onsen experience, departure from Oaxaca
Food and Drink Scene of Hierve el Agua
Must-Try Dishes
- Mole Oaxaqueño
- Tlayudas
- Chiles Rellenos
- Mezcal-Glazed Shrimp
- Chocolate from Oaxaca’s Cacao Plantations
Local Beverages
- Mezcal
- Tejate
- Chicatanas
Where to Stay in Hierve el Agua: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Casa Blanca
- Posada Rural La Loma
- Hotel Cosijo
- Cabinas Ecológicas Vista Real
- Casa de los Abuelos
What to Buy in Hierve el Agua: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handmade textiles
- Black clay pottery
- Alebrijes
- Traditional woven baskets
- Embroidered clothing
Local Culture and Customs of Hierve el Agua
- Oaxacan cuisine and mezcal
- Indigenous Zapotec culture
- Traditional festivals like Día de los Muertos
Best Time to Visit Hierve el Agua
The best time to visit Hierve el Agua is between November and May, as the weather is warm and dry.
Do’s and Don’ts of Hierve el Agua
Do:
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Carry a reusable water bottle
- Respect the local culture
Don’t:
- Pick or damage any flora or fauna
- Litter or leave any trash
- Take pictures of local people without permission
Safety and Health
Safety in Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is a safe destination for tourists.
Health in Hierve el Agua
Visitors should not drink tap water and should only consume bottled or filtered water.
Getting to Hierve el Agua: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Hierve el Agua
- Oaxaca International Airport
Bus Stations Near Hierve el Agua
- Oaxaca Central Bus Station
Other Options
Taxis, private transportation, and car rentals are readily available in Oaxaca.
How to Get Around in Hierve el Agua
The most convenient way to get around Hierve el Agua is to rent a car or hire a private driver.
Where to Go Next from Hierve el Agua: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Cuajimoloyas
- Teotitlán del Valle
- Hierve el Agua Valley
Conclusion
Hierve el Agua offers a unique experience for those who want to get away and explore natural beauty. With its mineral terraces, outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and local food, Hierve el Agua has something for everyone. Plan your trip well, and you will have a memorable experience in one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets.
