Timeline
09:00
Arrive at Hierve el Agua as the site opens. The altitude is around 3,000 meters, so the morning air is crisp. Use this quiet time to walk among the natural mineral springs and see the famous petrified waterfall formations before the crowds arrive.
10:30
Take your time at the pools. The water is a comfortable temperature, not boiling. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the valley from the plateau. This is the perfect time for a leisurely lunch or snack if you have brought provisions, or check for nearby local vendors once you head back down.
11:30
Before heading back to Oaxaca, do one final walk along the edge of the plateau. The afternoon light will highlight the mineral deposits differently than the morning sun. Remember that the return trip is a two-hour drive, so leave enough time to get back to the city.
Local tip
The site costs $50 plus a $20 road fee. Since there are no listed food or drink shops in the immediate vicinity, bring water and snacks with you. The drive from Oaxaca takes two hours, so plan your departure carefully.
Check before you go
- Ensure you have cash for the $50 entrance fee and the $20 road fee.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no food or drink shops listed at the site.
- Allow two hours for the drive from Oaxaca in each direction.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Oaxaca (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).