description Hierve el Agua Overview
Hierve el Agua is a natural geological and archaeological site located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, approximately 70 kilometers east of the city of Oaxaca. It is renowned for its visually striking cliff formations that closely resemble cascading waterfalls, created over thousands of years by the slow accumulation of calcium carbonate and other minerals deposited by natural mineral springs. At the top of the cliffs, visitors can find a series of artificial and natural infinity pools that were historically used by the Zapotec civilization for irrigation. The site remains a significant example of a petrified waterfall system.
insights Ranking position
Hierve el Agua ranks #46 of 198 in the Spring ranking, behind Peninsula Hot Springs, ahead of Wiesbaden Thermal Springs.
help Hierve el Agua FAQ
Are the waterfalls at Hierve el Agua actually frozen?
No. The white cliff formations are mineral deposits left by carbonate-rich spring water, so they only resemble waterfalls frozen in place.
Can you swim at Hierve el Agua?
Visitors can usually enter the shallow mineral pools near the cliff edge when the site is open and local conditions permit. The water is generally mild rather than boiling, despite the name Hierve el Agua, which means "the water boils."
How far is Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca City?
The site is east of Oaxaca City near San Lorenzo Albarradas. The drive commonly takes around two hours because the final approach follows mountainous local roads.
What created Hierve el Agua's petrified-waterfall formations?
Spring water carried dissolved calcium carbonate over the cliff for thousands of years. As the water evaporated, it deposited layers of minerals that built the pale formations visible today.
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