One of the
most eye-catching natural attractions in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Hierve
el Agua provides an unusual and off-the-beaten-path travel experience. It’s a
top ecotourism destination in Oaxaca, particularly popular among naturalists,
hikers and photographers. Hierve el Agua is located in the Mexican state
of Oaxaca, about 70 km east of Oaxaca City, and 14 kilometers southeast of the
town of Mitla. In Spanish Hierve el Agua means “the water boils”, and the name
derives from the bubbling natural mineral springs that are originate here, that
run into bathing pools on a gorgeous cliff-top location. When you see Hierve el
Agus from some distance you’ll feel that a massive waterfalls frozen on the
side of the mountain. But ice is impossible in this hot climate.
These’re actually mineral
deposits formed over thousands of years as a result of the mineral-laden water
spilling over the edge of the cliff and trickling down the rocky mountain side.
As the water runs down the rock face, it forms large stalactites similar to the
structures to those found in caves. It is difficult to
resist a soak in the springs at Hierve el Agua, because the minerals in the
water are believed to be beneficial for the skin and the views from the two
cliff-top bathing pools, both of which offer extensive panoramas of the valleys
below, are some of the most spectacular in Oaxaca.
Hierve el Agua is just like a
rock formation and consists of two waterfalls. These’re formed on cliffs that
rise over 50 meters from the valley floor, with one “Waterfalls” reaching down
12 meters and the other reaching down 30 meters. The 12 meter one is called
"Cascada Chica" which means small waterfall and "Flows" off
a base which is about 60 meters wide. However the other is called "Cascada
Grande" which means large waterfall, and spreads down from a base with
which is around 90 meters wide and 80 meters above the valley floor. Moreover
the more straightforwardly accessible and more often visited of the two
waterfalls is the "Cascada Chica". It is also called the
Amphitheatre.
In springs; the waters are over
saturated with calcium carbonate, which is what gets deposited forming the
waterfalls-like rock structures. The waters, with their high mineral content,
are reputed to have healing qualities, and you’ll see tourists soaking in the
waters in one of the natural pools at the top of the rock. Hiking is considering a great favorite activity at this place,
there’re lot of trails and walking paths at Hierve el Agua. Most of hiking
tracks in less than an hour, including the central trail that leads down the
side of the mountain to the base of the petrified falls where it is possible to
get a close view of the mineral formations and even do a bit of climbing as
well. Therefore; Hierve el Agua is a best visited on day trips and guided tours
from Oaxaca City. Some basic cabanas and a few small restaurants cater to
overnight visitors.
There’re
large impressive traditional swimming pool, and dining facilities above the
actual Hierve el Agua site. A lot of small well maintained restaurants
alongside the shady, palm leaf palapa; there's an equal number of row-house
hotel suites close by, constructed years earlier. It is not known when any of
it will be operational. There’re basic washroom facilities adjacent, and more
down at Hierve el Agua itself, adjoining rudimentary change rooms. Moreover;
the village where Hierve el Agua is located, San Isidro RoaguÃa, has a few
small stores and a restaurant. If you’re really nature lover, then you select
the scenic rout of Highway 190, passing by a few quaint roadside mezcal
factories, as well as El Tigre, a combined comedor and mezcal palenque about ½
kilometer before the San Lorenzo turnoff, from where Hierve el Agua has
traditionally been accessed.
