Hierve el Agua, a captivating natural wonder nestled in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico, has long captivated the hearts and minds of visitors from around the world. This remarkable geological formation, with its petrified waterfalls and mineral-rich pools, offers a truly mesmerizing and otherworldly experience. Strolling along the scenic trails, one can’t help but be awestruck by the sheer beauty and serenity of this unique landscape, which seamlessly blends with the rich cultural tapestry of the surrounding region. But what secrets lie beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered?
Key Points

- Hierve el Agua is a natural wonder featuring petrified waterfalls and mineral pools, offering a unique sightseeing and swimming experience.
- The tour provides a 3-hour exploration of the Hierve el Agua site, allowing visitors to walk and swim in the stunning natural setting.
- The tour includes a 30-minute van ride to the site and an optional 1-hour lunch stop at a local restaurant for Oaxacan cuisine.
- The tour is not recommended for participants over 70 years old due to the moderate physical activity involved during the walking and swimming segments.
- Customers should be aware of potential issues with false advertising and refund problems based on the single negative review available.
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary
- Highlights
- Important Information
- Customer Reviews
- Accessibility
- Pricing and Booking
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
- Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
- Do I Need to Be Able to Swim to Participate in the Tour?
- Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Photography Allowed?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to Hierve El Agua?
- Recap
- More Tour Reviews in Hierve El Agua
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Hierve El Agua we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Hierve el Agua Wonderful," offers an enchanting 6-hour experience starting from the Zocalo.
Priced from K₁,971 per person, the tour includes a 30-minute van ride to Hierve el Agua, where visitors can spend 3 hours walking and swimming in the natural mineral pools and exploring the petrified waterfall.
An optional 1-hour lunch stop at a local restaurant is available for an extra fee.
The tour also includes a 40-minute cocktail stop in Santiago Matatlan before the 40-minute return van ride to the Zocalo.
The tour is recommended for participants under 70 years old and requires bringing sun protection and swimwear.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hierve El Agua.
Itinerary

The tour begins with a reception at 9 AM in the Zocalo, followed by a 30-minute van ride to the stunning natural wonder of Hierve el Agua.
Once there, the itinerary includes:
- 3 hours of walking and swimming, exploring the petrified waterfall and natural mineral pools.
- A 1-hour stop for an optional lunch at a local restaurant for an additional fee.
- A 40-minute cocktail stop in Santiago Matatlan, also at an extra cost.
The tour then returns to the Zocalo after a 40-minute van ride.
Guests are advised to bring recommended items like sunglasses, hats, and swimwear, as the itinerary is subject to change.
Highlights

Experiencing the natural wonder of Hierve el Agua is the primary highlight of this tour. The tour offers a short, tailored experience that fits most schedules. Visitors can enjoy exploring the petrified waterfall and natural mineral pools, as well as an optional 1-hour stop for Oaxacan cuisine. The tour also includes a group coordinator to enhance the experience.
| Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Natural Wonders | Oaxacan Cuisine | Group Coordinator |
| Explore Hierve el Agua | 1-hour lunch stop (optional) | Enhances experience |
| Petrified waterfall & pools | Enjoy local delicacies | Included in tour |
The tour provides an opportunity to take in the unique natural beauty of this remarkable destination.
Important Information
Certain restrictions apply for this tour. Participants over the age of 70 aren’t recommended to join this activity.
Visitors should pack essential items like sunglasses, hats, swimwear, and cameras to fully enjoy their experience. The itinerary is subject to change, so it’s essential to stay flexible during the tour.
To ensure a smooth and memorable visit, the tour recommends the following:
- Bring sun protection and comfortable clothing.
- Be prepared for moderate physical activity during the 3-hour walking and swimming segment.
- Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, as the region can experience varying climatic conditions.
Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for the Hierve el Agua tour paint a complex picture.
While the tour’s overall rating is only 1 out of 5 stars based on a single review, the issues raised indicate significant problems with the service provided.
Customers report false advertising regarding promised activities like wine tasting, as well as double-charging for entrance fees.
Disappointingly, promised refunds were also not honored.
These negative experiences suggest the tour operator may not be reliably delivering the advertised experience.
Prospective customers should carefully consider these reviews and weigh whether the potential issues are acceptable given the tour’s price and duration.
Accessibility

For travelers seeking to visit the natural wonder of Hierve el Agua, accessibility may pose some challenges. The tour overview indicates that the site isn’t suitable for participants over 70 years old, suggesting potential difficulties for older visitors.
Plus, the itinerary involves a 30-minute van ride and several hours of walking and swimming, which may present obstacles for individuals with mobility limitations.
To fully experience the tour, visitors should consider the following:
- Assess their physical abilities and any special needs.
- Inquire about accommodations or alternative arrangements for those with accessibility concerns.
- Prepare accordingly with recommended items like comfortable shoes and adequate sun protection.
Pricing and Booking
The tour to Hierve el Agua costs K₉,971 per person, which covers the 6-hour experience.
Visitors can check availability for different starting times and reserve their spot now, paying later. There’s also a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes transportation, access to the site, and a group coordinator to guide participants.
Travelers should note that the tour may not be suitable for those over 70 years old, and they should bring recommended items like sunglasses, hats, and swimwear.
However, customer reviews suggest issues with false advertising and double charges, as well as unresolved refund requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective visitors may wonder about various aspects of the Hierve el Agua tour. The tour company provides answers to some common questions.
First, the tour isn’t recommended for participants over 70 years old due to the physical demands.
Secondly, the itinerary is subject to change, so guests should remain flexible.
Lastly, the company advises bringing the following items:
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Swimwear and camera
These precautions help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience at this natural wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The tour lasts 6 hours, including transportation, activities at Hierve el Agua, and a stop for lunch. The itinerary doesn’t mention any possibilities to prolong the experience.
Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours provide a more personalized experience and allow for greater flexibility in the itinerary. Additional fees may apply for the private tour option.
Do I Need to Be Able to Swim to Participate in the Tour?
Participants do not need to be able to swim to participate in the tour. The tour includes time to explore the natural mineral pools at Hierve el Agua, but swimming is optional. Visitors can choose to simply walk around and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Photography Allowed?
The tour does not have any specific restrictions on photography. Participants are generally free to take photos throughout the tour, although they should be mindful of not disrupting the experience of others. Reasonable precautions should be taken to protect cameras near the mineral pools.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to Hierve El Agua?
Visitors can bring their own food and drinks to Hierve el Agua. However, there may be limited options for dining on-site, so it’s recommended to pack a picnic lunch. Alcohol is generally not allowed in the natural pools.
Hierve El Agua Wonderful
“We were booked on the wrong trip. We specifically wanted a waterfall trip only due to having a child with us and ended up with 6 stops! This is v p…”
Recap
Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls and mineral-rich pools create a truly mesmerizing natural landscape. Visitors can explore the area’s scenic walking trails and refreshing pools, seeing the region’s captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage. With its unique geological features and serene atmosphere, Hierve el Agua offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts seeking to escape the ordinary and discover the wonders of Oaxaca, Mexico.
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