Hierve el Agua: Our most recommended tours and activities

Oaxaca: El Tule, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua Tour with Mezcal

1. Oaxaca: El Tule, Mitla, and Hierve el Agua Tour with Mezcal

The adventure begins at 8 am, when the sun is barely peeking over the horizon and the promise of a day full of wonder is about to begin. We'll pick you up from the comfort of your hotel or airbnb and drive you through the picturesque roads that wind through the beautiful Oaxacan landscape. Our first stop will be the majestic Tule Tree, an ancient giant that has seen centuries of history go by. Its branches rise towards the sky as guardians of secrets and legends, leaving you amazed by the magnitude of nature. Later, we will enter the Archaeological Zone of Mitla. The stones whisper tales of ancient civilizations that once roamed these lands. You can feel the energy of footsteps that echoed here centuries ago as you explore the courtyards and the intricate mosaic designs that adorn the walls. Our next stop will take you to the Petrified Waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. Water has carved the rock over centuries, creating formations that seem frozen in time. Here you can marvel at the unique beauty of nature while you immerse yourself in the natural pools that will give you panoramic views that will take your breath away. We'll take a break at a buffet restaurant serving authentic Oaxacan food. Traditional flavors merge in each bite, filling you with energy to continue the day full of exploration and discovery. In Teotitlán del Valle, you will witness the skill and passion of local artisans. Here, time seems to have stopped while the looms come to life and the colors dance in each thread, creating authentic works of art. To culminate this unforgettable trip, we will go to an authentic Palenque de Mezcal. Its aromas and unique flavors will transport you to the very essence of Oaxaca. Enjoy a tasting that will enliven your senses and will provide you with a true gift for the palate. Our tour will come to an end around 7 pm, when the sun goes down on the horizon. We will leave you in the lobby of your hotel or airbnb, with your hearts full of memories and shared experiences.

From Oaxaca: Natural and Cultural Highlights Guided Day Tour

2. From Oaxaca: Natural and Cultural Highlights Guided Day Tour

On this guided tour from Oaxaca, experience the countryside's ancient wonders and rich cultural heritage. Spend the day with a local guide as you visit heritage highlights, including the magnificent Tree of Tule and Hierve el Agua. Visit a rug workshop and pause at a distillery for a mezcal tasting. Begin your tour in Oaxaca, where you'll meet your guide. Arrive a few minutes early to the meeting point to enjoy a cup of hot coffee before you set out on your adventure. Once you're on your way, enjoy the scenic countryside on a short drive east of the city to the legendary Tree of Tule. Once you arrive in the quant town of Santa María del Tule, stop at the church grounds to marvel at the Tree of Tule. This stout tree, known by some as the "Tree of Life" for the animal shapes in its bark, is thought to be over 2,000 years old. Feel awed by the Tule tree's presence and beauty. Continue your tour as you visit a traditional rug workshop in Teotitlán del Valle. Here, surrounded by vivid strings of yarn and tools, discover the original birthplace of this artisan craft. Connect with local artists and learn how each rug is imbued with a story, symbols, and cultural tradition. Next, head to the ancient Zapotec archaeological site of Mitla. Known for its intricate mosaics, detailed design, and Mixtec architectural influences, this sacred burial ground is unique among archaeological sites in Mexico. Soak up the ancient atmosphere as you tour the building complex. Once you've explored the marvels of Mitla, head to Hierve el Agua for stunning natural wonders. Visit the grounds on your own or with a local village guide as you wander past the petrified waterfalls. Peer at the cliffside pools of clear water while you take in the ancient, exquisite natural beauty. Finally, begin making your way back to Oaxaca. Before you reach the city, however, make a pit stop at a traditional mezcal distillery. Discover the taste of the region with a sampling of mezcal, then head to Oaxaca to conclude your tour.

From Oaxaca de Juarez: Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery

3. From Oaxaca de Juarez: Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery

Explore one of the natural wonders of Oaxaca, and visit the rock formations at Hierve el Agua. Enjoy the views of the rocks, that resemble petrified waterfalls, and visit a mezcal distillery to learn about how it is made. Begin the tour with pickup from the meeting point in Oaxaca de Juarez and travel to Hierve el Agua. Admire the natural scenery of the rocks, resembling petrified waterfalls. Hierve el Agua is the first stop on our tour. We stayed there for 3 hours to have enough time to enjoy the natural wonders of Hierve el Agua. Take a hiking tour in the area with local guides, or take a dip in the pools. Start the journey back to the city, and stop at one of the most popular mezcal distilleries in Oaxaca. Enjoy a free mezcal tasting, and taste the different flavors of mezcals that exist. Return to Oaxaca de Juarez after the distillery visit.

From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua Waterfalls and Natural Rugs

4. From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua Waterfalls and Natural Rugs

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience as you explore the natural and cultural treasures of Oaxaca on our exciting tour: Hiking on Hierve el Agua! 🌄 Start your day of adventure early at 7 am, when our comfortable and modern air-conditioned van transportation will pick you up directly at your hotel lobby or airbnb. We will welcome you with a smile as you prepare for a full day of discoveries. 💦 We will head towards the impressive natural phenomenon of the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. Prepare to be amazed by these one-of-a-kind formations! You will have time to explore, photograph and soak up the majesty of these natural pools that seem frozen in time. 🍽️ After enjoying nature at its best, its time for lunch in an authentic Oaxacan smoke kitchen. Delight in a variety of local flavors. 🧣 Then is the town of Teotitlán del Valle, where local artisans create vibrant textures and beautiful textiles with centuries of tradition. You'll have the chance to delve into the rich culture and creativity of the community as you watch the experts in action. You will witness how art comes to life! 🕓 Our exciting Hierve el Agua Walk culminates at 3 pm, when we will drop you off at the door of your hotel or airbnb with unforgettable memories and new friendships. This comprehensive tour includes all admissions to Hierve el Agua, round-trip transportation, and a friendly team that will be at your disposal at all times. 👕 To enjoy it to the fullest, we recommend you wear comfortable and light clothing, preferably light-colored for the heat. A hat and sunscreen are essential to protect you from the sun. Opt for comfortable, closed-toe footwear, such as walking or hiking shoes, as some areas can be uneven. Towel and bathing suit if you want to immerse yourself in the natural water pools. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience! Book now and join us on the Hierve el Agua Hiking tour. Immerse yourself in the nature, culture and delights of Oaxaca as we create memories together that will last forever. We are waiting for you for a day full of emotions!

From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua and Teotitlán del Valle

5. From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua and Teotitlán del Valle

After pickup from your hotel in Oaxaca city, journey towards Hierve el Agua to see the famous petrified waterfalls formed over thousands of years. Enjoy some time to swim in the natural pools formed by the waterfalls, and delight in the stunning landscape of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Continue the tour with a visit to a traditional mezcal factory. Learn more about the production process of the famous Mexican spirit. Take the opportunity to taste some of the mezcal produced here. The final stop on the tour is the "Pueblo indígena Zapoteca de Tapetes." Known also as Teotitlán del Valle, the town is famous for its beautiful textile wool products, made with natural dyes. See the beautiful patterns on rugs, jackets, bags, sarapes, tapestries, curtains, and dresses, made with large wooden looms. Learn about the ancestral, artisanal techniques used to make these quality products. The order of the excursion may be different during high tourist seasons in order to avoid waiting in lines at stops.

Full-Day Tour of Oaxaca

6. Full-Day Tour of Oaxaca

Get ready to discover some of the best places of Oaxaca State. Start with a visit to Santa Maria el Tule, home of one of the most extraordinary natural beauties including the  giant tree (The Tule Tree), with a height of 40 meters and a diameter of more than 50 meters. It is said it´s more than 2000 years old, which makes it perhaps one of the biggest and oldest living things in the world. You'll then make a little stop in the small town of Teotitlan del Valle, famous for its home-made textiles. One of the day's highlights will be a visit to Mitla, which in Nahuatl means "Place of the Dead". Mitla used to be a ceremonial center of the Zapotecs and it´s now famed for its outstanding mozaics on its walls, a unique style of decorating in Mesoamerica. You'll  continue the excursion with an adventurous ride to Hierve el Agua, where you'll have the chance to see the petrified waterfalls and take a refreshing dip into the mineral baths while enjoying the breathtaking landscape. Conclude the day in the most typical way; at a mezcal distillery. Learn about the traditional production process and you won´t leave before you have tasted Oaxaca´s sacred liquor.

From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua Hike and Mezcal Tour

7. From Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua Hike and Mezcal Tour

Sip on refreshing drinks at a secret waterfall, take a rejuvenating dip under the hot Oaxacan sun and try traditional mezcal on this unforgettable guided day trip. Meet your guide in Oaxaca bright and early and head to the serene Hierve el Agua. Explore the area with your guide, and be fascinated by the cascading water. Enjoy free time at the pools to take beautiful photos, paddle, or admire the captivating view of the valley below. Begin a rocky 7 KM hike down the valley until you reach another secret oasis. Discover this unknown waterfall hidden inside an enigmatic small canyon. From here, travel to a local mezcal distillery. Learn all about mezcal production and relish a mezcal tasting with the family. Have lunch and taste some local specialties such as tlayudas, a toasted tortilla covered with refried beans and fresh toppings, also known as an Oaxaca pizza. Try memelas, a type of toasted cake made of masa with toppings, and tasajo, a special dried beef cooked over a wood fire. Finally, arrive back in Oaxaca and appreciate the last few moments of an exceptional day.

Oaxaca: Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal leaving at noon

8. Oaxaca: Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal leaving at noon

Enjoy a visit to a house belonging to a family of Zapotec origin, here you will learn about the techniques they use to paint wool with natural dyes and make rugs with sheep's wool. If you like to help the community you can do it by buying directly with them.Explore in a relaxed way the beautiful petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua and its trails, you will be able to swim in the natural water pools, here you will have 2 hours to enjoy this fantastic place.Before finishing the tour you can learn how this delicious drink is made at the artisan mezcal factory, plus you can do a tasting included in the tour.We do this tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving at 12 noon.

Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Tule, Teotilán and Mezcal factory

9. Hierve el Agua, Mitla, Tule, Teotilán and Mezcal factory

The tour will begin by visiting the majestic Tule Tree, an ahuehuete that is more than 2000 years old. From Tuesday to Sunday don´t miss Mitla, a town and municipal seat in the state of Oaxaca, famous for being the site of the archaeological ruins of Mitla. Continue to Hierve el agua, it is in the heart of a steep mountain range that during the dry season is characterized by its extreme aridity. Natural beauty is not the only attraction of this site. Later we will visit Teotitlán del Valle, a community where residents are dedicated to making handicrafts on a pedal loom, with wool rugs standing out. An artisan will demonstrate how they obtain the different colors with natural products such as cochineal, indigo, etc. On the route, a stop of 1 hour will be made in a mezcal distillery to learn about the process of its elaboration in an artisanal way and we will have a tasting of this famous Oaxacan drink

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Hierve el Agua

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What people are saying about Hierve el Agua

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 93 reviews

Wow such an epic day we had. Thanks to Ariana, the booking agent, Ede the guide and Marcos the driver. Thank you for the memorable trip. Ede our guide spoke both Spanish and English and I loved her style of switching back and forth between the languages at every longer paragraph. This way the mixed group of Spanish, French and us Canadians felt included and served As a Spanish language crash course. Ede has a great style knowing how to “control” the group in s good way and was very well prepared with background. She is definitely the best tour guide we had so far in Mexico. The trip covers a very large variety of topics: giant tree if Tula, a bakery with a chance to eat breakfast and have hot chocolate. The Aqua Azul is cool site, I managed to do both the trail and the swimming but had to be fast, My kid and wife just did the swimming. The visit to the Zacatec weavers was a treat, quality carpets, feel free to buy good prices, unless you are on a 5 weeks road-trip like us. Loved it

What a fantastic day, full of experiences and beautiful places. Ede, the guide, is one of the best guides I’ve ever had, and she organized the trip so well. It was a long day but without a single minute that was boring. We learned so much and saw so much attractions and places around Oaxaca. Each stop in this tour was enjoyable. Warmly recommended!

Edelmira was a wonderful guide who made our small 3 person tour feel like a group of friends. Very insightful about the details at Mitla and wonderful presentation of textiles. While it seems like the tour has many things packed into one day, the pace was well-planned and not rushed at all.

The entire day was well curated and excellent Romeo,’our driver was A+, Clemente, our guide was knowledgeable, helpful, and a real pleasure! This is a great day !

We enjoyed so much our day,mezcal tasting was amazing!