Hierve el Agua
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Why go
- Follow trails linking the two formations and the valley floor.
- The site also preserves a Zapotec irrigation system considered unique in Mexico.
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 17:00Show all
Don't miss
- Cascada ChicaAlso called the Amphitheatre, this is the more accessible and most visited formation, with two artificial pools adapted for swimming.North of Cascada Grande
- Cascada GrandeThe larger formation can be seen from Cascada Chica and has no artificial pools.Just south of Cascada Chica
History
Only remnants of the ancient irrigation channels survive, and the archaeological area has not been fully explored. Residents of the Roeguia community own the Turis Yu’u complex and many nearby stalls.
- Over thousands of yearsMineral-rich water flowing over the rocks gradually built the petrified falls.
- About 2,500 years agoZapotec builders created irrigation channels and terraces.
- 1990The Turis Yu’u complex was built with basic rooms for overnight stays.
- 6 December 1997A state decree established Hierve el Agua State Park.
- 2005–2007Disputes between nearby communities over management and revenue closed the site.
Show all
- 2007A shallow pool was built near the falls’ edge.
Tips for your visit
- Changing rooms and toilets are available at the visitor complex.
- Food stalls, small markets, picnic tables and restaurant areas provide places to eat and rest.
- One artificial pool sits very close to the cliff edge.
Best time to visit
- Spring flow changes considerably between the dry and wet seasons.
Know before you go
- Opening hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
How to get there
- CarA dirt track leads from Mitla to Hierve el Agua.
- BusShared vans leave Mitla when enough passengers have gathered; the wait can exceed an hour.
Shorts
Interesting facts2
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Freshwater springs emerge through mountainside fissures; their calcium carbonate deposits build the formations and give them their white appearance.
Hierve el Agua - Wikipedia -
Spring-water temperatures range from 22 to 27 °C.
Hierve el Agua - Wikipedia
Sources: Hierve el Agua - Wikipedia · Hierve el Agua - Wikipedia · Hierve el Agua - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026
- Website
- hierveelagua.org/
- Phone
- +52 951 502 1200
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
Why is Hierve el Agua called that?
Two springs bubble up from the Amphitheatre’s level floor, inspiring the name.
How big is Cascada Chica?
The smaller formation is 12 metres high and 60 metres wide.
How high above the valley are Hierve el Agua’s falls?
The two main formations stand about 50 metres above the valley floor.
How large is the Hierve el Agua protected area?
It covers 4,125.10 hectares and is mainly deciduous lowland forest.
Which other minerals occur in Hierve el Agua’s spring water?
Besides calcium carbonate, the water contains minerals including silver, barium and iron.
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