Hierve el Agua has been recognized as a probable sacred place of the ancient Zapotecs. Although the beauty conferred to the site by its enormous natural contrasts is exceptional, since it is in the heart of a rugged mountain range that is characterized by its extreme aridity during the dry season, the main attraction is the spectacle offered by two impressive petrified waterfalls, the first 30 meters high and the second of approximately 12 meters.
Formed by runoff of carbonated water from the springs located at the top of the rocks. From these springs the water is projected over the formations, creating new rocky layers that project towards a ravine of more than 200 meters deep.
On the site there is a series of small natural pools excavated in an esplanade called “El Anfiteatro” (the Amphitheatre), from where the petrified waterfalls can be perfectly admired. The place comprises two clearly differentiated platforms, at the lower level of which are the springs and the irrigation system.
The water temperature is slightly higher than the ambient temperature fluctuating between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius and therefore well below the boiling point. However, natural beauty is not the only attraction of Hierve el Agua, which is, above all, an important archaeological site whose long history has allowed studying various aspects of the culture and way of life of the ancient inhabitants of the region. Currently there are bathrooms, dressing rooms, palapas and small “fondas” (restaurants) to eat. There are also huts perfectly equipped to spend the night.
Take the opportunity to explore, through a walking or cycling tour, the entire area of the pre-Hispanic irrigation system, observing the beautiful spectacle of the waterfalls in the middle of the Sierra mountains.
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To make the visitor's stay more pleasant, Hierve el Agua currently has bathrooms, dressing rooms, palapas, swimming pools and small fondas (restaurants) to eat.
Likewise, there are cabins perfectly equipped for spending the night, as well as a “Tourist Yuu” with the essential services.
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