state guide

The best waterfalls in Oaxaca

A hand-picked guide to 1 of the most stunning waterfalls in Oaxaca. Each entry below has our personal notes, photos, driving directions and the practical detail you need to plan a visit — from parking and hike lengths to swimming rules and the best time of year to go.

Geology

#1 · 50 m drop

Hierve el Agua

San Lorenzo Albarradas · Oaxaca · Mexico

Hierve el Agua — heroHierve el Agua — photo 2Hierve el Agua — photo 3

The highlight of this trip was definitely Hierve el Agua.

The entrance fee was 100 MXN per person. We arrived at around 4:30 pm, and our guide gave us an hour and a half to explore before meeting back at 6:00 pm. The vehicle drove directly to the mountaintop parking area, and from there it was only about a 10-minute walk to the main attraction.

Geographic Reference

The scenery was absolutely stunning and incredibly photogenic. The moment we arrived, we felt the trip was already worth it. One thing that surprised me, though, was that the water isn't actually hot. Despite the name, it's cool to room temperature rather than a hot spring, and it has a slight sulphur smell.

Waterfall canyon
Safety first

Stay safe at every waterfall

Wet rocks, hidden currents and fast-changing weather catch out experienced hikers every year. Read our quick safety guide before you head out.

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