
Hierve el agua half day tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 130 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hierve el agua half day tour worth booking?
Hierve el agua half day tour is a 6-hour experience in Oaxaca City, Mexico, from $37 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 130 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (130)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $37 per person
(we include a hiking) Enjoy the natural pools and be amazed by the height of the waterfalls. Embark on an excursion where you will visit only Hierve el Agua, a set of two waterfalls that have been petrifying for millions of years due to the calcium carbonate mineral solution in the water. The tour goes directly to Hierve el Agua as the only stop. We will stay at the site for 3 hours to allow ample time to enjoy the natural wonders of Hierve el Agua at a leisurely pace. Learn about the history of Hierve el Agua, a set of petrified waterfalls distinguished by their white color and their height of over 200 meters. BRING CASH, $70 pesos entrance fee and at least $200 pesos to buy snacks; they do not accept cards. Remember to have breakfast beforehand, or bring a boxed lunch since we will not be making any stops. You can buy food inside.
What you get
About this experience
(we include a hiking) Enjoy the natural pools and be amazed by the height of the waterfalls. Embark on an excursion where you will visit only Hierve el Agua, a set of two waterfalls that have been petrifying for millions of years due to the calcium carbonate mineral solution in the water. The tour goes directly to Hierve el Agua as the only stop. We will stay at the site for 3 hours to allow ample time to enjoy the natural wonders of Hierve el Agua at a leisurely pace. Learn about the history of Hierve el Agua, a set of petrified waterfalls distinguished by their white color and their height of over 200 meters. BRING CASH, $70 pesos entrance fee and at least $200 pesos to buy snacks; they do not accept cards. Remember to have breakfast beforehand, or bring a boxed lunch since we will not be making any stops. You can buy food inside.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- spanish driver
Not included
- Lunch
- local guide for hiking
- guide
- entrace $70 mx
What you'll see and do
El Centro Oaxaca De Juarez
Transfer time to Hierve el agua: You will be able to know the way to the route for one and half hour
Pass by without stopping
Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is an impressive set of petrified waterfalls located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. These natural formations originated from the accumulation of calcium carbonate over thousands of years, creating the appearance of "boiling water" over the cliffs. In addition to its natural beauty, Hierve el Agua offers opportunities to swim in natural pools and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, so bring your swimsuit and dive in. It is a popular tourist destination that combines impressive landscapes with unique geological elements. Here, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools and take an exciting hike of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to the main waterfall. (Optional + local guide) The transfer to Hierve el Agua is 1 hour and a half one way and another hour and a half returning, giving a total of 6 hours.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Oaxaca
Return to the city of Oaxaca for one hour and 30 minutes
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oaxaca City
Please if you chose the time of 9:00 am - arrive 8:50 am If you chose the time of 10 : 30 am - arrive 10 : 15 am At the Quinta Real hotel located at 05 de Mayo #300, downtown. Wait outside or inside in the hotel lobby, thank you.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please if you chose the time of 9:00 am - arrive 8:50 am If you chose the time of 10 : 30 am - arrive 10 : 15 am At the Quinta Real hotel located at 05 de Mayo #300, downtown. Wait outside or inside in the hotel lobby, thank you.
Options you can book
Half Day Tour to Hierve el Agua
Half Day (Late Check Out)
Duration: 6 hours
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 18 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Oaxacatours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not suitable for people suffering from high blood pressure or altitude sickness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 128 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
128 verified traveler reviews for Hierve el agua half day tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Definitely worth it! A must see.
Everything was great! Loved the whole experience. Our driver was accompanying and knowledgeable. The hike was strenuous and a climb. Make sure to wear the proper shoes. After the hike you’re rewarded with the spring pools. And not to mention the spectacular views of the petrified waterfalls. A must do experience!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect amount of time to...
Perfect amount of time to hike the surrounding area and relax in the pool. Would probably be too long if you only went to the pool
via Viator
Take your time to explore and swim
This tour is the best to spend enough time in Hierve el Agua: 90 mn hike and 90 mn in the pools. There are bathrooms and changing rooms by the pools. You can buy food and snacks by the parking lot. Bring small bills and coins.
via Viator
Great trip. Julia was an...
Great trip. Julia was an excellent facilitator. There is no guided tour included in this booking, but she went above and beyond! She led my kids on a short walk to a scenic spot, and talked to them about the regional history and wildlife. She is very knowledgeable in her field.
via Viator
Outstanding tour
Beautiful scenery. The hike and the pools were amazing. An excellent day with an excellent guide, Francisco.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $37 to $700
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 46
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Oaxacatours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.1.
See everything Oaxacatours runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hierve el agua half day tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oaxaca City.
How much does Hierve el agua half day tour cost?
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Prices start at $37 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oaxaca City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hierve el agua half day tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oaxaca City is not rushed.
Is Hierve el agua half day tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 130 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oaxaca City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hierve el agua half day tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hierve el agua half day tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hierve el agua half day tour?
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Around 46 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oaxaca City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oaxaca City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hierve el agua half day tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oaxaca City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oaxaca City?
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On Outty we rank every Oaxaca City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hierve el Agua 2.5 hours, Mitla, Tule, Rugs and Mezcal for a Day, OAXACA CULTURAL FOOD TOUR, eat like a local., Monte Alban for 3hrs, Black Pottery and Alebrijes with Admissions. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Hierve el agua half day tour?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and spanish driver. Not included: Lunch; local guide for hiking; guide; and entrace $70 mx. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hierve el agua half day tour?
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Please if you chose the time of 9:00 am - arrive 8:50 am If you chose the time of 10 : 30 am - arrive 10 : 15 am At the Quinta Real hotel located at 05 de Mayo #300, downtown. Wait outside or inside in the hotel lobby. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hierve el agua half day tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hierve el agua half day tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hierve el agua half day tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Oaxaca City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Hierve el agua half day tour?
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Across 130 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Hierve el agua half day tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Half Day Tour to Hierve el Agua, Half Day (Late Check Out). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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