Hierve el Agua is well connected with Oaxaca City. You can get from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua by public bus, private transfer, rental car, or on a guided tour!
Mexico has so many natural wonders that will impress you, but this one stands out as something special- Hierve el Agua is one of those places that will leave you in awe once you discover it!
This place is one of the most beautiful natural structures in this area, and it is easily mistaken for a waterfall. However, it’s even more remarkable when you understand that it’s actually a stalactite! It’s a remarkable example of nature and something you’ve got to see with your own eyes.
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It was created thousands of years ago by the outflow of carbonated water from calcium-rich natural springs. Mineral deposits on the cliff caused the water to “freeze” as it trickled past them.
The name translates from Spanish as “boiling water,” which is an apt description given the extremely low temperatures.
The water shimmers as it cascades over solid limestone, creating an optical illusion that only makes the place more captivating.
Because of its location near Oaxaca City and ease of access, thanks to Mexico’s first-rate transportation infrastructure, it is incredibly popular with tourists.
So, we recommend booking this Hierve el Agua Waterfalls and Mezcal Tasting Tour from Oaxaca City to fully immerse yourself in the experience! And we guarantee it is definitely worth a visit!
Traveling between Oaxaca City and Hierve el Agua is easy, and you can choose between a public bus, private transfer, rental car, or guided tour!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua.
How far is Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca City?
The distance from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua is 42.2 miles or 67.9 kilometers.
Tip: Want to learn more about Hierve el Agua? Find out everything you want to know about Hierve el Agua Oaxaca here!
Transportation Options from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua
The following table outlines all transportation options from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua via Mitla | ~2 hours | ~USD 4 |
| Private Transfer from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua | Custom Time | USD 234 |
| Transport + Tour | 12 hours | USD 35-USD 68 |
| Rental Car | 1 hour 30 minutes | – |
Getting to Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca City
1. Public Bus from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua via Mitla
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
If you decide to travel around using public transport, getting from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua will require two steps! To begin with, you must get from Oaxaca City to the small town of Mitla.
The best method to get to Mitla is by public bus, either along Boulevard Jose Vasconcelos or from the 2nd class bus terminal in Oaxaca City (Highway 190). The trip takes around an hour and costs MXN 20, or roughly USD 1.07.
Terminal de Autobuses de Segunda Clase, or just Central, is the name of the second-class bus terminal. It is the nearest alternative from Oaxaca City center and is located about 1 kilometer west of the Zocalo.
Although Highway 190 is located farther north of the Zocalo, all buses to Mitla travel through this road every 30 minutes or so. The baseball stadium, Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos, is an excellent place to wait for these public buses.
Although you are making a little detour, this might also be an excellent opportunity to explore Mitla and its archeological sites!
The Mitla Ruins, the world’s largest tree at El Tule, and Hierve el Agua can all be combined in one tour or day trip because they are all to the east of Oaxaca City!
If you want to explore this part of Mexico even further, we recommend booking a tour that combines all these attractions!
For the second part of your trip, to reach Hierve el Agua, you must take a camioneta from Mitla.
Camionetas from Mitla can be boarded in front of the bus station for MXN 50–60 or USD 2. However, they need 7-8 passengers to depart. Numerous larger trucks require 9–10 passengers. These pick-up trucks need another hour or more to reach Hierve el Agua.
Since the camionetas only depart when there are enough passengers, there are no set schedules here. Because you might have to wait a very long period, we advise you to begin your journey from Oaxaca City as early as possible.
Keep your cash, credit cards, and other valuables secure at all times when using local transportation in Mexico.
This is very cheap compared to other options, but it takes away the comfort or convenience of direct transportation. However, it might be perfect if you’re up for an adventure!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
2. Private Transfer from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Another practical way to travel from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua is by private shuttle.
With this service, you will be transported by a professional driver inside a well-equipped minivan with all the amenities for a comfortable trip.
However, you must schedule your private transfer in advance, and the cost will vary based on how many people you have traveling with you.
The price for one person drops once you get a group together and divide the cost, making it well worth it!
Additionally, a private transfer gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose your own itinerary and the times of your departure and arrival!
This is a great choice if you want to save time, travel comfortably, and splurge on a holiday!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
3. Driving with Rental Car from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
One option for getting from Oaxaca City to Hierve El Agua is by renting a car! You can decide to travel independently, create your own itinerary and arrive at Hierve el Agua in no time!
The drive from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes, so you will have a lot of time to spend at the site.
Mexican car rentals come at very affordable prices, so you can choose this alternative and make it worthwhile.
The best part?
You can depart, explore, or head back whenever you wish! The whole trip is entirely up to you.
So, if you wish to travel independently and explore at your own pace, explore the car rental options in Oaxaca City and hit the road to Hierve el Agua!
4. Transport + Guided Tour from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua
There are several ways to go to Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca City, and taking a guided tour, including transportation, is another fantastic option to see the place!
A guide will be waiting for you at Hierve el Agua and transportation from your Oaxaca City pickup location!
There are numerous tours available, with prices starting at USD 35! So, let’s look at what’s available:
If you have time, try combining Hierve el Agua with a visit to the mezcal factory!
During this tour, you’ll stop at two of Hierve el Agua’s largest petrified waterfalls, one measuring 95 feet in height and the other rising 40 feet higher.
Here, you’ll have plenty of time to swim in the natural pool, hike through the area’s scenic trails with a local guide, and take in the breathtaking scenery.
After you’re done there, you’ll go to Teotitlan del Valle to see the Tule Tree and the Teotitlan Tapetes, where you can learn about mezcal production and sip some of the various tastes that they have to offer!
And if you book to visit from Wednesday through Sunday, you’ll also visit the Mitlá archaeological site.
Additionally, you can include a side trip to Teotitlan de Valle in your itinerary for Hierve el Agua!
After visiting Hierve el Agua and enjoying the beautiful nature, you’ll also get to try some Mezcal.
Finally, you will travel to Teotitlan del Valle, the center of the Zapotec weaving culture. Here, weavers still employ ancient methods to create and decorate their rugs, many of which feature original patterns and imitations of well-known artists like Toledo, Tamayo, and Picasso!
So, what are you waiting for?
Experience Hierve el Agua to the fullest by booking a guided tour + transport from Oaxaca City!
If you’re interested in visiting Hierve el Agua, explore some more guided tours below!
Best day tours in Hierve el Agua, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Hierve el Agua, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua?
The cheapest way to get from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua is by public transport, which costs about USD 4. However, this takes much longer, and you have to make a transfer in Mitla.
What is the fastest way to get from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua?
The fastest way to get from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua is by car! Driving to Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Additionally, you can spend as much time as you want there!
Can I get to Hierve el Agua without a tour?
Yes, you can choose to visit Hierve el Agua all on your own. You can do so by catching a public bus via Mitla, booking a private transfer or geting a rental car and following the map!
How much does it cost to go to Hierve el Agua?
The entrance fee to go to Hierve el Agua is MXN 50 or about USD 2.50.
Can you swim at Hierve el Agua?
Yes, you can swim in Hierve el Agua, but only if you have courage! Despite the warm weather, the water is extremely cold.
What’s the best time to visit Hierve El Agua?
Visiting Hierve el Agua from late October to early April is ideal because the temperatures are lower than during the peak summer months.
Oaxaca may get very hot from May to September. If you go at this time of year, make sure to dress for the heat.
