Visit Mexico’s Hierve el Agua Waterfalls That Look Petrified
Hierve el Agua is no ordinary waterfall in Mexico. It is a set of stunning travertine rock formations that give it the appearance of being a waterfall frozen in time. The cliffs rise between 50 and 90 meters from the valley and appear like a frozen waterfall from a distance.
Travertine rock formations are some of nature’s most eye-catching attractions. The Mammoth Hot Springs and their travertines are considered some of the most beautiful hot springs in the world. Pamukkale in Turkey is another of the most famous travertine rock formations and they are located among the ancient Roman ruins of Heliopolis.
Size & Beauty Of Hierve el Agua
Somewhat similar to Pamukkale in Turkey, there are Instagrammable pools on the top. There are a number of natural and artificial pools, with one of the pools being very close to the edge of the cliff.
Height: Over 50 meters (150 Feet) From The Valley Floor
The word “Hierve” means to boil in Spanish (a bit of a misnomer as the water is not boiling). The water temperature is only within the range of around 22 to 27 °C (72 to 81 °F).
Hierve el Agua is made up of two waterfall-like travertine rock formations that have formed over thousands of years. The formations do not extend all the way down to the valley floor; one goes down around 12 meters, and the other one 30 meters.
Rock Formations Of Hierve el Agua:
Cascada Chica: 12 Meters Long, 60 Meters Wide (Means “Small Waterfall”)
Cascade Grande: 30 Meters Long, 90 Meters Wide (Means “Large Waterfall”)
The Cascade Chica is the more accessible of the two falls and is the most visited – it is also called the “Amphitheater.” It has four springs, and the water is a turquoise green owing to its rich mineral content. The other formation, Cascada Grande, is visible from Cascade Chica. Cascade Grande does not have artificial pools.
Visitors to the site will find trails that lead to both the Cascada Chica and the Cascada Grande, as well as the valley floor, where visitors can gaze up at the travertine formations.
Related: 20 Beautiful And Rejuvenating Hot Springs Around The World (That Are Totally Free!)
Formation & Scientific Explanation
The travertine formations have been formed from freshwater springs that are rich and over-saturated in calcium carbonate (as well as other minerals). These minerals are deposited as the water trickles down the cliff forming the travertine formations. This is a similar natural process to what creates stalactites and stalagmites in caves.
The process is rainwater seeping into the ground, absorbing carbon dioxide, and forming molecules of carbonic acid. The acid then comes into contact with the underground marble and partly dissolves in a process that creates calcium bicarbonate. As the water emerges from underground and then the excess minerals, fall out gradually, creating the travertine rock formations seen.
As with the many other mineral-rich springs around the world, they have a reputation for supposed healing qualities.
Fascinatingly, these springs are also of archeological interest. A canal system of irrigation has been found around the springs that date back around 2,500 years. These irrigation canals have been considered to be unique in Mesoamerica.
Visiting Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is located around 70 km or 40 miles east of Oaxaca City and is made up of two rock shelves or cliffs. It takes around an hour and a half to get there. Hierve el Agua is fortunately open once again after having been closed for around a year and a half during the pandemic. They have been reopened since November 2021 and are once again attracting visitors from far and wide.
Visitors should note that this is a rather isolated region of Mexico in rough terrain (the road to it can also be rocky and rough). The environment is mostly oak forest, cactus, and semi-desert vegetation. The experience of visiting Hierve el Agua varies depending on the season – there are dry and rainy seasons.
Reopened: November 2021
Location: 40 Miles East Of Oaxaca City
Visitors will find some services for visitors to Hierve el Agua like food stands, a regular swimming pool, and small markets. There is also a restaurant and some basic accommodation at the site.
If one is planning to visit Hierve el Agua it may be advisable to take a guided tour from Oaxaca. Reportedly, it is not uncommon for there to be road closures and blockades by residents of the state as a form of protest.
