Mexico
Hierve el Agua Natural Spring
Water Source
Clear, mineral-rich spring water bubbles up from limestone formations at 7,000 feet, creating the natural pools that feed Hierve el Agua’s terraced formations. The spring itself sits above the main tourist pools — follow the trail 200 meters uphill from the parking area. Water flows year-round at about 2 gallons per minute, safe to drink but with a distinct mineral taste from the calcium carbonate.
Access via 12 kilometers of winding mountain road from Highway 190. Spring gets busy with day-trippers from Oaxaca City after 10 AM, but the water source itself remains accessible. Bring containers — no spigot, just the natural outflow point. Road can be rough after heavy rains.
Mineral spring above the petrified waterfalls
Place Details
| Type | Water Source |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 7000 ft |
| Nearest town | Mitla, Oaxaca |
| Miles from pavement | 12 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | October-May |
| Land manager | State Land |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |