We love the change between nature and the urban jungle. Accordingly, the way to Oaxaca does not lead us far but nevertheless into a completely different scenery to Hierve el agua. It is a petrified waterfall in the middle of green hills. We couldn’t really imagine how exactly a petrified waterfall comes about and what exactly it is. That’s exactly why we are here.

Petrified waterfalls

The petrified waterfalls at Hierve el agua come about from an interaction of several factors. On the one hand, mineral-rich water emerges from the ground at this site in the hills of Oaxaca. A spring is so close to a cliff that the water does not remain on the ground for long and runs directly into the vertical where a petrified water staircase with many interconnected stalactites has formed over the centuries. In addition, the petrification is promoted by the fact that a rather dry-warm climate prevails and the water evaporation proceeds accordingly faster.

In total, we have discovered five water sources. We imagine, however, that possibly depending on the climatic situation and rainfall even more water outlets can be added. At two of the springs have also formed partly natural, partly artificial water basins, which can also be used for a bath. During our visit, we are content with the visual impressions and for once refrain from jumping into the water.

Most tourists stay at the water basins and enjoy the cooling in the scorching heat, only some people venture to the first vantage point, from where the waterfall can be admired in all its glory.
So we are, besides another adventurous couple, the only ones who walk the beautiful circular path below the waterfall and enjoy the fantastic view of the waterfall, but also of the surrounding landscape. The round trip takes only about an hour, but there are a few steep passages and with the high temperatures and humidity you start to sweat after the first steps.