Nature Focus: Only Hierve el Agua + Mezcal Review: The "Hike & Swim" Alternative
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The standard "Full Loop" tour only gives you about 90 minutes at Hierve el Agua — barely enough time to change and dip your toes in. This Nature Focus Tour does something different: it skips the ruins and rugs to give you 3+ hours at the waterfalls, plus a hike to the bottom.
📋 Quick Summary
- Best for: Hikers, swimmers, and photographers
- Duration: 8 hours (More relaxed pace)
- Key Difference: Skips Tule/Mitla/Rugs to focus on Nature
- Price: $55 per person
- Highlight: Guided hike to the base of the petrified falls
Pros & Cons: Our Honest Take
What We Loved
- ✓ You actually have time to relax and swim (3 hours vs 1 hour)
- ✓ Includes the hike to the bottom (where the best photos are)
- ✓ Visits a more rustic, less commercial mezcal palenque
- ✓ Smaller groups usually mean a better experience
Drawbacks
- ✗ You miss Mitla, Tule, and Teotitlán (major cultural sites)
- ✗ Requires moderate fitness for the hike (steep path)
The Hike & The Pools
The main selling point here is the time to explore the "fascinating waterfall-like rock formations." These aren't actual waterfalls but petrified mineral deposits formed over thousands of years.
- The Upper Area: This is where the famous infinity pools are. You can swim here with a view of the valley.
- The Hike: Unlike other tours, you have time to take the path down to the base. Looking up at the 30-meter tall stone curtains is arguably more impressive than looking down from the top.
After the hike, the tour visits a Mezcal Distillery where you can taste free samples and learn the secrets of production without being rushed to get to the next ruin.
Who Should Book This Tour?
Book this if you hate feeling rushed. The magic of Hierve el Agua is sitting in the infinity pool staring at the valley, or hiking down to see the massive petrified waterfalls from below.
If you try to squeeze 5 stops into one day (like the other tour), you miss that magic. This tour prioritizes experience over checklist ticking.
Final Verdict
Best for Nature Lovers
If you've already seen ruins or just prefer nature, this is the superior tour. You get the best of Hierve el Agua without the stress of a 12-hour sightseeing marathon.
Check Availability ($55)Free cancellation up to 24 hours
AboutDiego Garcia
Senior Mezcal Reviewer & Industry Expert
Mezcal specialist with 15 years of experience in the Oaxacan spirits industry. Dedicated to preserving traditional production methods.
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