We compared the top rated tours that combine the petrified waterfalls with authentic mezcal tasting.
The drive to the waterfalls takes you right through the 'World Capital of Mezcal'. It makes perfect sense to combine them. Here is how to do it right.
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Grouping Hierve el Agua with a Mezcal tasting isn't just smart scheduling—it is the only way to respect the geography.
To reach the falls from Oaxaca City, you drive Highway 190. This isn't a boring commute. The "Pan-American" slices through the valley's cultural spine, passing directly by:
Driving 2 hours each way just for a swim is a waste of gas. Since Matatlán guards the mountain pass, stopping there on the return leg breaks the monotony. You can smell the roasted agave before you see it. It's the perfect excuse to visit a traditional Palenque (distillery) right at the source.
First, a translation warning: "Hierve el Agua" means "The Water Boils". It doesn't. The name refers to the water bubbling up from underground springs, but the pools are actually cool.
These aren't standard waterfalls. You are looking at petrified waterfalls (travertine), frozen in stone. Mineral-heavy water has trickled down this cliff face for millennia, building a white wall that stands 60 meters (200 feet) high.
It's chemistry, not magic. The water is super-charged with calcium carbonate. As it flows over the edge, it leaves minerals behind that calcify into rock—the same process that grows stalactites in caves. Oaxaca shares this geological oddity with only one other place: Pamukkale, Turkey.
We are big fans of independent travel, but for this specific route, the logistics are tricky. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
| Factor | DIY (Colectivo/Rental) | Guided Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheap (~$200-400 MXN total) | Moderate ($50-100 USD) |
| Time Efficiency | Low. Waiting for colectivos to fill up adds 1-2 hours. | High. Direct transport to all stops. |
| Safety | Mountain roads are winding and dangerous for inexperienced drivers. | Professional drivers who know the route. |
| Mezcal | Driving after tasting is illegal and dangerous. | Drink safely. You don't have to drive. |
Our Verdict: If you only want to hike Hierve el Agua and have all day, take the bus. If you want to see Mitla, Tule, and drink Mezcal safely, take a tour. Trying to cram all 4 stops via public transport in one day is exhausting.
We've selected these options based on time management (how long you actually get at the water) and the quality of the mezcal stop (avoiding commercial tourist traps).
The most complete day trip. Visit the Tule Tree, Mitla Ruins, Teotitlán Rugs, Hierve el Agua waterfalls, and a Mezcal distillery. Maximum sightseeing.
💡 Editor's Verdict:
The Best All-Rounder. If you want to check off all the major East Valley sights in a single day, this is the most efficient way.
Skip the ruins and rugs. This tour focuses purely on the waterfalls (with time to hike and swim) and a deep-dive mezcal tasting at a rustic palenque.
💡 Editor's Verdict:
Best for Nature Lovers. Choose this if you want to actually swim and hike, not just take a photo.
The ultimate private day trip. Combine the Pyramids, the Waterfalls, and Mezcal in one flexible private tour. You control the pace.
💡 Editor's Verdict:
Best for Groups/Couples. If you split the cost between 3-4 people, it's cheaper than a shared tour.
Hierve el Agua is in a remote mountain area with limited services. Don't be caught unprepared.
Yes. Because Hierve el Agua is fed by underground springs, the pools have water year-round. However, the "waterfall" effect on the cliffside is petrified rock, so it always looks like water!
Yes. There are two main pools open for swimming. The water is mineral-rich and refreshing (cool), not hot like a thermal spring. The view from the edge of the infinity pool is the most famous photo in Oaxaca.
Walking from the parking lot to the main pools is easy (10 minutes downhill). However, there is an optional loop trail that goes down to the base of the falls. This hike is moderate/steep and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It is worth it for the view looking up at the falls.
If you only plan to swim and take photos, 2 hours is sufficient. If you want to hike the bottom trail and enjoy a meal, plan for 3 to 4 hours.
There are no fancy restaurants here, but there is a row of rustic comedores (food stalls) at the entrance. They serve delicious local staples like memelas, tlayudas, and fresh coconuts. It is cheap, tasty, and authentic—but remember to bring cash.
Yes, there are basic bathrooms and changing rooms (vestidores) near the parking area. They typically charge a small fee ($5-10 MXN), so keep some coins handy.
Love the mezcal you tasted on the tour?
Don't worry about carrying heavy bottles back home. You can find many of the same artisanal brands in the city.
Cultural Editor & Travel Curator
Cultural writer and resident of Oaxaca City. Sofia covers travel logistics, safety, and the rich cultural context surrounding mezcal.
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