Annual Leave Explorers

How to Get to Hierve el Agua from Oaxaca City Without a Tour

Visiting Hierve el Agua is one of the top day trips from Oaxaca City. While it’s becoming more touristy, it remains an absolutely breathtaking destination. Imagine vast desert landscapes with towering cacti, natural mineral pools bubbling from underground, and the striking petrified waterfalls that are unlike anything else. There are plenty of hiking trails, stunning viewpoints, and refreshing pools to swim in, making it well worth the trip.

Many tours offer trips to Hierve el Agua, often charging between $20-$50 USD per person. However, taking public transport is not only cheaper but also gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and avoid peak tourist hours. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting there independently.

---

Step 1: Take a Local Bus to Mitla

Your first step is to take a local bus to Mitla, a town about 45 km east of Oaxaca City.

Where to Catch the Bus

You can catch the bus from:

• The Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos baseball stadium along Highway 190 (This is the most common option).
• The second-class bus station in Oaxaca City.

For the Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos stop, look for a McDonald’s nearby as a landmark. Many buses will pass by, and they display their destinations on the front. Wait for one that says Mitla, and flag it down. Buses come roughly every 30 minutes. If the bus doesn’t show up, you can also flag down a shared taxi (colectivo taxi) to Mitla, costing 30-40 MXN per person.

📍 Bus stop location: Collectivo A Mitla on Google Maps

You can see the Colectivo A Mitla sign here on the map

Bus Ride Duration & Cost

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour (depending on traffic)
• Cost: 25 MXN per person

💡 Pro Tip: Many blogs suggest leaving super early, but we left around 12 PM and had plenty of time to explore and return comfortably. No need to stress about an early morning departure!

---

Step 2: Take a Colectivo to Hierve el Agua

Once in Mitla, you’ll need to take a colectivo (shared pickup truck) to Hierve el Agua.

Where to Find the Colectivo

• The colectivo pickup spot is right next to the bus drop-off point in Mitla.
• Look for a Camioneta (pickup truck) with ‘Hierve el Agua’ written on top. Some may not have signs, but locals will guide you.

How the Ride Works

• The driver waits until there are at least 10 passengers before departing.
• The ride up the mountain is scenic, slightly bumpy but not as bad as some describe.
• Families with children often ride, with kids seated in the back for safety.

Costs & Additional Fees

• Colectivo fare: 100 MXN per person (one way)
• Road fee: 15 MXN per person (sometimes charged halfway up, but inconsistently)
• Hierve el Agua entrance fee: 50 MXN per person (collected upon arrival)

⏳ Waiting time for a colectivo: Usually 10-15 minutes, but this varies.

---

Step 3: Returning to Mitla

When you’re ready to leave, simply return to the same spot where you were dropped off. Colectivos will be parked there, waiting for enough passengers to make the return trip.

• Cost: 100 MXN per person
• Waiting time: Usually short, but be prepared to wait if it’s a quiet time.

---

Step 4: Getting Back to Oaxaca City

Once back in Mitla, you have two options:

1. Take the bus back to Oaxaca City
   • The bus station is a walled-in courtyard, where buses to Oaxaca depart regularly.
   • Cost: 25 MXN per person
   • Time: 1 hour
2. Take a shared taxi back to Oaxaca City
   • Look for taxis labeled ‘Oaxaca’ or ask around.
   • Cost: 40 MXN per person (for 4 passengers)
   • Faster than the bus, but more expensive.

---

Final Tips for Visiting Hierve el Agua

✅ Bring cash: There are no ATMs at Hierve el Agua. ✅ Wear sturdy shoes: There are plenty of trails and viewpoints worth exploring. ✅ Bring sunscreen and water: It gets hot, and shade is limited. ✅ Plan your visit for later in the day: This helps avoid the crowds and enjoy golden hour views. ✅ Stay flexible: Colectivos don’t have fixed schedules, so expect some waiting time. ✅ If you can bring a jumper or something to sit on for the collectivo, it can be slightly bumpy depending on what Collectivo you get!

🚀 By following this guide, you’ll save money, have a more flexible trip, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of Hierve el Agua at your own pace!

---