Oaxaca: Xaaga-Hierve el Agua 1 Day Hiking Tour

This full-day adventure in Oaxaca offers a perfect blend of challenging hiking, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic regional experiences. Starting from the village of Xaaga, just a 1.5-hour drive from Oaxaca City, you’ll traverse ancient trails, visit the famous petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, and enjoy a hearty local meal. The tour is guided by experienced locals and costs $120 per person, lasting around 8.5 to 10 hours.

What we love most about this trip is how it combines a strenuous but rewarding hike with the opportunity to relax in natural pools and indulge in authentic Oaxacan cuisine. Also, the scenic routes offer some of the best views of the Tlacolula valley and the Northern Mountain Range. The only potential downside? The hike involves some steep ascents and varied terrain, so it’s best suited for those in good physical shape — beginners should be prepared for a workout.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities with a cultural twist. If you’re looking for a full-day experience that mixes adventure, scenery, and local flavor, this might be just right. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and authentic regional cuisine, as well as travelers eager to see the less-visited parts of Oaxaca.

Key Points

• Challenging yet rewarding hike through ancient trails with stunning views.
• Authentic local meal cooked on a traditional comal.
• Natural pools and petrified waterfalls that are perfect for swimming and photos.
• Scenic vistas of the Tlacolula valley and surrounding mountains.
• Expert guides with over 25 years of experience.
• Includes transportation, entry tickets, lunch, and snacks for a hassle-free day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Day of Adventure, Nature, and Local Flavor

When you sign up for the Xaaga-Hierve el Agua hike, you’re in for more than just a walk — it’s a full taste of the landscapes and traditions that make Oaxaca special. Starting early in the morning, you’ll be driven from Oaxaca City to the small village of Xaaga, where the adventure begins. From there, it’s a scenic drive that sets the tone for the day — expect vistas of the mountains and valleys that stretch beyond the horizon.

The Challenging Hike

We loved the way the guided trek takes you along the old road used by local communities, giving you a genuine sense of history and connection to the land. The ascent is about 5 km, climbing from 1600 meters to 2250 meters, which means some steep sections and uneven terrain. The trail is lined with diverse flora and fauna, and you might spot wild agaves, small animals, and various bird species — a real treat for nature lovers.

Our guide pointed out different plants and explained their uses, which added a layer of appreciation for the region’s biodiversity. The views during this ascent are spectacular — you’ll see the valley of Tlacolula sprawling below, with the Northern Mountain Range in the distance. We particularly enjoyed the moments of silence and the fresh mountain air, making the effort worthwhile.

Reaching the Top

Once at the peak, there’s plenty of time to rest, snack on fresh fruit, and soak in the view. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for photos and contemplating the vast landscape. Most travelers, including those who have taken this tour, praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making the climb both educational and fun.

Descending and the Village of Hierve el Agua

The second part of the day involves a 6 km descent on varied terrain — loose rocks, uneven paths — so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. After the descent, you’ll climb back up on a country road to the village of Hierve el Agua. Here, a traditional meal on a comal awaits, cooked in the authentic style that locals enjoy. This is one of those moments where the food surpasses expectations — simple, fresh, and delicious.

Following lunch, your focus shifts to the famous petrified waterfalls, a natural wonder that looks like cascading waterfalls frozen in stone. You’ll have plenty of time to walk around, take photos, and swim in the natural pools that form at the base of these mineral-rich formations. Many reviews, including one from Tasha in Canada, highlight how much she appreciated the guide’s knowledge, the delicious food, and the unique scenery.

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Visiting a Mezcal Palenque

On the way back, if timings allow, the tour includes a visit to a mezcal distillery. It’s a chance to see how this iconic spirit is made and to taste different presentations. Travelers often rave about the authentic, no-pressure tasting experience, which complements the day’s theme of regional authenticity.

Transportation, Guides, and Value

Transportation is included, and the comfortable vehicle makes the 1.5-hour drive from Oaxaca City hassle-free. The guides are experienced, speaking both English and Spanish, and are praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge. They make the long day feel engaging, not rushed.

For $120, this tour offers excellent value considering the all-inclusive nature — transportation, entry tickets, lunch, and snacks are covered. You’ll also get the benefit of a small-group setting, which means more personalized attention and room for questions.

A Consideration

The day involves a fair amount of physical activity on uneven terrain, so it’s best for those in good health and with some hiking experience. It might be less suitable for children under 8 or travelers with mobility issues. Also, bring sturdy shoes, sun protection, rain gear, and insect repellent — the weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures with cultural insights. It appeals to those who want a brisk hike, amazing scenery, and an authentic taste of local life — from traditional cooking to mezcal tasting. Nature lovers and those eager to see the hidden gems of Oaxaca will find this tour especially rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a genuine slice of Oaxaca’s rugged beauty and traditions. The combination of a challenging hike, stunning vistas, and authentic regional food makes for a memorable day. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics mean you can focus on enjoying the scenery and learning about the local environment and culture.

While the physical effort might be a barrier for some, those in good shape will find this to be an enriching, energizing way to experience Oaxaca’s mountains and valleys. If you’re after a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and local flavor, this tour certainly deserves a spot on your Oaxaca itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
It is considered suitable for beginners with good physical condition. The hike involves some steep ascents and varied terrain, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended.

How long is the driving from Oaxaca City to Xaaga?
The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, making for a comfortable start and finish to your day.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, rain gear, insect repellent, cash, personal medication, and comfortable clothes.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s not suitable for children under 8, wheelchair users, or those afraid of heights or with mobility issues due to the physical nature of the hike and terrain.

Are meals included?
Yes, a traditional lunch prepared on a comal is included, along with water and fruits for snacks.

Can I taste mezcal during the tour?
Yes, if timing permits, there will be a stop at a mezcal distillery where you can see the process and taste different varieties.

What is the difficulty level?
It ranges from beginner to advanced, depending on your physical condition, but generally requires good stamina for the ascent and descent.

Are entry tickets included?
Yes, the tour includes the entrance fee to Hierve el Agua.

How big are the groups?
Small groups are available, providing a more personalized experience.

What about guide language options?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, making the tour accessible for most travelers.

This Xaaga-Hierve el Agua hike is a wonderful way to combine outdoor activity with cultural and natural exploration — perfect for those eager to see a different side of Oaxaca beyond the city streets.

You can check availability for your dates here: