Sacred Waters of Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua

No research trip for spa and wellness couple, Cary & Kim Collier, would be complete without experiencing the local hot springs!

When in Oaxaca, Mexico, we submerged in the sacred waters of Hierve el Agua, about a two hour drive from Oaxaca City, and it was well worth it. The mountain views of this natural infinity pool and petrified waterfall are absolutely stunning, as was the countryside drive.

Hierve el Agua is a unique rock formation of hardened mineral deposits left by water that has calcified over thousands of years. It is one of only two petrified waterfalls in the world! Because the literal translation in Spanish of ‘Hierve el Agua is “water boils,” we thought that the waters would be boiling hot, or at the very least be warm -- instead, they were refreshing and cool. So don’t let the name fool you.

Hierve el Agua is not just a gorgeous petrified waterfall, as it does have some local cultural significance in that it was thought to be a sacred site for the Zapotec Indians. What a refreshing surprise as to find mineral rich water bubbling out of the ground of these arid lands. The Zapotec Indians were ingenious in that they created an ancient irrigation system using Hierve el Agua, which dates back some 2500 years, and was the only one of its kind in all of Mexico.

The region of Oaxaca, Mexico is part of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, and the springs are believed to have formed due to underground geothermal processes. Hot springs emerge where groundwater is heated by magma beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in the mineral-rich waters that flow out of the springs. Hierve el Agua's mineral deposits, primarily consisting of calcium carbonate, have created striking formations that resemble frozen waterfalls. These formations are often referred to as "tufas," a type of limestone deposit that forms when mineral-rich water flows over rock surfaces and evaporates, leaving behind layers of mineral deposits. Over time, these deposits have built up to create the stunning terraces that are visible today. The springs have been a source of fascination for both scientists and visitors alike, showcasing the natural processes that shape our amazing planet.  **Source