moderate
13 hours
Good general fitness necessary to handle 5 km of uneven, mostly downhill hiking and multiple walking segments.
Start your day at Hierve el Agua with a scenic hike, mineral-rich thermal waters, and a deep dive into traditional mezcal crafting. Coyote Aventuras delivers a full day of Oaxaca’s best outdoor and cultural experiences.
Early swim and hike + a visit with a family of mezcal artisans.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure starting at dawn with a scenic breakfast at Hierve el Agua. Explore breathtaking rock formations, relax in sacred thermal waters, and hike through lush valleys. Discover mezcal production from a master distiller, culminating in a traditional meal that celebrates local culture and flavors.
Join us at 6:00 a.m. at Coyote Adventures to kick off the day. Our first stop will be Hierve el Agua, a picturesque location where we’ll enjoy a picnic-style breakfast, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the upcoming hike.
Upon arrival at Hierve el Agua, we’ll take a short walk along the trail, exploring the local ecology and admiring the stunning rock formations from various perspectives. Afterward, you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy the thermal waters, known for their mineral properties. These waters contain calcium carbonate, iron, silver, and a touch of sulfur (so don’t be surprised if you notice a faint odor). For centuries, local communities have regarded this place as sacred and healing. It will be the perfect time to reflect, meditate, or simply contemplate the beauty of the landscape.
Nearby communities have various legends explaining the origin of this natural wonder. They tell stories of mystical beings who merged with the mountainous landscape. Before entering this territory, it’s important to ask for permission and, as a sign of respect, leave a small offering. Additionally, this site holds ancient channels carved into the stone by pre-Hispanic civilizations, who used these waters to irrigate their crops.
After exploring the area, we’ll begin a 5 km hike through the valley. Our guides will share their knowledge of the local ecology, discussing topics such as the reproductive cycles of agave plants (key to understanding the mezcal production process) and native trees of the region. We’ll descend into a hidden corner, a peaceful and private oasis few travelers have discovered. Here, you’ll be able to relax, enjoy local snacks, and refresh yourself with cold drinks. You’ll then have the opportunity to immerse yourself in another revitalizing thermal pool before continuing to a mezcal experience.
Our next stop will be at the home of a master mezcal maker, who will guide us through a local community famous for its agricultural tradition. Here, you’ll learn about the three distinct methods of mezcal production: ancestral, artisanal, and industrial, helping you better understand the agave economy in the region.
Mezcal is a drink deeply tied to culture, born of generations of work and dedication. Its preparation is an act of love, planting seeds for future generations to reap the rewards. During our visit, we’ll explore the different agave varieties and their flavor profiles, enriching our understanding of this ancient drink.
To conclude, we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional meal with our local hosts. We’ll return to the city just in time for your dinner reservation, wrapping up an unforgettable day filled with unique experiences.
The 5 km route traverses rocky, uneven terrain; good traction is essential to navigate safely.
Don’t miss the chance to soak in natural mineral pools that can refresh tired muscles.
Oaxaca’s sun can be intense—carry enough water and apply sunscreen frequently.
Offer a small gift when entering Hierve el Agua to honor community traditions and sacred spaces.
Hierve el Agua’s petrified waterfalls were created over millennia by spring water saturated with calcium carbonate and were used by pre-Hispanic peoples to irrigate fields.
Community-based ecotourism in the area promotes preservation of natural springs and supports local artisan families practicing sustainable mezcal production.
Provide grip and ankle support for rocky, uneven trails.
Essential for enjoying the mineral-rich thermal pools at Hierve el Agua.
Protects your head and face from strong sun exposure.
Keep hydrated during long hikes and outdoor gatherings.