Jun 12, 2024
Bigger Adventure Than Expected - This was an unforgettable experience that I will recommend to all my friends/family who visit Oaxaca. Not only were the sights unique and beautiful, but the visit to Jeronimo's mezcal was one of my favorite memories from the whole trip. I must say, the second hike was very hard; the distance and expectations were not disclosed and I felt badly for someone on the trip who had never hiked before (they were miserable). The first hike is easy, so we didn't think twice about the second leg of the trip. But the second hike is completely exposed, challenging, long and very hot in the summer! However, it was worth it for the end destination. There was plenty of time given to us to swim in the pools and relax at the secret waterfall, I never felt like I was rushing. I appreciate that this tour starts early so we could miss the crowds and enjoy a whole day of adventure. This tour was the highlight of my visit to Oaxaca!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 10, 2024
An absolute must - The whole day was amazing! Diego was great and so passionate about not just the plants and animals of the area but the people and cultures of Mexico to. To top it all of the mezcal tasting was amazing with Jeronimo and his family who are such kind and beautiful people and it was a privilege to be welcomed into there home for a freshly cooled meal and delicious mezcals. Cannot recommend this trip enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 9, 2024
Highlight of our Oaxaca trip! - Our private group of 11 had an amazing time!!! The food, hike, swimming, and mezcal were all perfect! Our guide, Paula, was the BEST! She really made the experience special with her genuine and deep understanding of the culture and nature around us. She was also very in tune with how the group was feeling and made sure everyone was having a great time:)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 8, 2024
Great Family Adventure - This was a wonderful trip. Paolo our guide, and her sidekick Matilda, took amazing care of us. She was really knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and environment. They were able to modify the day so we could get back to Oaxaca in time for dinner, but still not make it feel rushed. I highly recommend this outfit for any area adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 25, 2024
Highly recommended Tour! - Amazing Tour! Recommend to take the early tour at 6am, it’s absolutely worth it! We were the first at Hierve el Agua and in general leads the challenging but serene hike through areas and spots where no other tours and tourists are allowed. My personal highlights were the „secret“ waterfall at the end of the hike and the Mezcal Tasting. We had an amazing day! Thanks again to our wonderful guide Marlene, Jeronimo for the thorough tasting and everybody who helped to make this day so beautiful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 2, 2024
10/10 tour - This was the best tour I’ve ever been on. Thank you, you organised the most amazing trip we will recommend to others! The tour was the perfect length with breaks from the heat to swim. We didn’t pass any other groups or tourists and it felt like a really authentic guide to the local area (which is beautiful). The family who hosted us for Mezcal tasting were passionate and welcoming. Highlight of our trip to Mexico and I can’t recommend more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 19, 2024
Wonderful long day of varied experiences. - A long, sometimes hard, wonderful day! We started early, 6am, and headed out to the countryside and enjoyed an authentic Oaxacan breakfast at a family restaurant where 5 generations live. Our second stop was El Hievre de Agua. We started at the top and hiked down, around, and up. This allowed great differing views. The hike up was steep and does require a small bit of climbing but the reward is the 3 pools and valley views. We had ample time there before heading down to a box canyon. This trail is very rocky, steep at times, and full of sand so closed toed shoes with good treads are a must. The box canyon has a small stream ending with a small waterfall. You don't need water shoes but there are some uncomfortable rocks as you walk. The rock formations and seeping water are beautiful. Lastly, a stop at a small family owned and run mezcal producer. We learned an incredible amount about the labor intensive process to grow, harvest, and produce mezcal. We left with an immense appreciation for Mezcal and a nice meal. Our guide, Diego, was friendly and knowledgeable. In sum, this is a wonderful experience. It is very hot so bring lots of water, sunscreen, good shoes for hiking, and be prepared for some steep climbs and decent. I borrowed hiking poles and was very happy they were available.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 4, 2024
Amazing guide, attention to detail, beautiful hike! - The guide was so knowledgeable and passionate about the different plants and nature! The hike was enjoyable, and ended up far from crowds in an amazing secluded waterfall. The snacks, the water, the transportation - everything was perfectly thought through! The best day I had my entire trip to Mexico.
Review provided by Viator
Feb 29, 2024
A full day, culturally-immersive adventure that is well-worth your time! - What an amazing day! You start at 6AM at Coyote Aventuras' office, but we promise it's worth the early start. We headed straight out of the city to Hierve el Agua. The drive is about 1.5 hours, so there's time to rest after the early start. Once up in the village near the waterfall we stopped at a family-run restaurant with an outdoor kitchen. We had a delicious breakfast and were stuffed by the end.
Our time at Hierve el Agua was a great mixture of easy/moderate hiking and time by the pools. It's good to be aware that these springs are COLD water, not hot. They are mineral springs, but not thermal springs. Nevertheless, at 10:30AM in February it was in the high 70s-80sF outside in full sun, and we all took a swim to have the experience! It's worth it. There are also changing rooms and bathrooms ($5 pesos for the bathrooms, so bring small change) so you have a space to change / dry off.)
After our time at Hierve el Agua, we proceeded to hike across some valleys, agave fields and oak woods to get to a canyon waterfall that felt like an oasis. We were able to rest or wade in the river without feeling rushed. The hike was very exposed, so you should wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and have a long-sleeve shirt to avoid getting burned. Carry more water than you think you need, and wear sturdy hiking / tennis shoes. They were very respectful of people's different hiking paces. We felt very safe and looked after all along the way. These local communities do a lot with tourism, and they really go above and beyond to provide comfort and kindness. Just make sure to show respect for being on their land.
After our hike and swim, we headed back in the air-conditioned van to go back down into the valley to Union Zapata to the Rancho Vale Madre for our mid-afternoon lunch and mezcal tasting. Jeronimo taught us about his artesenal mezcal process while his wife served us a hearty lunch at their family's dining table. It was an intimate and attentive experience, and we felt very lucky. We were back to Oaxaca City by 6PM and felt so grateful for such a detailed, in-depth experience! It's was an amazing opportunity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 22, 2024
An amazing experience that I'd highly recommend with Coyote - One of my favorite days in Oaxaca was going on this adventure with Coyote Aventuras. It is a long day but well planned out with all the details delivered as promised with the breakfast, first hike to the petrified waterfall, great views, second hike to the private waterfall and food + mezcal to cap it off. The views are awesome and I was fortunate to be with a great group and tour guide in Marlene. Be aware, the hike can get pretty challenging at times - with the heat, loose gravel and narrow trails. Marlene was a great guide and very patient with our group whenever we needed a longer break or needed extra assistance. The private waterfall at the end of the hike is well worth it though! After that was another van ride to the mezcal farm, which was a great way to end the day.
All in all, a very memorable experience that everyone should consider if you're up looking to visit Hierve el Agua and want to combine it with a good hike, great views and mezcal at the end!
Review provided by Tripadvisor