OAXACA’S HIERVE EL AGUA: FROZEN CASCADES & HOT MINERAL SPRINGS
Near the Mexican city of Oaxaca, approximately an hour’s journey by car, a wondrous sight awaits. Anyone who takes this trip to the town of San Lorenzo Albarradas will be awestruck by the magnificent travertine rock formations of Hierve el Agua.
For centuries, water ran over the cliffs at this site, wearing them away into smooth slopes. The water also brought extra minerals with it, which calcified the rock and gave the effect of two petrified waterfalls.
Unsurprisingly, these two rock formations are popular tourist attractions. Many visitors will spend the day taking in the view of these ancient giants, whether on a guided tour or by soaking in one of the steaming, mineral-rich pools at the top of the waterfall formations.
If your digital nomad lifestyle takes you to Mexico, a visit to Hierve el Agua is an absolute must. As well as being relatively easy to get to, the sight of this extraordinary natural wonder is bound to be a unique and enriching experience. It was closed for a period of time, but as of October 2021, it’s open to visitors again, and travelers can be thankful for that!
Let’s take a look at some of the ways that remote workers can make the most of their time in Mexico by including Hierve el Agua in their plans.
Embrace the Natural Beauty
If you’re a digital nomad who spends a lot of time staring at screens, an opportunity to feast your eyes on an actual natural wonder is not to be turned down. Hierve el Agua provides some truly breathtaking views that you aren’t going to see anywhere else.
Exploring these unique “frozen waterfall” rock formations is the perfect contrast to sitting at your computer. If you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind from work, spend some time at Hierve el Agua taking pictures or simply soaking in the beauty of the place. You’ll be thankful that you got out to experience the natural beauty in Mexico instead of just focusing on work.
Along with hiking, swimming in various pools, and enjoying the fresh air at Hierve el Agua, you might also find that it’s a great spot to explore some yoga or meditation. Take advantage of the serene setting; it could be the perfect place to really focus on your practice!
Cultural Exploration
Along with the natural beauty, there’s a lot of Mexican history that can be picked up on your visit to Hierve el Agua. Learn what you can about the Zapotec civilization by talking to locals. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to try some regional food or participate in cultural events or festivals. It’ll depend on the timing of your trip, but it’s definitely worth a bit of research and planning to try and line up with a cultural event. In this way, you can greatly enrich your experience in Hierve el Agua and Mexico in general.
Remote Work with a View
Everyone knows that one of the great advantages of working remotely is the ability to get your projects done from anywhere.
Well, why not at Hierve el Agua?
You probably won’t see a ton of people breaking out their laptops and chipping away at work projects while at this natural wonder, but hear me out: Beautiful settings, such as these petrified waterfalls and bubbling pools, can be very inspiring. You might even find that your productivity is boosted and that your work is more enjoyable overall just by doing it in the presence of Hierve el Agua.
Download what you need in advance, or make sure that you’ve sorted out cell phone service and can hotspot yourself. Whatever it takes, this is an idea worth considering (once you’ve had a chance to actually explore Hierve el Agua yourself first, of course!)
Explore Nearby Sites
Hierve el Agua is the main attraction, but that’s not to say that there aren’t other great things to check out in the surrounding area. The city of Oaxaca itself, for example, is alive with thriving culinary and arts & crafts scenes, festivals, and indigenous culture. There is a ton to take in here, and it’s worth spending a day at least.
Also nearby is the Mitla archaeological site. This is one of Mexico’s best-known ruins and is generally believed to be an ancient Zapotec burial site. Taking some time to marvel at this architectural wonder is the perfect way to shake up your routine.
Don’t forget to check out some local markets, too! You’ll be able to find some incredible ingredients, food, and goods that are totally unique to the area.
Cultural Workshops
With Oaxaca being such an artistic and historical hotspot, you’ll want to keep your eyes open for some more specific ways to enhance your experience while you’re here. Classes and tours in the Hierve el Agua area offer everything from crafting and painting folk sculptures to mezcal tasting. See what you can find! You’re bound to learn something new, and you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Sunsets and Stargazing
It really isn’t much of a surprise to find out that Hierve el Agua is a wonderful place to watch the sunset. What better way to end a day’s work than by witnessing the sun going down over the petrified waterfalls?
This area is also fairly remote, so light pollution is relatively minimal. Because of this, anyone who enjoys stargazing is also in for a treat! Hierve el Agua is the perfect spot to take in the night sky. At the close of the day, the sight of the stars out there may be just what you need to rejuvenate yourself and prepare for the next day!
Final Word
Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca is a natural wonder, where the beauty of petrified waterfalls and warm mineral springs offer a peaceful escape. It's a perfect spot for digital nomads looking to step away from their screens and enjoy nature, or gain inspiration while they work!