Hierve el Agua, Natural mineral springs and rock formation in San Lorenzo Albarradas, Mexico.
Hierve el Agua is a rock formation fed by natural mineral springs in San Lorenzo Albarradas, Mexico. The white stone walls rise from the mountainside and appear as frozen waterfalls, descending across several levels.
A civilization built an irrigation system on the slope over two and a half millennia ago to supply fields in the surrounding valleys. The ancient channels and basins testify to this early management of water and mineral deposits.
Water flows through channels that recall the original irrigation technique, while visitors walk between the petrified terraces. Nearby settlements preserve the connection to this site, known for its mineral-rich water for generations.
The pools at the upper edge invite bathing while overlooking the mountains and valleys of Oaxaca. Access follows a path along the cliff that requires sturdy footwear.
The springs continuously deposit calcium carbonate, causing the edges of the pools to extend a little further into the air each year. Some terraces appear to float above the abyss and offer an open view into the depths.
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