Frozen Falls of Oaxaca
There are some falls in the southern region of Oaxaca commonly known as the “frozen falls”. These are the Hierve el Agua (Spanish for “the water boils”), a reference to the mineral springs that bubble up at the top and flow down the cliff.
These are petrified falls, composed of mineral depositions, primarily calcium carbonate, left behind by the flow of water over thousands of years. They have taken on the appearance of being frozen, like stalactites.
One of the remarkable features of Hierve el Agua is the ancient aqueducts the Zapotec civilization built. Remnants can still be seen today.
These aqueducts are a testament to the engineering expertise of the Zapotec civilization.
The water is sourced from underground aquifers, and to this day it continues to exhibit a captivating bubbling phenomenon, as we had the opportunity to witness.
After bubbling up into this infinity pool at the top of the cliff, the water cascades down the face to the pools below, adding a few molecules to the frozen falls on the way.
At the base of these “frozen” falls, you’ll discover pools renowned for their believed therapeutic properties due to the water’s high mineral content.
These pools are man-made – the Zapotec people built them to contain the mineral-rich spring water flowing from above. It was a site of ritual and spiritual significance, where they conducted ceremonies and sought solace.
The pools provide a means for individuals to refresh and rejuvenate themselves. Remarkably, these pools are still in use today.
We were refreshed with the mineral pool!
To reach Hierve el Agua, visitors typically embark on a hike through the rugged terrain.
The hike is part of the experience, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region.
The journey involves traversing down trails that wind through picturesque landscapes and provide breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
It is a relatively easy hike downhill to reach these viewpoints. However, the return hike can pose a challenge, particularly under the scorching sun and the steep incline leading back up from the mineral springs.
Thankfully, I was fortunate to have my two favorite companions, Rick and Kyle, by my side, offering their assistance as we ascended the mountain.
Sunny had no one to lean on, but she didn’t need it because she is young and spry and easily trekked back up the mountain.
Mezcal Distillery
Our tour to Hierve de Agua also included stops at other sites. One addition was a Mezcal distillery. Surprisingly, we learned some interesting facts about the journey from the agave plant to the bottle.
Mezcal is a traditional Mexican distilled drink. The exact timeline is not well-determined, but it is known to predate the Spanish colonization of Mexico in the early 16th century. Some estimates suggest that Mezcal production began as far back as 2000 BCE, making it one of the oldest distilled spirits in the Americas.
Mezcal is made from the agave plant, primarily the species Agave Espadín, although there are various agave species used in its production.
It all begins with the careful harvesting of mature agave plants, which can take several years to reach their prime.
Once harvested, these agave piñas are subjected to a time-honored process of roasting. Traditional underground pit ovens, filled with wood and charcoal, impart smoky and earthy flavors to the agave.
Following roasting, the agave piñas are meticulously crushed or mashed, extracting the precious agave juice, known as aguamiel.
This juice then embarks on a fermentation adventure, whether through natural yeasts in the air or added commercial strains, in tanks or wooden vats, taking several days to develop the spirit’s unique character.
This Mezcal distillery is a family business that has been handed down from father to son since 1920.
Fascinating information! What an advanced ancient culture to have done that engineering. So nice you got to enjoy it.
The mineral springs are a pretty green! Amazing that ancient civilizations channeled and purified the mineral waters for their crops.