WATER ON EARTH
I was tricked by a real-life ‘optical illusion waterfall’ that fools thousands of tourists each year – could you see it?
Plus, five stunning waterfalls in the UK if you're looking for an adventure closer to home
A NATURAL wonder in North America has been playing tricks on the mind for thousands of years.
And while it is commonly known as a 'waterfall', it actually has little in common with Niagara or Iguazu Falls.
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When I visited Hierve el Agua in Mexico, I couldn't help but feel like my eyes were deceiving me.
I had already heard fellow travellers describe the sight, yet I still stared in wonder at what seemed to be a cascade of frothing water standing perfectly motionless.
Hierve el Agua means 'the water boils' in Spanish, which is ironic for something which looks frozen in time.
Towering 90 metres above the Tlacolula Valley in the state of Oaxaca, this natural phenomenon isn't really a waterfall at all, but a rock formation.
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And it's an incredibly rare one at that, with the only other so-called 'petrified waterfall' existing in Pamukkale, Turkey.
It is the result of small amounts of mineral water from the nearby springs coming through cracks in the limestone mountainside.
The runoff, over-saturated with calcium carbonate, magnesium and sulphur, has solidified over millennia in the same way that stalactites are formed, creating the illusion of a flow of white water.
There are actually two 'falls' at Hierve el Agua: the 'cascada chica' (little waterfall) and 'cascada grande' (you guessed it, big waterfall).
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Hiking between the two 'cascadas' isn't too taxing and takes around an hour in total.
The best view of the 'cascada grande' can be seen from above its smaller counterpart directly opposite, which is where you will also find stunning freshwater pools.
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In 2024, Hierve el Agua and its pools were named by as one of the eight best things to do in Oaxaca state, so you'll want to remember your swimming costume and have a dip.
There's a natural infinity pool effect, making it the perfect place to watch the condors fly by.
Don't be fooled by the spa-like bubbling of the water.
This is caused by water pressure within the rocks rather than heat and it can actually get quite chilly, but there are proper changing where you can comfortably dry off after your swim.
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There are a few ways to get to Hierve el Agua from the nearest city, Oaxaca de Juárez, but I'd recommend booking onto a tour that stops off elsewhere along the way.
For around 700 Mexican Pesos (£25), you'll not only get driven to and from Hierve el Agua, but will get the chance to visit a mezcal distillery, explore Mitla's archaeological site and see the widest tree in the world, El Tule.
A more budget-friendly alternative is to get a bus or 'colectivo' (shared taxi) from the city and then just pay the £3 entry fee.
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Hierve el Agua now has on-site huts for visitors to spend the night, meaning you can catch the sunset and wake up surrounded by this stunning landscape.
It's well worth the trip — even if it's lacking a real waterfall.
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Five stunning waterfalls in the UK
IF you're looking for a waterfall closer to home, we've got you covered.
The Devil's Pulpit: This waterfall in Scotland has water which flows red and is said to have 'magical properties'.
Lady Exmouth Falls: The UK's highest man-made waterfall stretches for more than 70 metres and can be found in Dartmoor National Park, Devon.
Hardraw Force: Tucked away behind an unassuming pub, this is England's biggest single-drop waterfall.
Falling Foss: A little known waterfall in Yorkshire loved by hikers.
Pistyll-Rhaeadr: Flowing from 240ft, this Welsh waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and is said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien.
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