Soaking in Paradise (Las Fuentes Georginas)

Perched on the side of the Zunil Volcano, around 8,000 feet, are the most incredible hot springs we've ever seen. They are the Las Fuentes Georginas springs and they are in a different league compared to the Santa Catarina springs we previously wrote about. The Zunil Volcano is located above a small town with the same name. Surrounding the town, and on the way up to the hot springs, are gorgeous farm lands and vistas. The springs are a 45 minute drive outside of Xela (the country's 2nd largest city) and therefore are sometimes referred to as the Xela Hot Springs.

Las Fuentes Georginas is in a remote part of the country. So remote my GPS thought we were off-road for the final 3 miles leading up to them. But this wasn't like the other "off-road" adventures we've been on. The road was decent and the views were spectacular. The drive alone was worth the adventure. Very picturesque Guatemala. 

The map on the GPS did not even have a road to show

Rest assured, there is a road and it is paved, but in many parts it is only one lane wide. 

The nearby farming pueblo of Almolonga

Looking down on Zunil during the climb up the volcano

Farmlands carved into the hillside at 7,000 feet

Along the way up the volcano, we saw Mayans working their fields and several other nearby volcanoes. The road ends at Fuentes Georginas where you pay an admission fee to use the springs. The surrounding scenery could not be more beautiful and the hot springs more inviting.

Mickelle's mom was visiting from Seattle. All three girls were excited to get in the water

Note that all three of the girls were wearing long sleeves. It was chilly in the shade at this altitude.

The three upper srpings have changing rooms, showers, lockers and a restaurant. The pool in the background is the hottest. The adults in our crew loved it but it was too hot for the kids. They preferred the two pools shown closest in the picture. They were lukewarm. 

The water comes from underground springs heated naturally by thermo sources that emanate from the adjoining volcano. In addition to the three pools above there are two pools located by the entrance. We preferred them over the bigger pools.

We had the lower pools entirely to ourselves

One of the coolest parts of the lower pools is you could directly feel the source water flowing into them.

We played in the lower pools virtually by ourselves until we got hungry.

The kids wanted me to jump but Mickelle wisely forbid it

Las Fuentes was fantastic and we plan to return. They are about 2.5 hours West of Panajachel or 45 minutes Southeast of Xela. You can drive or charter a shuttle to get there.

If you plan to visit please remember to bring drinking water (between the altitude and heat you need more than usual) and your swimsuit.....

I'm guessing they've had some problems in the past.

...and probably your camera too.

The views from Las Fuentes Georinas are stunning