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Fuentes Georginas
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When:
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Daily
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Where:
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Fuentes Georginas
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| Costs: |
Q20; children Q15
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| Opening Hours: |
8am-5pm
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Soak away your worries in volcanic springs in Guatemala's Western Highlands. Fuentes Georginas in Zunil is a gem. These springs nestle in the Western Highlands, about 25km south of Quetzaltenango, and nearly a mile and a half above sea level.
The place has three large pools fed by sulphur springs, varying in temperature from uncomfortably ouchy hot to more comfortably soakable (destined to make your fingers wrinkle). They smell too - but you get used to it.
If you visit during the week when it's not crowded, all three pools are usually clean and debris-free. There are seven individual cabins around the pools (each equipped with a fireplace, firewood and three beds) that can be hired overnights for a few quetzales. But be warned that the nights get very cold so be prepared! At weekends, locals arrive in force and things "hot up" and get noisy.
When you begin to resemble a prune, follow the trail to the top of Pico Zunil. It's best to climb in the morning for cloud-free views - mornings tend to be bright and clear in the highlands but by lunchtime the clouds have begun to fall from the surrounding mountains and things can get foggy (and eerie).
Fuentes Georginas is easily reached from the town of Zunil. Trucks, taxis and bikes go all the time. The springs have no phone and take no reservations, but if you show up early during the week you'll usually find a cottage available.
The springs are open year-round but the best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season from December to May.
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