One of the advantages to having a guide book is not so much what is written, but what is not written. When I find a place that has only a few lines written about it I’ll usually take note as I know that place is not going to be overrun with other travelers. Fuentas Georginas is one of those places. Located 221  KMs from Guatemala City and roughly 20 KMs from Quetzaltenango (Xela) these idyllic hot springs were well worth the effort to get to. If you’re taking Spanish classes and want a weekend away, as we did, or are just passing through and want to take a warm dip then this is a great little detour. My ex and I were celebrating an anniversary and wanted to go away somewhere for the weekend when we noticed a few lines written in our Lonely Planet guidebook about these  natural hot springs nearby. We caught a bus to the road up to the springs and then hitchhiked the remainder of the way although tours are available from Monte Verde and Andrenalin Tours in Xela. Apparently there are now pickup trucks waiting at the bottom of the hill to take people to the top but from reading up on this I found that they sometimes tell you it’s a two way trip and then, when you’re at the top you’re informed the price is only one way. Make sure you negotiate the terms before taking the lift.Cost is around $5.

The hot springs fill four heated pools where you can soak it up in the sunshine and cool mountain air so bring your swimsuit. There is a small restaurant and bar here serving simple food and drinks. Fuentes Georginas fills up on weekends with Guatemalan families so if you’re only here for a day trip then try to arrive on a weekday where it won’t be so busy. Better yet, plan on spending the night in one of the cabanas that are available. These small cabins are very comfortable with beds, bathrooms, a fireplace with wood and your own little bathtub with hot water from the springs. Just pull the cork out of the wall to fill the bath, strip down and enjoy a glass of wine in your own private pool. For those who have traveled Latin America you’ll understand that a hot bath is not something you come across often and this is a treat you’ll really enjoy.

There are also hikes to the volcano as well as jungle excursions where you’ll see everything from wild birds to orchids to strange crystal formations. I haven’t been back since 1994 but the place has always stuck out in my mind. I recently looked up their website and found that the prices hadn’t varied that much since I had been here. The cabanas used to be $10 per night for a double and are now $11 per person. Well worth it in my books considering what you get and if you’re only here for the day then the entrance fee is around $2.50.

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