Fuentes Georginas

Fuentes Georginas sits in a steep ravine on the flank of the Zunil volcano above the town of the same name, where hot sulphurous water emerges and has been channelled into a set of stone pools at different temperatures, built against a cliff hung with ferns, moss and vines that drips constantly into the water. Steam rises off the surface and the forest closes in overhead, and because the site is at around two thousand five hundred metres the air is cold, which is the point: getting into hot water in cold cloud forest. There is a restaurant and a set of simple cabins for staying over, which is when the pools are quietest.

What you'll find

• Stone pools against a fern cliff - the baths built into the ravine.
• Steam in cold mountain air - the contrast at 2,500 metres.
• Dripping cloud forest overhead - the vegetation closing over the pools.
• Cabins for staying over - the way to have the pools quiet.

When to go

November to April in the dry season, though cloud and drizzle are normal here at any time. Half a day. Weekends are busy; weekday mornings are quiet.

What to expect

The road up is steep, narrow and prone to landslides, and has been closed by them. The water smells strongly of sulphur. Weekends are crowded and the pools get murky. It is cold outside the water and changing facilities are basic.

Nearby

Zunil is below; Quetzaltenango lies north-west.

Key facts