Sulphurous hot springs, cloud forest and tranquillity, all less than an hour from Xela. Las Fuentes Georginas is Quetzaltenango’s most popular natural retreat, and it’s no coincidence. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit.
What are the Fuentes Georginas?
Four hot, sulphurous pools on the slopes of the Zunil volcano, 8 km from Zunil and 25 km from Quetzaltenango. Stone walls covered in vegetation, cloud forest all around, and the sort of silence that is hard to find near a town. These are the Fuentes Georginas.
The origin of these natural hot springs
The water comes directly from beneath the Zunil volcano, which gives it its sulphur, minerals and heat. You’re at an altitude of over 2,500 metres: it’s cold outside, but inside the hot water really stings. The combination speaks for itself.
Why are they one of the most visited destinations in Quetzaltenango?
Close by, affordable and pristine: they’ve got everything it takes to be a classic – and they certainly are. Guatemalans flock there at the weekends. If you’re passing through Xela, it’s the easiest nature trip to fit into your schedule: no planning required, less than an hour away and with an affordable ticket.
What makes this corner of the Guatemalan highlands so special
The combination of sulphurous thermal waters, cloud forest and high altitude is hard to find anywhere else in the country. The vegetation surrounding the complex – ferns, mosses and trees covered in moisture – creates an atmosphere that bears little resemblance to a conventional spa. Some people attribute medicinal powers to the water. What is certainly true is that you leave feeling better than when you arrived.
- This page about Lake Atitlán may interest you.
Where are the Fuentes Georginas?
Municipality of Zunil, department of Quetzaltenango. Kilometre 220 on the road to Zunil, 8 km above the village and 25 km from Xela. It’s easy to find it on Google Maps before you set off.
How to get there from Xela
From the centre of Quetzaltenango, there are two main options:
By car or taxi: take the road towards Zunil. Once you reach the town, follow the signs for Fuentes Georginas along the road that climbs for a further 8 km. It is a narrow, single-lane road with potholes, but the scenery as you climb – volcanoes, cultivated fields, villages on the hillsides – makes the effort worthwhile. The total journey from Xela takes around 40 to 45 minutes.
By public transport: from Quetzaltenango, take a minibus to Zunil. From the village, you can ask for transport that goes up to Las Fuentes. The journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours in total, including changes of transport.
How to get there from Zunil
From the centre of the village of Zunil to Las Fuentes, it is an 8 km drive along a mountain road. If you drive to Zunil, you can take a local bus up to the resort or walk up if you have the time and inclination: the path offers good views, but it is steep.
- We invite you to read our article about Salcajá.
The History of the Fuentes Georginas
The origin of the name Fuentes Georginas
The springs were discovered in 1902 by two workers from Zunil, who began using them as communal baths. For decades, they relied on funding from the local council, which was not always able to maintain them. It was in 1932 that the council considered itself to have sufficient resources to resume their upkeep. During the term of office of President Jorge Ubico, efforts were made to secure official recognition of the site and to build the initial infrastructure. The name Georginas derives from an Italian feminine variant of Jorge, in reference to the mayor himself, who frequently visited the site. Prior to this, the site was known as ‘the Quetzaltec waters’.
The development of the tourist complex
The complex has been undergoing improvements since the 1930s. The most recent refurbishment took place in 2020. It currently features four swimming pools, canteens serving traditional food, nature trails, a viewpoint overlooking the Almolonga valley and cabins for overnight stays. Admission is managed by the local council, which uses the revenue to maintain the site.
- We invite you to read our article about Santiaguito volcano.
What are the Fuentes Georginas like?
The various thermal pools
The complex has four main sulphurous water pools, each at a different temperature. The largest and warmest is the main pool and the most popular. There is also a pool with a few steps, specially adapted for people with reduced mobility. To access the private pools, you must pay a fee in addition to the general admission charge.
A practical tip: you must wear a swimsuit to use the swimming pools. Lockers for storing your belongings cost Q15, and you must leave a form of ID until you return the key.
Water temperature and properties
The waters are hot and sulphurous. The temperature varies from pool to pool, but the main pool is the hottest in the complex. The water contains sulphur and numerous minerals that come directly from the volcanic subsoil of Zunil. In the vicinity of the complex, there are also sites where Mayan ceremonies and prayers are held, which gives the place a significance that goes beyond that of a simple spa.
The natural surroundings of the complex
The cloud forest, ferns, mosses and tropical mountain vegetation cover the entire available surface area. The mist frequently appears and disappears. The contrast between the warmth of the water and the chill of the air is part of the experience. From the complex’s viewing point, you can see part of the Almolonga valley and the agricultural landscape that characterises this area of Quetzaltenango.
- We invite you to read our article about Santiaguito volcano.
Things to do at the Fuentes Georginas
Relax in the thermal pools
The main plan. Soak in the hot sulphur waters and don’t get out until you feel like it. During the week, it’s peaceful and you can be practically on your own in the pools for the first hour. At the weekends, visitor numbers increase: arrive before 11.00 am if you want to enjoy it at your own pace.
Enjoy the views and the cloud forest
The complex has nature trails that wind through the surrounding forest. They are short, but long enough to get away from the noise of the swimming pools and immerse yourself in the greenery for a few moments. The viewpoint is a must-see: from there, you’re treated to a view over the Almolonga valley that’s well worth the five minutes it takes to get there.
Taking photographs of the surrounding area
Mist, moss-covered rocks, dense vegetation: this spot is perfect for photography. If you want the best light, arrive before 9.00 am, when the mist hasn’t yet covered the crater and the light filters through the trees.
Spend a relaxing day in the countryside
Fuentes Georginas has everything you need to spend a whole day without leaving the site: swimming pools, restaurants serving local specialities, picnic areas and cabins, should you wish to stay overnight. Accommodation costs around Q190 per person. If you stay for lunch, the aroma wafting from the restaurant will tell you straight away that it’s well worth it.
Benefits of the thermal waters of Fuentes Georginas
Mineral properties of its waters
The water from the Fuentes Georginas contains sulphur and volcanic minerals sourced directly from beneath the Zunil volcano. It is these very properties that, throughout history, have led people to seek out volcanic thermal waters all over the world for skin and joint care. It’s not marketing: it’s geology.
Relaxation and wellbeing
At an altitude of over 2,500 metres, with the cold outside and the hot mineral water, the effect on the body is immediate. Muscle tension gradually eases. The pace slows down. People leave with a different look on their faces. It’s one of those local experiences that speaks for itself.
The perfect way to round off a walk
If you’ve just climbed Chicabal Volcano or Cerro Quemado, the Fuentes Georginas are the perfect way to round off the day. Your legs will thank you for the hot water after several hours of walking, and the combination of hiking and thermal baths is one of the most highly recommended activities by those who know the Xela region well.
What to expect during your visit
Opening hours and access to the complex
- Opening hours: every day, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Admission: 40 Q for nationals / 60 Q for foreign nationals
- Caios: Q15, you must provide a form of identification
- Private swimming pools: additional charge of Q25
- Accommodation in a cabin: approximately Q190 per person, including admission and parking
- Contact telephone number: 5704-2959
- Pets are not allowed
- Accessibility: stone paths and steps; there is a swimming pool with a few steps for people with reduced mobility
Tips for making the most of your experience
Make sure you arrive before 10.00, especially at weekends. The cold of the altiplano is relentless: take warm clothes for when you get out of the water. Don’t wear jeans – they absorb moisture and, with the temperatures here, you’ll end up feeling miserable. Take sandals with good grip on wet surfaces. And, although there are restaurants on site, taking something for a picnic in the designated areas is always a good idea.
Who is this experience aimed at?
For everyone. Las Fuentes Georginas is one of the few natural destinations in Guatemala that is suitable for families with children, couples, groups of friends and solo travellers alike. The only caveat is that children are not permitted in the private pool area.
How to include them in a tour of Quetzaltenango
The Fuentes Georginas are the ideal choice for a half-day or full-day excursion from Xela. A good way to spend the day is to spend the morning in the historic centre of Quetzaltenango – at the Quetzaltenango Municipal Theatre, in Centroamérica Park or at the market – and head up to the Fuentes after lunch.
If you have a few more days in the region, combine them with a hike up Cerro El Baúl or the Santa María Volcano, and a visit to the Chicabal Volcano to see the sacred lake in its crater. And if you’d like to get to know the local culture a bit better, don’t leave Xela without discovering the traditional costume of Quetzaltenango.
Frequently Asked Questions about Las Fuentes Georginas
How much does it cost to get into the Fuentes Georginas?
Admission costs 40 quetzales for nationals and 60 quetzales for foreign visitors. Lockers for storing belongings cost an additional 15 quetzales. Private pools incur an extra charge of 25 quetzales. Accommodation in a cabin costs approximately 190 quetzales per person and includes admission and parking.
What time do the Fuentes Georginas open?
They’re open every day from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. If you want a quiet pool, arrive before 10.00 am, especially at the weekend.
How do I get to the Fuentes Georginas from Quetzaltenango?
By car or taxi, 40 to 45 minutes from Xela: take the road towards Zunil and continue for a further 8 km to the complex. By public transport, take the bus to Zunil and, from there, local transport. Between 1 and 1.5 hours in total.
Is it possible to stay overnight at the Fuentes Georginas?
Yes. The resort has cabins available for overnight stays. The price is approximately Q190 per person and includes entry to the resort and parking. It is advisable to check availability in advance by calling 5704-2959.
