In a country with thirty three volcanoes, 
you are bound to visit a hot springs park to experience this natural wonder. Guatemala’s volcanoes shroud the landscape in a breathtaking way with puffs of mist and smoke emitting from the active fumaroles.
On the outskirts of Xela, the city we were based in for much of our itinerary and volunteerism work, we drove an hour and a half away (approximately) to Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs resort for our much anticipated “bath”. The minerals, temperature and environs of this geological treasure were an exotic retreat from urban life and service. We dipped in, bounced along the bed of the pool and joined in the communal levity and exhilaration. Womb-like and mirthful, we mused on simple thoughts and questions like, “Is this a pumice-layer I’m feeling on the bottom of my feet.?” and “If we bounced over to the waterfall crevice, is it warmer over there?….”yes, it’s almost boiling!” Ahhhhh. The sensual hot springs experience with its medicinal sulphuric tinges and healing benefits is “just what the doctor ordered. ” I looked at my friends and said, “This is the most exotic spa we may ever experience.” Since it was a girls trip, too, it made it all the more appropriate for bonding.
After enough time in the springs, we sensed when our bodies reached a natural percolating point of temperature and decided to change back into our clothes and enjoy the vistas. Next to the hot springs pool was a tavern with satiated, soothed and rested tourists. We ordered mugs of hot chocolate, a favorite Guatemalan treat, and conversed with each other and our tour guide. If you’ve ever pictured what being inside a jungle or rainforest is like, it was like this. In the profusion of lush vegetation, huge leaves on the trees looked like massive yard umbrellas swaddling and tucking us into bed…to slumber…away from the world.
On the way up the winding roads, (reportedly 10,000 feet above sea level), we saw evidence of earthquake damage. This ascent was not for the faint-hearted. A nice surprise was to discover and witness the terraced vegetable farming occurring on the mountainside. Farming communities in a scenery of antiquity and charm worked away with their scythes and nets, growing the most massive heads of cauliflower and radishes we’ve ever seen. Irrigation hoses suspended and draped across roads above us dipped into the areas of crops. What an ideal environment for this agriculture, seeing as we were in the misty cloud level of volcanic panorama and moisture all in one. Visibility was challenging. It made for a surreal and magical scene.
A horticultural haven- Fuentes Georginas. Tranquility, greenery and a perfect way to induce a deep, deep sleep that night , especially with a salsa dance lesson and a shot of Guatemalan rum to end the night.
photos by Gina