Fuentes Georginas
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From the highway opposite Zunil, a narrow road leads for nine kilometers, rising slightly all the way, to the state-owned Fuentes Georginas, a hot-springs spa built during the presidential term of the dictator Jorge Ubico (1931-44), and named in his honor. The views through clefts are immediately magnifient, to the valley of the Samala River dropping precipitously into a canyon and down toward the coast, the paved highway taking a more cautious route along the canyon wall. |
At the spa, stone and block cottages are set along a winding ledge overlooking a narrow, steep, cloud-forest valley, misty and cool during the day, and cold at night. Bird calls sound in the surrounding lush forest not far away, quetzals may still be sighted.
A hot stream nearly enclosed by a rock wall is dammed up into a large swimming pool, which used to be watched over by classical female statuary. Unfortunately, this beautiful statue was destroyed by Hurricane Mitch (October 98).
Stepping out from a dip into the sometimes biting air can be a refreshing and shivering experience.
The baths are surrounded by fresh green ferns, thick moss and lush forest.
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Bibliography:
Paul Glassman: Guatemala Guide
Mark Whatmore and Peter Eltringham: Guatemala and Belize. The rough guide. |
