4 of Guatemala's Top Hot Springs
Guatemala, a land where ancient Mayan temples whisper secrets to the wind and vibrant markets burst with color, holds within its embrace a hidden treasure – natural hot springs.
These geothermal havens, kissed by volcanic fire and cradled by lush rainforests, offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
The Maya, Guatemala's ancient inhabitants, revered hot springs as sacred places of healing and purification. They believed the geothermal waters possessed mystical powers, building temples and bathhouses around them. Today, these whispers of the past echo in the tranquil pools, inviting you to connect with the legacy of this fascinating civilization.
Best Time to Visit Guatemala’s Hot Springs
Each season offers its own unique charm at Guatemala's natural hot springs:
Dry Season (November-April): Enjoy sunny skies, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds. Perfect for exploring the surrounding nature and soaking in the warm embrace of the springs.
Green Season (May-October): Witness the lush rainforests come alive with vibrant greenery. Be prepared for occasional rain showers and slightly higher temperatures, ideal for cooling off in the springs.
Festival Season (August-September): Experience the vibrant culture of Guatemala during the Independence Day and Mayan festivals. Some hot springs host cultural events and celebrations during this time.
Health Benefits of Guatemala’s Hot Springs
Guatemala's natural hot springs are as diverse in their mineral content as they are in their settings. Here's a glimpse into the magic of their waters:
Sulfur: Found in springs like Los Vahos, Fuentes Georginas and Hierbabuena, sulfur is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" present in springs like Hierbas Calientes, Semuc Champey and Los Vahos can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Laguna Manantial comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Calcium: Trace amounts of calcium in springs like Fuentes Georginas can be beneficial for bone health and muscle function.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey, a natural limestone bridge known for its series of pools of stunning turquoise water, is one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala. Dive into a turquoise paradise where turquoise pools cascade down limestone terraces, carved by the Cahabón River.
Semuc Champey is located about 10 kilometers from the Q’eqchi’ Mayan town of Lanquin, deep in the mountains of central Guatemala. Lanquin is a bit of a trek from most of the other major tourist destinations in Guatemala—approximately a 10 hour drive from both Antigua, Flores, and Panajachel on Lake Atitlan.
Stay nearby in Coban at the Los Faroles with its clean lines, clean rooms, and breakfast.
There’s two tiered wooden platforms that you can use to access the water, but the area of the pools is actually quite massive—980 feet long, to be exact!
Hike through the jungle, swim in hidden waterfalls, and soak in the natural jacuzzis, a true geological wonder. The most adventurous thing to do in Semuc Champey is to explore K’anba Cave, which is an underground cave that’s carved deep into a limestone cliffside in the jungle for about a mile.
Tip: Arrive early for the best spot and avoid weekends.
Fuentes Georginas
Nestled amidst the Zunil Volcano, discover four steaming pools with varying temperatures, offering a breathtaking panorama of the highlands. Hike through pine forests, soak in the mineral-rich waters, and witness the majestic Quetzál bird, Guatemala's national symbol.
The hot springs are located in Zunil, Guatemala, about 9km from the city of Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela. Stay in town at Las Cumbre Hotel & Spa Termal where you can relax in the hot spring bath, sauna, and steam room. The spa and wellness center provides yoga and fitness classes.
You can catch a chicken bus from Xela to a nearby town called Zunil for 5 quetzals. If you don’t know, chicken buses are colorful, modified old-school buses that transport goods and locals in Latin American countries. Booking a tour from Xela is the easier option, but visiting Fuentas Georgias on your own through public transport is possible.
Once inside, you can spend as much time as you want in the pools. The hot springs are open from 9 am to 6 pm each day of the week.
You can also do a small hike for no charge next to the hot springs. It takes about an hour and goes through a beautiful forest.
There are lockers at Fuentes Georginas where you can store your belongings while you enjoy the hot springs.
One of the most epic hikes in Xela is Tajumulco, the highest peak in Central America. It’s a two-day 15km trek that takes you to an elevation of 4,222m.
Santa Maria Volcano is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a day hike from Xela. The volcano is located in Llanos del Pinal, just 30 minutes from Xela. It’s a challenging hike with an altitude of 3772 meters at the top, taking roughly three hours to climb up and two and a half hours to get back down.
Tip: Weekdays offer a quieter experience.
Los Vahos
Also in Xela, Los Vahos is a natural steam sauna, whose heat is generated from the volcano on which this "resort" is located. The remoteness of Los Vahos adds to its allure, making it an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds.
Escape the bustle of the city and find solace in this hidden gem. Immerse yourself in two crystal-clear pools, one indoor and one outdoor, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy the tranquility and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
About an hour's uphill walk from the center of town, out of the city and into the countryside, Los Vahos is tucked into the foothills of the Cerro Quemado volcano. The baths are situated directly over a volcanic vent which provides the vapors for this totally natural steam bath.
Tip: Try their traditional "choco baño," a chocolate-infused soak for a unique experience.
Las Aguas Calientes
Las Aguas Calientes, nestled deep within the heart of Petén’s lush jungle, offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and ancient mystique. The hot springs, believed to have been a sacred site for the Mayan civilization during the classical period, hold a palpable sense of history and reverence. As you soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, you can’t help but feel a connection to the ancient rituals and ceremonies that once took place amidst these verdant surroundings.
The soothing hot springs sit against the backdrop of ancient ruins creates a truly immersive experience. Imagine yourself surrounded by towering temple pyramids and intricately carved stelae, remnants of a bygone era shrouded in myth and legend. As you explore the nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short distance away, you’ll uncover the secrets of this ancient civilization while marveling at the architectural marvels that have stood the test of time.
Beyond its historical significance, Las Aguas Calientes offers a sanctuary for modern-day adventurers seeking respite from the rigors of travel. The dense jungle that envelops the hot springs teems with biodiversity, providing ample opportunities for nature walks and wildlife encounters. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys swinging through the canopy or colorful toucans flitting amidst the trees. Whether you’re drawn to Las Aguas Calientes for its historical intrigue or its natural splendor, one thing is certain: a visit to these sacred hot springs is an experience unlike any other, where the past and present intertwine in a timeless embrace.
Termas de Santa Catarina Palopó
Termas de Santa Catarina Palopó is tucked away in the picturesque town of Santa Catarina Palopó, just a stone’s throw from the shimmering shores of Lake Atitlán, these terraced hot springs offer a sanctuary of tranquility and relaxation.
Stay in town at the Hotel Casa Palopo and enjoy the pool and vegan or vegetarian dining.
As you descend into the warm embrace of the pools, you’ll be greeted by temperatures ranging from 92°F to 96°F, ideal for unwinding and rejuvenating tired muscles.
What sets Termas de Santa Catarina Palopó apart is not just its thermal waters, but also its unparalleled vistas. Perched amidst terraced slopes that cascade down into the valley below, the hot springs afford sweeping panoramas of the rugged terrain and verdant hillsides that characterize the region. Whether you’re soaking in the pools or lounging on the terraces, you’ll find yourself entranced by the natural beauty that surrounds you, with every moment a testament to the awe-inspiring power of Mother Nature.
In addition to its scenic splendor, Termas de Santa Catarina Palopó offers a range of amenities designed to enhance your experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. Indulge in an outdoor massage administered by skilled on-site masseuses, whose expert hands will melt away tension and stress, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized. As you surrender to the soothing touch of the warm waters and the skilled hands of the masseuses, you’ll find yourself transported to a state of blissful serenity, where the cares of the world melt away and only tranquility remains.
Are you traveling in other parts of Latin America? Take a look at more hot springs in Colombia, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Carribean, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
