
moderate
7 hours
Moderate fitness—able to sit in hot pools, walk short, uneven trails and tolerate a 2–3 hour drive each way.
Steam rises from volcanic pools at Fuentes Georginas, where thermal waters and mountain air combine for a restorative day trip from Lake Atitlán. This one-day outing mixes geothermal geology with local markets and practical, easygoing soaking.
You arrive before the steam has fully lifted from the forest. The road from Lake Atitlán climbs, threading through coffee farms and little villages whose painted facades blink in and out of cloud. By the time the bus pulls into the small car park at Fuentes Georginas, cedar-scented mist is still rising off the pools; it feels as if the mountain itself is breathing out warmth.

Temperatures are cooler than the lake; have a warm layer to put on after your soak to avoid chill.
Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes—pool edges and paths are slippery and uneven.
Drink water steadily; alternating hot soaks and cool air can dehydrate you quickly.
Modest swimwear and quiet behavior are expected; small local markets reward polite bargaining.
The pools have been used by locals for generations; modern facilities were added in the 20th century while the springs remain tied to nearby village life.
Visitors should use biodegradable sunscreen and avoid soaps in the pools; support local vendors and respect park rules to minimize impact.
Required for soaking in public pools and comfortable in mineral water.
Protects feet on wet stone and during short walks between pools.
Dries faster in mountain air and packs down for return transit.
Keeps you warm after leaving the hot water—mountain air can be sharply cool.