The high plateau that makes up the western region of Guatemala, is home to ancient volcano, some asleep for decades, others restless and ever active.       Fuentes Gorginas (Georgina fountains), is a favorite afternoon for many who live in the western highlands of Guatemala. Including us missionaries who, from time to time, need a refreshing few hours.

Not too far from our home city of Quetzaltenango, a little slice of paradise can be found, but only if you know where to look. Eight thousand feet above sea level, on the side of a mountain, hot mineral water is captured in three cascading stone pools. This area has many geothermal steam vents that feed various baths (banjos) and saunas.

High above, crags in the granite face expel mineral rich steam and water that collect in natural or man-made pools. This location is a steamy micro-environment, with vegetation that reminds us of Jurassic Park.  Robin likes to get right up to the rock face where the water is the hottest. Me on the other hand, I like the far end of the upper pool or the second cascade, where the water is not so intensely hot.