Guatemala roadside spring

## Overview This roadside spring emerges from the mountainside along the Pan-American Highway (Carretera Interamericana) in the highlands of Guatemala, near coordinates 15.45°N, 91.77°W. Situated in the western highlands — a region known for its dramatic volcanic terrain and lush cloud-forest slopes — the spring delivers cold, clear water that has long served as a refreshment stop for travelers and locals alike. The western highlands of Guatemala sit atop a geologically active zone where volcanic and metamorphic rock formations create abundant natural springs. Water percolating through layers of volcanic tuff and limestone is naturally filtered before resurfacing, often emerging remarkably clean and cold. Visitors have reported that this spring produces very clean, cold water, consistent with the high-altitude mountain springs typical of the region. ## Directions 1. Travel along the **Pan-American Highway (CA-1)** through the western highlands of Guatemala. 2. Near the GPS coordinates **15.45, -91.766667**, watch for water flowing from the mountainside on the road's edge. 3. The spring is roadside and visible from the highway — look for a stream of water emerging directly from the rock face or hillside cut along the road. 4. Pull over safely on the shoulder; there is no formal parking area, so use caution with passing traffic. *Note: The Pan-American Highway through this part of Guatemala passes through the departments of Huehuetenango and Quetzaltenango. The coordinates place this spring in the mountainous stretch between major towns, so keep an eye out as you drive — roadside springs in this area can be easy to miss at highway speed.* ## What to Expect The spring flows directly out of the mountainside where the highway cuts through the terrain, making it easily accessible without any hiking. The water has been described as very clean and cold — characteristic of high-altitude springs in Guatemala's volcanic highlands, where underground water is naturally chilled and filtered through mineral-rich rock. The surrounding landscape features steep, green mountain slopes typical of the western highlands, often shrouded in mist at higher elevations. This stretch of the Pan-American Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Central America, winding through mountain passes with sweeping valley views. Because this is a roadside spring along a busy highway, visitors should exercise caution when stopping — pull well off the road and be mindful of truck and bus traffic. There are no facilities at the spring itself, but towns along the Pan-American Highway offer food, fuel, and lodging at regular intervals. While the water has been reported to be very clean, as with any natural spring, conditions can vary with weather and season. Rainy season (May–October) may affect water clarity due to increased runoff.