We Found the Fountain of Youth! (Why don’t we feel any younger?)
Tucked into the verdant hills on the southwestern side of Puerto Rico are the Coamo Thermal Baths (Aguas Termales de Coamo, in Spanish). Local legend says these springs are the ones that Juan Ponce de León’s declared Fountain of Youth, though I don’t feel any younger.
The hot springs are supposed to help ease a number of physical conditions, including diabetes, gout, circulation problems, respiratory issues, and joint pain. We came for the mental health benefits, to sink into the hot water and soothe our anxiety way.
The Health Benefits
The price was unbelievably cheap – $5 a person (or $2 if you’re over 60). Bring your own bath towels; none are provided.
The facility is small, just a small store, locker rooms, a shower, and two thermal pools – one hot and the other hotter. You’ll also find lounge chairs and tables under large umbrellas around the pools, and there’s a spa offering massages. There’s supposed to be a café but we saw no signs of it, though you could buy cold drinks in the little store.
Words of Inspiration from Coamo Hot Springs
Nestled amid the shrubs and flowers are inspirational sayings to help soothe your mind.
The drive up through the mountains from Ponce was lovely. Coamo is also the home of the renowned Coamo Half-Marathon, and the town itself has abundant recreational trails. It’s definitely worth a half day of your time if you’re seeking relaxation.
