Springs of the World: From Nosara to the Andes

Stories from the Source | By Find A Spring

Freshwater springs are more than just water, they’re ancestral gateways, lifelines, and local legends. Across the globe, they bubble up from deep within the Earth, carrying with them not only pristine minerals but also the stories of the land and the people who protect them.

We believe in the deep wisdom of natural spring water. Our mission has always been to reconnect humanity with nature’s original water source. Today, we’re thrilled to launch a new series: “Springs of the World.” This is an invitation to explore, honor, and protect the sacred waters that flow freely from the Earth – from the jungle paths of Nosara, Costa Rica, to the high-altitude secrets of the Andes.

Nosara, Costa Rica – The Jungle Vein

Tucked within the Nicoya Peninsula – one of the world’s five Blue Zones, you’ll find the Nosara spring. Locals call it El Manantial and many travel by foot or bike, carrying glass jugs to refill. It flows year-round, protected by a small but dedicated community who believe in its healing properties. The water is soft, alive, and slightly alkaline, often described as “sweet” by those who drink it.

Local water guardian Andrea Soto shares:

“We grew up believing this water was medicine. We give it to our children, our elders. It’s the first thing I drink every morning—no filter, just gratitude.”

The Andes – Springs at the Edge of the Sky

In the Peruvian Andes, at altitudes over 3,500 meters, springs push their way out of rock faces with ancient force. One such spring near the Sacred Valley is revered by Quechua communities who still follow Incan water rituals. These springs are often icy cold, infused with high silica and minerals from volcanic stone.

Carlos Quispe, a farmer and healer, describes one spring near Ollantaytambo:

“This is Yaku Mama— Mother Water. We make offerings of coca leaves before we drink. It connects us to Pachamama.”

Spring-harvesting here is not just hydration; it’s ceremony.

Why It Matters

In a time of industrial water systems, plastic pollution, and disconnection from the Earth, springs remind us that nature still provides. But only if we protect them. Springs are often the first to suffer under development and contamination and they need us now more than ever.

By sharing these stories, we hope to rekindle a global reverence for wild water, inspire local conservation, and expand our map so more people can find and honor these sacred flows.

An Invitation to Contribute

Do you know a spring that has a story? Whether it’s nestled in the forests of Japan, a bubbling oasis in the Australian outback, or a hidden alpine flow in Switzerland, we want to hear from you.

We’re calling on our Find A Spring global community to become water stewards to document, photograph, and share the essence of your local springs. What does the water taste like? How do locals interact with it? What threats does it face, and how can we protect it?

Submit your spring stories and images at Sammi@findaspring.org

Follow the Source. Drink Wild. Protect the Sacred.
~ The Find A Spring Team