Let’s explore the beautiful world of Semuc Champey, Guatemala. Imagine turquoise pools, a natural bridge, and loads of adventure, all just a short ride from the small town of Lanquin. It’s like stepping into nature’s fairy tale. I recently explored this awesome destination, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
What to do in Lanquin?
Take a stroll through the village of Lanquin
Lanquin may be the gateway to Semuc Champey, but don’t be too quick to brush it off. Take a stroll through the village of Lanquin, soak in the local vibes, and visit the market. It’s a cute and colorful town and the perfect place to buy some fresh fruits and snacks.
The Lanquin Caves
The Lanquin Caves, located just a 30-minute walk out of town are definitely worth a visit. Inside, the cave you will find a secret world with rock formations resembling animals and ancient Maya figures. There is even an altar which is still used for ceremonies today.
You can opt for a guide if you want some more background information about the caves. Local guides will try to offer you their services at the entrance. I went in without a guide. Just make sure you bring a flashlight. There are lights in the cave, but it gets really dark in some places, especially if the generator to stops working…..
Although it will be a bit busier, the best time to visit the cave is at sunset. Thousands of bats fly out of the cave at this time, creating a magical scene. Just watch your step, it’s quite slippery. Trust me you don’t want to wear flip-flops like I did.
Tubing in Lanquin
I would recommend tubing in Semuc Champey because it is usually included in a tour package. But there is also an option to do it in Lanquin. You can jump in with a beer at the entrance of the Lanquin caves. A tuc tuc will pick you up at the end and bring you back to where you started.
What to do in Semuc Champey?
Now, Semuc Champey is where the real magic happens. Getting there from Lanquin is an adventure in itself. You will be bouncing around in the back of a pick-up truck for an hour before you get the main entrance. There are a lot of things to do here.
Viewpoint, El Mirador
Hike your way to El Mirador, a viewpoint offering a jaw-dropping panorama of the turquoise pools below. It is about a 45 minute hike from the bottom to the top. I recommend doing this before you jump into the natural pools. You’ll appreciate cooling off after the hike.
Pro tip: save your flip-flops for the beach; the hike is muddy and slippery. I learned this the hard way!
Swim in the natural pools
Cool off from your hike to El Mirador and take a dip while enjoying the beautiful jungle surroundings in the natural pools. You will find lockers at the beginning of the pools to store your valuables, I recommend bringing your own pad-lock.
Visit the K’an Ba Cave
Picture yourself in a wet and dark cave, guided only by a candle, navigating waterfalls, rope ladders, and narrow passages. It’s like stepping into another world, a must-try for any adventurer. Bring water shoes if you have them. Or alternatively, you can rent a pair at the entrance of the park.
Waterfalls
For thrill-seekers, there’s a swing near the cave entrance, and if that’s not your style, explore nearby waterfalls where you can jump off or go for a swim.
Tubing in Semuc Champey
Just a short walk from the cave, you can jump into the Cahabon river with an inner tube and enjoy a relaxing 30 minutes drifting downstream. Imagine lazily floating down the Cahabon River with a beer in hand. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?
Should I book a tour?
Many people visiting Semuc Champey opt for a covering all activities. But going independently is easy and can be cheaper if you don’t want to do all the activities. The advantage? You can explore at your own pace, no rushing or depending on others. To get there on your own, you can hitch a ride in a pickup truck from town for about 20Q per person.
If you want to do all the activities mentioned above. I would recommend booking a tour in advance. It will probably cost less than trying to do everything on your own. And you will have the chance to meet fellow travellers. Tours cost around 180Q per person.
What to bring to Semuc Champey?
- Decent footwear or water shoes if you have them
- Sunscreen
- Enough water
- Some money to buy a beer and snacks
- Towel
- GoPro or other camera
- Padlock for the lockers
- Swimwear
- Mosquito repellent
How long should I spend here?
While there’s plenty to do in Semuc Champey, it can easily be covered in just one day. I recommend staying in Lanquin for two days. This way you will have one day to explore Semuc Champey and the other day to relax and explore the surrounding area.
How to get to Lanquin & Semuc Champey?
You can take the local bus Lanquin from Mercado la Terminal in Coban or any other transport hubs in Guatemala. But I recommend taking the tourist shuttle, which you can easily book anywhere. It’s the fastest, easiest, and safest way to travel. The bus trip will take you through a beautiful scenery. Here’s an approximate duration of the journey, although it might take a bit longer:
From Antigua: 8 hours
From Lake Atitlan: 10 hours
From Flores: 8 hours
Shop around for the best shuttle deals and, if you’re prone to motion sickness, grab some pills, the road is a series of twists and turns.
Where to stay in Lanquin?
When it comes to accommodation, there’s a spot for every kind of traveler:
- Zephyr Lodge: The ultimate backpacker’s party hostel in Lanquin with a lively atmosphere and a stunning pool.
- Hostal Vista Verde: This was the hostel I stayed in and I really enjoyed it. The views here are amazing. You will have a stunning sunset from the pool. It offers a more relaxed vibe. If you’re seeking a lively party scene, Zephyr Lodge is likely the better choice
- El Retiro Lodge: A riverside oasis perfect for relaxation. It is a perfect retreat to relax after exploring Semuc Champey’s attractions.
- Utopia Eco Hostel: located 3.5 kilometers away from Semuc Champey, this hostel offers a riverside stay in a beautiful environment. Plus, they even have a chocolate workshop!
- Mountain Nest: A bit pricier, but wow, the place looks amazing!
What to eat?
As for food, you’ll find markets and small shops, but most prefer dining at their accommodations. If you’re heading to Semuc Champey, either grab a packed lunch from your stay or explore the local restaurants and shops near the park. There are vendors offering hot meals like rice, beans, tostadas, or pasta for around 30-40Q.
Final Tips
A quick heads up, cash is king in Lanquin. While most accommodations accept cards, having cash for tours and local bites is essential. There’s only one ATM.
Interested in more guides?
Travel Resources
Below are some useful links to all the travel resources I use that you might find helpful when planning your next trip.
Accommodation: When searching for a place to stay, I usually use Booking.com or Hostelworld to find accommodation.
Tours: While I prefer doing most things on my own. Certain destinations are better explored with guided tours. I recommend GetYourGuide. They have a wide variety of tours available and a great reputation. Viator is another reliable option.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, Skyscanner is a great platform to use. Check out my guide on how to get the cheapest flight here.
*The prices mentioned in this article are based on 2023 rates.
