Semuc Champey is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Guatemala. In this blog, I share everything you need to know before you go, including how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Semuc Champey

About Semuc Champey

Hidden in the lush mountainous jungle, just 11 kilometers from the nearby town of Lanquin, Semuc Champey, is a 300-meter-long natural-forming limestone bridge that has six turquoise-blue water pools. People visit Semuc not only to enjoy swimming in the pools but also to explore the nearby water cave or tube down the Cahabon River, which disappears under the limestone bridge only to reappear miles later.

Semuc Champey is definitely a do-it-yourself kind of attraction. You don’t need to pay for a tour to get there, nor do you need a guide. A tour to Semuc Champey can cost anywhere from $40 US to over $100 US if you include accommodation. But if you do it yourself (transportation to and from the park, admission fees, and food), it would cost you about $28 US. Less if you walk.

Admission Fee: 50Q (~$6US)

Top Things to do at Semuc Champey

El Mirador

Semuc Champey is truly one of Guatemala’s natural wonders, and the best way to fully appreciate it’s beauty is not just by swimming in the pools but by seeing it from above. Take a nice 45-minute hike through the jungle to the viewpoint, “El Mirador.”. The view at the top is gorgeous, both of Semuc and the lush green mountains surrounding it. Don’t be intimidated by the hike, because it is totally worth it.

Relax and Swim in the Pools

Me and you both know you wouldn’t come all the way to Semuc Champey just to take pictures. Not sure if it needs to be said, but here goes: take a dip into the many refreshing turquoise-blue pools and chill out for a bit. Some of the pools are deep enough to dive or jump into, while others are good for relaxing in.

River Tubing

In case you didn’t have enough relaxing time in the pools, grab a tube and go river tubing down the Cahabon River for about one kilometer. Most people like to start their cruise through the river by jumping off the bridge in front of the entrance to Semuc. But you don’t have to. The river is pretty calm, so it’s not the water rafting kind of tubing, but still fun, especially with a group. Rental Tube Price: 50Q

K’an Ba Cave

No headlamp, no helmet, no life jacket, just your bare feet, your swimwear, and a candle are all you need to explore this water cave. With this unconventional hour-long cave tour, you get to climb a 10-foot waterfall, squeeze in between tiny spaces, duck and dodge stalactites, see bats, and swim with one hand while balancing a candle dripping in hot wax in the other. C’mon, doesn’t that sound like an added bonus to your already fun trip to Semuc Champey? Admission fee for Cave: Q60 (~$8 US); Cave tours run every half hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Note: Exploring the cave can be a bit dangerous as people have gotten cuts and bruises from rocks as it is dark in there. Be safe if you choose to go because the nearest hospital to Semuc Champey is 4 hours away in Coban.

When to Go to Semuc Champey

Most people would suggest going during the high season, mid-December to mid-April, as it doesn’t rain as often and the Cahabon River is a lot clearer, but we would say otherwise. During the high season, Semuc Champey is overcrowded with both locals and foreigners, and you don’t get to fully enjoy the beauty when there are millions of people around. So go during the low season, when there are 60% fewer people. And yes, the pools are still crystal clear and turquoise blue. No need to worry!

How to Get to Semuc Champey

From Lanquin

If you are up to it, you can take a 2 ½ hour walk through the lush green and very scenic walk to Semuc Champey, which is fairly easy to do, or you can take a 4×4 pickup truck (local taxi) from town to Semuc for about Q25 (~ 30 mins).

1. From Antigua

Most travel agencies as well as hostels and hotels in Antigua offer two daily shuttle services (8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) to Lanquin for Q150 (~$20 US). However, we found an 8 a.m. shuttle for Q120 (~$15 US) at the Three Monkeys Hostel. Hey every dollar counts. (~8 hours)

Insider Tip: Don’t take the 2pm shuttle out of Antigua just so you can sleep in longer; trust us, you will want to recover from your hangover on the 8am bus as getting through Guatemala city traffic will be a bitch, not to mention you will get to Lanquin super late, around 10 p.m. vs 5 p.m.

2. From Guatemala City

Take the Monja Blanca Bus, which runs hourly to Coban (~5 hours) for Q70, and then take a shuttle or a local bus to Lanquin (~2–3 hours).

3. From Coban

Take one of the local buses departing from Mercado La Terminal for about Q30p/p (~2–3 hours).

Where to Stay in Semuc Champey

ZEPHYR LODGE

I ended up booking two nights here after my friend (who I was meeting in Semuc Champey) booked here before me. As it turns out, this place is absolutely incredible and maybe one of my favorite hostel experiences ever. The location—high above the jungle and town—not to mention their beautiful infinity pool, lively restaurant and bar, and sweet dorm rooms—made Zephyr Lodge a pretty tough place to beat. If you can, stay here while in Lanquin.

GREENGOS HOTEL

Another great option is this eco-conscious hotel located on the outskirts of Lanquin. Greengos, like Zephyr Lodge, provides transportation from the bus stop to the hotel, has tours to Semuc Champey and other nearby adventures (including tubing), and many other traveler-focused activities (like beer-pong tournaments).

Places to Eat in Semuc Champey

There is a 90% chance your hotel will offer you a cold box lunch for your trip to Semuc Champey. Skip it; you can get a hot and hearty meal once you get to Semuc. Right before the entrance, at the foot of the bridge, you will find two different vendors selling meals for Q40 (~$5 US). Not the cheapest, but definitely a nice portion of food with rice, frijoles, pasta, salad, a piece of meat, and a tortilla. There are a few other vendors selling cold drinks and beers as well.

What to Bring to Semuc Champey

Camera, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes and an appetite to have fun!

Tip: The hike up to the viewpoint is muddy and slippery; don’t be stupid like us and wear flip-flops.