Semuc Champey Tours: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
Are you a nature lover? Do you enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures? If yes, and you’re headed to Guatemala, you’ll want to consider adding Semuc Champey to your itinerary.
Semuc Champey is a remote yet spectacular destination. It’s tucked away in the jungle, on the Cahabón River, where about 300 meters of natural limestone bridges have formed. There is a series of tiered turquoise pools, perfect for refreshing dips and reconnecting with nature. This spot offers relaxation, hiking, swimming, river tubing, and cave exploring.
The name Semuc Champey comes from the Q’eqchi’ language and translates to where the river hides under the earth. Located in Central Guatemala, within the Alta Verapaz Department, Semuc Champey is a great addition to your trip, especially if you’re planning to travel between Flores or Tikal to Lake Atitlan or Antigua.
Curious about visiting Semuc Champey? Keep reading this Naturally Smart Travel guide to learn about how to get to, where to stay, and what to do in Semuc Champey!
How To Get to Semuc Champey
There are many ways to reach the remote beauty of Semuc Champey. It’s a great spot to stop if you’re looking to really relax and retreat to nature for a bit.
It’s possible to get to Semuc Champey from Mexico, Belize, and within Guatemala. Arriving here is a journey, but it’s a nice addition to your route if you’re already planning on traveling from Flores to Antigua.
The best way to get here is with a tourist shuttle or private transportation. Otherwise, you’ll have to navigate various chicken buses, which could be more confusing, chaotic, and time-consuming.
There are plenty of tourist shuttles heading to Lanquín from Flores, Guatemala City, or Antigua; the trip can take anywhere from 6 to 9 hours. Most visitors use the small town of Lanquín as a home base before booking a tour or heading on their own into Semuc Champey.
The road from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is about 30 to 45 minutes along a bumpy road. Tours usually offer round-trip transportation. Another popular destination in the area is Cobán, which is about two hours from Semuc Champey.
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
Distances to Semuc Champey
Travel times will vary depending on the mode of transportation you use, the weather, and road conditions. Below are some ballpark time estimates on traveling from popular tourist destinations in Guatemala to Semuc Champey. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Antigua - 6 to 9 hours
Cobán - 2 to 3 hours
Flores - 7 to 9 hours - (You can fly from Flores to Guatemala City)
Guatemala City - 4 to 6 hours
Lake Atitlan - 10+ hours with a private shuttle bus
Where To Stay in Semuc Champey
How many days should you stay in Semuc Champey? And, where should you stay? Generally speaking, three days is plenty of time, but if you’re craving extra downtime in nature, stay longer!
Lanquín is the main town where people come together, hang out, and find accommodations near Semuc Champey. Lanquín is a small, sleepy town, offering just the basic amenities for sleeping and eating. The river cuts through the town and is surrounded by nature; it’s perfect for rest and rejuvenation. However, you can find party hostels if that’s your vibe!
Alternatively, there are a few accommodation options right near the entrance to Semuc Champey. Always be sure to research accommodations; some offer tour packages and have on-site restaurants.
And, don’t forget to bring cash!
Photo Credit: www.greengoshotel.com
Party Hostels:
Zephyr Lodge - (Lanquín) This is a great place to meet people, as guests rendezvous over drinks and play games. There’s an infinity pool with impressive views, a hot tub, and a swim-up bar. They offer both unique and classic tours. Select from dorms, lofts, private rooms, and cabanas. The on-site bar and restaurant has a wood-fired pizza oven, craft cocktails, and a tasty breakfast menu.
Greengo’s Hostel- (Semuc Champey) This jungle oasis is located near the entrance of Semuc Champey; it’s only a 5 to 10 minute walk to the park’s entrance. The tours include extreme tubing, a community tour, a chocolate workshop, and more. There’s a pool with lounge chairs, a volleyball net, games, and fun vibes.
Hostels on the Chiller Side:
El Retiro - (Lanquín) Located right on the river, this is an off-grid getaway surrounded by nature. There are dorms, private, semi-private, and deluxe rooms available. The staff is friendly, there’s delicious food served daily, and the prices are reasonable. One caveat is that the internet connection here isn’t great–so it’s not a place to stay if you’re looking to work remotely.
Mountain Nest -(Lanquín) This adults-only bed and breakfast offers rooms with private balconies, kitchenettes, and mountain views. There’s a garden area, a tour desk, and an on-site restaurant serving French and American cuisine. '
Utopia Eco Hotel - (Semuc Champey) Detox from technology at this refuge in the heart of the jungle, where sustainability meets luxury. This eco-friendly hotel offers yoga classes, vegetarian meals, a fire pit, a gym, and river relaxation. This hotel has been around the longest. It’s got great vibes, gives back to the community, and sells out in advance!
Pachamaya River Hostel- (Lanquín) Situated on the river, this hostel has dorm-style or private rooms to select from. There’s an on-site restaurant, a bar, a 24-hour assistance desk, laundry, and a picnic area. Grutas Las Marias is within walking distance of the hostel.
TuqTuqilal - (Lanquín) This regenerative center focuses on sustainability and community development. The cabins at this eco-lodge are made with local materials; the food is locally grown and organic. There’s WiFi, laundry, river access, hiking trails, cacao tours, and special packages. Staying here is an immersive experience with wild nature, culture, and regenerative design.
Dining Options in Lanquín & Semuc Champey
Keep in mind, right up front, when you get to Semuc Champey, it’s far away from anywhere else! So, a lot of the meals that you’ll find will be at the hotels/hostels.
Lanquín serves as the jumping-off point for Semuc Champey. Even though many tourists come through here, the town is still quite remote and a bit off the beaten path. We’ll say it again: Don’t forget to bring cash!
You’ll find a selection of local barbecue lunch spots cooking up some tasty chicken, carne asada, tortillas, and beans. But, it’s slim pickings. It’s wise to choose your accommodation based on its restaurant menus and the activities/tours offered. You can also check out the other nearby hotels and hostels for their lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks!
Restaurants in Lanquín:
KALULA Café y Restaurante - Eat on the terrace while enjoying the views. The extensive menu serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
ZEN LA POZA - Treat yourself to a cozy al fresco dinner in the garden. Their menu ranges from tapas and pasta to curries and meat.
Aragoncito Bistro Al Carbón - This family-run restaurant is on the edge of town, but it’s worth the trip. It’s got great reviews, and the fresh menu has a variety of dishes, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Zamat Kitchen - Attached to the Viñas Hotel, there’s a nice pool area and tasty handcrafted cocktails. The menu consists of Q’eqchi’ Maya fusion food featuring local and organic ingredients.
Restaurants in Semuc Champey:
Comedor Buffet Semuc Champey - This local barbecue spot is right near the entrance to Semuc Champey. It’s an open-air, buffet-style, no frills spot–perfect for refueling after a day in nature.
Mi Rancho - A casual local barbecue eatery right by the entrance to Semuc Champey. Try some grilled meats and handmade tortillas cooked on an open flame.
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
Semuc Champey Tours & Activities
This secluded jungle escape is down a dusty road. It’s beautiful here, and the turquoise pools are dreamy. The “El Mirador” viewpoint boasts a sweeping aerial lookout from above.
You can visit year-round, but the ideal time to visit Semuc Champey is during Guatemala’s dry season, which runs from December to April. This is also the most popular time of year to visit. During the rainy season, extra rain might cause the river to overflow, prompting the park to close. It’s rare, but it’s a possibility.
While you can explore Semuc Champey on your own, going with a local guided tour group will guarantee you get to experience the best of the area. They include round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and lunch. Find a day tour that offers a little bit of everything for the full-day adventure. Envision floating down a river, swimming by a waterfall, swinging from ropes, relaxing in freshwater pools, and hiking to the viewpoint.
If you don’t go for a packaged tour from your hostel/hotel, think of ordering the tours at Semuc Champey like you’d order off an à la carte menu.
Semuc Champey is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. There is an entrance fee (around $10).
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
Ways To Experience & Enjoy Semuc Champey
Hiking - There’s a vigorous hike up to the lookout point. This is a short but steep climb (500m / 1600ft) up stairs; that’ll take around 30 to 45 minutes. At the top, you’ll look down onto all seven pools and the surrounding mountains in the middle of nature. On the way up, you’ll work up a sweat, but the way down is easier. Watch your footing and be on the lookout for loose rocks and wet, muddy steps.
Waterfalls & Swimming - After a sweaty hike, the cool turquoise water pools are the perfect respite. Let go, connect with nature, and experience ultimate relaxation in the clear turquoise pools and stunning waterfalls.
Kan’ba Cave Tour - Adventurous and fun, but this is not your average cave tour. You’ll be swimming with water above your head while holding a candle to light your way. Inside the cave, you can climb a ladder under a waterfall, jump off a rock into a dark hole, have a mini rock climbing session, or slip down the natural rock slides. If you’re scared of the dark, make sure to bring your own flashlight along. You can also rent some water shoes (for cheap) to wear during the tour.
River Tubing - How does floating down a river with a beer, or water, in hand sound?! Relaxing is the perfect way to end a day in Semuc Champey before heading back to your accommodations.
Packing for Semuc Champey
Bathing suit
Sneakers or sport sandals
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Dry pair of socks
Water
Towel
Camera
Cash
A lock to securely store your things in the lockers
Light clothing to hike in and potentially get wet
Photo Credit: Naturally Smart Travel
Enjoy Your Day in Semuc Champey
Not all roads lead to Semuc Champey, but the ones that do promise nature at its best! Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and swimming bliss of Semuc Champey.
We hope this guide has helped answer your questions about visiting this remote, magical destination in central Guatemala.
As always, if you need help planning an upcoming trip to Guatemala, get in touch!
Safe travels, friends!
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The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. It’s located in the southwestern part of the country and is the largest city in Central America.
Guatemala City’s population is over two million people, and it’s where the La Aurora International Airport is located.
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A visa is not required in advance for most visitors, including citizens of the United States, Canada, and the European Union. However, it’s essential to check the specific visa requirements for your country before traveling.
Visitors with a valid passport and a departure ticket are generally granted stays of up to 90 days at border control upon arrival, with the possibility of extensions. Please consult with your local Guatemalan embassy for precise guidelines.
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Before traveling to Guatemala, it’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and influenza.
If you plan on visiting rural areas, consider vaccines for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. However, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your individual health status and travel itinerary.
Use insect repellent in areas prone to mosquitoes, as illnesses such as Dengue and Zika are present.
Don’t drink the tap water; opt for bottled and filtered water instead. Packing activated charcoal is wise in case of food-related illnesses.
For further information, check the CDC website for their recommendations.
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Guatemala is generally safe to travel through, especially in the touristy areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal. Always remain mindful of your belongings and surroundings, as petty theft, like pickpocketing, may occur.
Hiring a local guide can enhance your overall experience, safety, and confidence.
Take standard precautions, such as exercising caution on public transportation and opting for licensed taxis or ridesharing services like Uber. As well as avoiding walking alone at night, keeping valuables secure, and staying informed about local news.
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Guatemala offers a plethora of outdoor activities and natural wonders to explore. This includes the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, hiking active volcanoes, and natural wonders like cloud forests and Semuc Champey.
The picturesque villages of Lake Atitlán offer kayaking, swimming, and adventuring!
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