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Ultimate Guide To Visiting Lanquin & Semuc Champey 2024

Once a hidden gem within the Guatemalan jungle, now a must-see along the Central America backpackers trail. Lanquin Guatemala is a little mountain town in the province of Alta Verapaz. Lanquin has become a popular spot to visit mainly for its close proximity to the beautiful pools of Semuc Champey natural monument.

Guatemala Lanquin itself is a small town, with only a few restaurants and shops. But, that doesn’t stop the town of Lanquin from being incredibly beautiful with some of the best hostels that we have stayed in, across Central America.

Semuc Champey, is one of the most beautiful natural monuments in Guatemala, if not the whole of Central America.

If you are asking yourself the question Is Semuc Champey worth it? What are the best hostels and hotels in Semuc Champey and wondering how to get to Lanquin, Guatemala or Semuc Champey? Read on for our guide covering everything you need to know to visit Lanquin!

Table of Contents

Is Semuc Champey worth it?

If you are wondering ‘Is Semuc Champey worth it?’ then the answer is resoundingly a huge YES! It’s an incredibly beautiful spot, which, despite becoming more and more popular in recent years still isn’t too busy and doesn’t detract from its uniquely beautiful scenery. The internet has a lot of contradicting answers to the question ‘Is Semuc Champey worth it’. However, I Reanna have visited twice and would happily visit again.

How far is Lanquin to Semuc Champey?

The distance between Lanquin and Semuc Champey is 15km and the drive takes around 45 minutes on windy, unmarked roads. The drive in itself is all part of the fun and where your adventure starts! Be sure to bring some money as there are children that sell you homemade (incredible) chocolate along the way.

How many days do you need in Guatemala, Lanquin?

There isn’t too much to do in Lanquin other than paddle in the river, enjoy the views from your hostel or read a book in a hammock. Most people stay between one to three nights and travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey for one full day in Guatemala Lanquin. We stayed for 2 nights meaning we only had one full day in Lanquin which we used to explore Semuc Champey. However, we wished that we had an extra night to stay and relax in Zephry Lodge (where we stayed) and enjoy the beautiful nature.

How do I get to Semuc Champey Natural Monument?

Unfortunately, there is no quick or easy way to get to Semuc Champey. There is no nearby airport that you can fly into and no train station. Instead the main way to get to the beautiful spot in the jungle is via bus. Read on for your guide on how to get to Semuc Champey Natural Monument from each of the main spots in Guatemala.

Travelling from Antigua to Semuc Champey natural monument

Travelling from antigua to semuc champey guatemala like a local..

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to travel from Antigua to Semuc Champey then follow these directions. Note that this certainly isn’t the easiest option and you will have to rely on directions from the locals to help you find the next bus etc.

Head to the bus terminal by the market and take a chicken bus to Guatemala City.

Then in Guatemala City get on the bus to Coban to begin your journey from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey

From Coban, get a bus to Lanquin

Then, you can travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey

Cost: Around 100Q

The quickest way to get from Antigua to Semuc Champey – the tourist way

The quickest and easiest way to get from Antigua to Semuc Champey is to get the daily shuttle. This is the way that most tourists (and us) travel between the two spots. The shuttle departs at 8:00 a.m. (read 9:00 a.m. by the time you’ve picked everyone up). You can book this via your hotel/hostel or any travel agent in town.

They will pick you up from your hotel or hostel and drop you off in Lanquin. You can take a free hotel shuttle to your accommodations and travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey.

Cost: 260Q – 325Q Travel Time: You will probably be told 8 hours, but expect 9 – 10.

Travelling from Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey

The journey between Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey takes around 10 to 12 hours by road.It’s a long journey and it takes a full day out of your trip itinerary but it’s so so worth it(in our opinions)!

The most popular way to travel from Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey is by via the shuttle bus. The only shuttles that leave from Lake Atitlán to Semuc Champey depart from the ferry dock at Panajachel early in the morning. If you are staying anywhere else in Lake Atitlan then you will have to make your way to Panajachel first. Luckily the boats start running from very early in the morning, however, if you are travelling from Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey then we recommend staying in Panajachel overnight.

It’s worth noting that there’s no night buses or shuttles to Semuc Champey so, it will take a full day out of your travel itinerary .

Cost: 500Q Travel time: 10-12 hours

Travelling from Flores to Semuc Champey

The only way to travel from Flores to Semuc Champey is via a shared shuttle bus. The shuttle buses leave Flores Island at 8 am from the I Heart Peten sign, next to the bridge and arrive in Semuc Champey at around 7 pm at night.

There are no overnight travel options, so you’ll need to block a full day of your itinerary for this journey

Cost: 150Q – 350Q Travel time: 10-12 hours

Hostels in Semuc Champey & Lanquin

You have two options of where to stay when visiting the area; alongside Semuc Champey National Park itself, or 3 km away in the town of Lanquin. Choosing where to stay in Lanquin also depends on the different things that you might want to do during your stay, since proximity to places like Semuc Champey can be advantageous. There are plenty of incredible options to stay in both making it very hard to decide.

Hostels in Semuc Champey

Staying in Semuc Champey can provide a huge benefit over staying in Lanquin and means that you get to spend longer in Semuc Champey natural monument which is always a huge bonus! You can explore the park when there’s no one else around and you don’t have to visit on a tour. Of course, you’ll be further from any restaurants and the town in general plus, if you want to go tubing in Guatemala Lanquin then it is better to stay in the town.

If you want to stay in Semuc Champey rather than Lanquin then these are our recommendations.

Utopia Eco Hostel

If you want to feel a little more isolated, this open-air lodge is located in the middle of the jungle. It’s much closer around a 45-minute walk to the National Park than Lanquin, with no other hostels in sight. As well as dorms, Utopia offers cabanas and bungalows if you need a little downtime, as well as a beautiful garden and terrace. They have an in-house vegetarian restaurant as well as a ticketing office, meaning that you won’t have to venture into town for anything.

Greengos Hostel

Greengos has a great reputation as the best hostel to stay at in Semuc Champey. It is in a beautiful serene location that is less than a 10-minute walk from Semuc Champey. It has an incredible pool to relax in and a large open communal area. You can decide between staying in a dorm room or opt for a private rooms.

They also have an onsite tour desk, meaning you can book your transport and tours in-house, knowing they are good quality having been recommended by one of the best hostels in Semuc Champey.

Hostels in Lanquin

Lanquin accommodation features a wide range of lodges, hostels, resorts and guesthouses. Staying in Lanquin means that you will have more option of restaurants and cafes, an ATM in town plus, WIFI and phone signal. The hostels in Lanquin Guatemala are gorgeous and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are our recommendations…

Zephyr Lodge

Zephry Lodge is located in Lanquin and is one of the most popular hostels to stay at in the area. I, Reanna, have actually stayed in Zephyr Lodge twice (I love it that much). The second time I visited the interiors had undergone a major update so it felt like I was staying in a luxury hotel rather than a budget hostel. Zephyr Lodge is located up a hill and has incredible views all around, this was really what set Zephyr Lodge apart from the other spots that we stayed in, in Guatemala for us. The hostel has a pool, bar, restaurant and places a jacuzzi. Free WiFi can be accessed by guests in public areas and rooms in Zephyr Lodge.

Zephyr Lodge is a social hostel and generally attracts a younger crowd, however, if you book a private room then it’s easy to escape from this. Although we loved Zephyr for its social vibe and view, the staff can be a bit grumpy and there were a number of complaints about people being overcharged for their bar/food tabs. Having said that, we had no issues during our stay. The food was great, our room gorgeous and the hostel has all the amenities that you could hope for. If you’d like to go on a Semuc Champey tour whilst here, then you can do this from the reception.

Hostal Oasis

We haven’t personally stayed in Hostel Oasis. However, we did meet a lot of other travellers that did and that recommend it. Hostal Oasis boasts being a luxury jungle resort, located a short tuk tuk ride outside of downtown Lanquin. You can opt to stay in a little hut with a private bathroom or private room with a shared bathroom. Free WiFi can be accessed by guests in public areas.

If you’d like to tour Semuc while here, just ask the staff to arrange your transportation and you’ll be good to go.

Vista Verde Hostal

If you’re looking for a budget option to stay in Lanquin, Guatemala still with gorgeous views then Vista Verde Hostal is it. Some of the rooms have a stunning view of the sunrise and the beautiful mountains around. There are bug nets for each bed and shared bathrooms for every room. Free WiFi can be accessed by guests in public areas.

You can opt to go hiking from Vista Verde Hostal or arrange for a tour to Semuc Champey which is about 15 km away.

Semuc Champey tour

As we have mentioned if you are staying in Semuc Champey then you can visit the park without a tour. However, if you are staying in Lanquin then the best option to visit the park is to do so with a tour.

In our opinions, the best and cheapest way to do the Semuc Champey Tour is to book a local tour at your hostel. However, if you like to book things in advance so your plans are secure, then you can book your tour online before you arrive. These usually include Semuc Champey, swimming by candlelight through Kanba Cave and sometimes tubing in the river, although this is sometimes an add on.

Overall, we absolutely loved our time in Lanquin Guatemala and Semuc Champey and would 100% visiting during your time in this little Central American country. We hope that this guide hopes you to plan your trip and time here.

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What to do in Lanquin and Semuc Champey Guatemala | 8x tips

Lanquin is a little mountain town in the province of Alta Verapaz. And no matter where you are coming from, getting there is not easy (read: a long, bad and bumby road, that can take hours). But a visit to Lanquin is something you simply can’t miss. It is your gateway to one of the most stunning environments, such as Semuc Champey, viewpoints overlooking a lush jungle, adventurous caves with thousands of bats and opportunities for tubing and rafting.   Find everything you want to know about what to do in Lanquin, including tips for hotels, best time to visit, the famous Lanquin caves and things to do in Semuc Champey, the natural wonder of Guatemala.

Tubing & rafting

Travel itineraries guatemala, what to do in lanquin and semuc champey guatemala 8 x useful tips, things to do in semuc champey guatemala.

The first thing you read when you come across Lanquin is Semuc Champey. Semuc Champey is a national park, hidden in the mountains of Guatemala, with a series of naturally formed water basins, consisting of crystal clear turquoise river water. It is surrounded by steep mountain cliffs and a lush jungle vegetation. It is breathtaking and you can easily spend the entire day here.

Make sure you hike all the way up to the viewpoint. It is one of the best things to do in Semuc Champey because of the incredible view of the surroundings. I found it interesting to go together with a guide, to learn more about the different trees, medicinal plants and herbs. But it is an easy hike you can also do by yourself!

Make sure to take a picture of the national flower of Guatemala, La Monja Blanca (the white nun), a nice orchid. Depending on the weather conditions you will find her open or closed (closed in my case). After the walk you can go for a refreshing dip in the pools and scramble from one to another. There are lockers available to store your belongings. But even if you don’t feel like swimming, there are so many nice spots to just sit down and enjoy the view.

Tip : try to avoid the weekends. It can be incredibly busy with local families. A nice experience to mingle with the locals but it will be hard to find a quiet spot.

How to get to Semuc Champey Guatemala

It is best to get to Semuc Champey from Lanquin by pickup truck. Just like the Veracruz locals.  You’ll stand in the tailgate and while holding on tight, you’ll be able to enjoy the green surroundings along the way, with cocoa, coffee and banana plantations. It is only 11 kilometers, but the trip takes about an hour.

It is possible to go from Lanquin to Semuc Champey on a tour or by yourself. You can book a tour here.  If you want to go by yourself, just walk to the main street of Lanquin in the morning and you’ll find trucks driving to Semuc Champey Guatemala. These pickups can also be found at the entrance of Semuc Champey to take you back to Lanquin after your visit.

Do you want to visit Semuc Champey? You can book your tour here, including transportation, a guide and a visit to the Lanquin caves in Guatemala.

Lanquin caves Guatemala

The Lanquin caves are located on the outskirts of the village and make a nice trip at the end of the day. Especially because you’ll be able to see thousands of bats flying out of the cave around sunset. It’s pretty fascinating! At first you will only see a few, but it feels like they multiply every second, as it gets darker.

The cave itself is also worth exploring. There are several rock formations in the shape of animals, including a former Mayan shrine where local people still go to do their ceremonies. It is large and well-lit wich makes it easy to walk around. Just keep in mind that it is very slippery, whether it has rained or not. Make sure to put on solid shoes and walk carefully.

Tip: The Lanquin caves can be reached by tuk tuk or within half an hour walking from the plaza in Lanquin Guatemala. It is best to head that way around 4:30 PM so you have time to explore the cave, before the bats start flying out around 6:00 PM, (depending on the sunset).

Explore the adventurous Lanquin K’an Ba Caves Guatemala

The Lanquin K’an Ba ​​Caves, near Semuc Champey Guatemala, are one of the most adventurous caves I have ever visited. And, certainly not for everyone! In this water cave you go on an adventure with only your bathing suit on and a candle in your hands. It is humid, dark and you only see the light of the burning candles. In many places you walk through the water up to your waist and sometimes even up to your neck. You move through the water, slide along ladders and climb over rocks for about an hour. A unique trip that you won’t be able to experience in many other places! And therefore recommended! Unless you are claustrophobic.

Where I love to go on certain tours over and over again. This was a one-timer, as I found it quite intense. Especially because of the humidity and the fact that you have no idea where you are and where you walk. The Lanquin K’an Ba ​​caves can best be visited together with Semuc Champey. You can book a combined tour here.

Tip: Make sure to put on solid and comfortable shoes. As you walk over rocks and are not able to see them, you can easily get hurt. The rocks are really slippery and sharp. I always travel with good water shoes and they come in handy in places like this.

What to do in Lanquin town

Lanquin doesn’t have many things to do. Lanquin really is your starting-point to explore the caves and surrounding area. But, it is nice to walk around the village and observe daily life. There is a lot going around the plaza, market and little streets.

Go on a hike | what to do in Lanquin area

Do you have more time? One of the best things to do in Lanquin area, is to go for a beautiful walk. Because there are few clear hiking trails, it is recommended to head out with a good guide and walk to one of the viewpoints. Most hotels like Zephyr Lodge Lanquin and El Retiro lodge offer these type of guides.

One of the best things to do in the Lanquin area is tubing. You take your seat in a large tire and just float on the river, while passing local houses and communities. Tubes are available at the entrance of Semuc Champey, but you can also book a trip in Lanquin and tube on the river below. It is a relaxed activity that requires little effort. Also, the Río Cahabón is one of the best places in Guatemala for rafting and kayaking, (includes different levels). It is one of the best things to do if you are looking for some adventure around Lanquin.

Mini travel guide Lanquin Guatemala

Tours lanquin.

• Visit Semuc Champey and the Lanquin caves in Guatemala
• A three day tour from Antigua

Lanquin Hotels

Although Lanquin is a small town, you will find several nice hotels. My favorite place is the Zephyr lodge . This hotel, with infinity pool, is located on a mountain and offers the most amazing 360 degree views over the valley and the river below. You are surrounded by greenery and flowers but also able to walk into the small town within 5 minutes.

Check the availability and latest rates of The Zephyr lodge here. Other recommended lodges in Lanquin are Vista Verde and El Retiro.

Keep in mind that The Zephyr lodge in Lanquin is a hostel type of hotel (meaning backpackers and parties around the pool) but there is a number of simple private rooms with nice views. There is also a restaurant. Nothing fancy but good meals. And if you want to know what to do in Lanquin, there is plenty of staff to help you out.

I love staying in smaller scale hotels with beautiful interiors, a nice atmosphere and convenient location. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Curious about my favorite hotels to stay in Guatemala? This is an overview with the most beautiful hotels to stay in Guatemala, sorted by city and region.

How to reach Lanquin

It is a long road from Antigua to Lanquin and from Panajachel (Lake Atitlán) to Lanquin. And the traveling time is much longer than you will hear upfront. From both Flores and Antigua to Lanquin, a journey takes between 7 and 10 hours. Shuttle buses (minivans) run daily from Antigua , which can be booked here. To Guatemala City, depending on the type of transportation and traffic, the journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. You can take a bus to Cobán and change to a local bus to Lanquin. I have traveled a lot with private transportation, but there are shared shuttle services offered everywhere.

Planning to visit the beautiful city of Antigua? Have a look in my extensive travel guide with many tips and things to do in Antigua and surroundings.

In my opinion, the road from Río Dulce to Lanquin, is the nicest, a drive of about 6 hours. Along the way, you are able to enjoy the rural life, as you pass so many small communities. Moreover, you can enjoy amazing views.

Extra tip: Do you want to break the journey from Guatemala city or Antigua to Lanquin? Make a stop in El Biotopo de Quetzal, the habitat of the quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala. Simple overnight locations that offer easy access to the reserve are Ranchitos del Quetzal and Posada Montaña del Quetzal.

Best time to visit Lanquin and Chemuc Champey Guatemala

The best travel time for Lanquin and Chemuc Champey are the months of November to March / April. It rains less often and the water of the river is clear. But this is also the most busy season. Outside this season, there will be a bigger chance of rain, but there will be less people.  

How to get around in Guatemala

Guatemala is a big country and distances are long. Moreover not all roads are accessible. For some distances it is best to take a plane. But other routes can be easily traveled by bus or shuttle service.  Guatego   is a reliable and affordable shuttle service offering services throughout the country. You can  book your shutle service here.

Curious about how to include Lanquin in your itinerary in Guatemala? I wrote a  Guatemala 2 weeks itinerary ,   3  weeks itinerary , one for  a week in Guatemala   and   a Guatemala 10 days itinerary.

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More about guatemala.

Did you enjoy reading this article with tips for things to do in Lanquin and Semuc Champey Guatemala? Do you want to discover more? With Passport the World I am taking you on a journey to discover this beautiful country. Make sure to check out my other travel guides about Guatemala such as:

• Things to do in Guatemala
• Guatemala travel itineraries
• Lake Atitlan travel guide 
• Lanquin & Semuc Champey – everything you want to know.
• Chichicastenango market 
• Acatenango volcano hike – everything you want to know 
• Boat tour from Río Dulce to Caribbean Livingston
• Guatemala hotel guide
• Maya ruins of Tikal 
• Yaxha maya ruins
• El Mirador Guatemala – everything you want to know about the trek and the tour
• Safety in Guatemala

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A Backpacker’s Guide to Lanquin and Semuc Champey, Guatemala

• Last Updated March 17, 2024
• Guatemala , Central America

Imagine a tiered, 300m long limestone ribbon winding along the bottom of a lush, mountainous valley deep in the Guatemalan Jungle. Cool water flows over the suspended staircase of 18 sublime, naturally-formed turquoise pools carved by the flow of the Cahabon river.

What you’re imagining is Semuc Champey, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Guatemala, if not the whole of Central America. It’s a slice of paradise that’s hard to reach, but one that most backpackers in Guatemala will strive to experience. Just a decade ago very few visitors made it to this part of Guatemala, but now the secret is most certainly out, and the region is a mainstay on the gringo trail for people heading to or from  Tikal .

Semuc Champey is a relatively remote place to reach, with most backpackers choosing to spend a day or two in the hilltop town of San Agustín Lanquín, 11km away, and visit Semuc on a day trip. While almost every visitor to the area makes the journey solely to plunge into the emerald rock pools, Lanquin is often overlooked. There may not be much to see in the town in terms of sights and attractions, but the misty, highland village is enclosed by hills covered in verdant greenery and lush jungle. A friendly, mostly indigenous community calls this jungle outpost home, often driving livestock through the town’s unpaved streets on their way to the surrounding fields.

For me, Semuc Champey & Lanquin are must-visits if you’re  backpacking in Guatemala .

How to Get to Lanquin & Semuc Champey

I’ll start with a slight warning. The journey to Lanquin is not for the faint-hearted. Located 3 hours from Coban, the nearest large city, and 8 – 10 hours from Antigua or Flores by uncomfortable shuttle a long winding, unpaved roads for the majority of the trip, a trip to Semuc Champey means giving up almost two entire days to travel. And when I say uncomfortable, I mean uncomfortable. I spent the entire trip perched on a small, plastic stool propped between the fixed seating of a minibus, sliding forwards and backwards down the aisle with each sharp corner or sudden push on the brakes.

Although a local bus to Lanquin can be caught from Mercado la Terminal in Coban (3 hours, 25Q), from any of the other backpacker hubs in Guatemala, it’s recommended you take a shuttle bus (booked through your hostel) due to the length of the drive. Prices vary, but from both Flores and Antigua, expect to pay anywhere between 120 and 150 Q. The shuttle leaves Antigua twice a day; once at 8 am and again at 2 pm. I would recommend getting the early minibus so that you arrive in Lanquin early evening, ready to visit the waterfalls the next morning.

The shuttle will drop you off at your hostel in either Lanquin or Semuc Champey.

Where to Stay in Lanquin & Semuc Champey

You have two options of where to stay when visiting the area; besides Semuc Champey National Park itself, or 3 km away in the town of Lanquin. There are pros and cons to both; By staying in Lanquin, you have access to a few cheap food spots, tiendas, and markets (as well as an ATM) but you will have to book a day trip to the pools through your hostel or make your own way there. By staying beside the national park itself, you are within walking distance of one of the world’s most beautiful swimming spots and get to stay in tranquil jungle surroundings. However, you will have to rely on your accommodation to provide all of your food and drink requirements.

Zephyr Lodge

A mountaintop village deep in the Guatemalan jungle probably isn’t where you would expect to find one of the country’s most rambunctious party hostels, but that is what you’ll find with Zephyr. The crowd here tends to be fairly young, packing out the bar each evening for drinking games and a few rounds of pool. However, during the day when most guests have departed to visit Semuc Champey, the infinity pool and hilltop views make it the perfect place for some tranquillity and relaxation.

Although I loved Zephyr for its social vibe and location, the staff can be a mixed bag (the owner seemed especially grumpy and unhelpful) and there were a number of complaints about people being overcharged for their bar/food tabs and dorms being a little grimy. Having said that, I had no issues during my stay. The food was great, my room comfortable and the hostel has all the amenities that you could hope for.

Utopia Eco Hostel

If you want to feel a little more isolated, this open-air lodge is located in the middle of the jungle, closer (45-minute walk) to the National Park than Lanquin, with no other hostels in sight. As well as dorms, Utopia offers cabanas and bungalows if you need a little downtime, as well as a beautiful garden and terrace. They have an in-house vegetarian restaurant as well as a ticketing office, meaning that you won’t have to venture into town for anything. Check prices & availability

Although in Lanquin, El Retiro doesn’t perch on a hilltop like most of the town’s other accommodation options but is instead situated in a beautiful riverside setting, allowing you to go for a swim to escape the jungle heat. Like with Zephyr, each dorm is in its own rustic hut. As well as a sun terrace, there is also a bar and restaurant on-site where you can relax and play table tennis or pool. Check prices & availability

Hostal Vista Verde

One of the area’s newest hostels, Vista Verde is eco-conscious accommodation in Lanquin with a huge pool to escape the jungle humidity, a lush garden, and onsite bar/restaurant. The hostel offers a mix of dorm and private rooms. Check prices and availability

Ch’i Bocól Community Hostel

If getting to Lanquin and Semuc Champey wasn’t enough of a struggle for you, Ch’i Bocól Community Hostel requires you to hike a further 30 minutes through the jungle in order to reach it. The walk will be worth it, as Ch’i Bocól is one of the most secluded hostels you will find in Guatemala, situated just a 2-minute walk from a beautiful waterfall and natural swimming pool. If you are on a tight budget, this is one of few hostels in the area that allows outside food to be brought in and cooked in their kitchen, but they also have an onsite chef. Just make sure that you visit an ATM for cash beforehand as, being situated in the jungle, their card reader is not always very reliable. Check prices & availability

Things to do in Semuc Champey

If you decide to visit Semuc Champey with a tour organised by your hostel, all of the below activities, as well as the park entry fee, should be included in the price of the trip (between 170 – 200Q). However, If you decide to venture to Semuc Champey independently, you will need to pay the 50Q entry fee yourself as well as pay separately for the cave tour and river tubing.

Hike El Mirador

If you think the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey are beautiful from ground level, you should see them from above. It is a 45-minute hike up steep steps and although it’s not too strenuous, the heat can be a little unbearable. When you reach the top, the view will be worth the sweat and sore legs. seep down below you in the valley, surrounded by greenery, you will get to see a bird’s eye view of the stunning limestone pools.

I recommend climbing to the viewpoint when you first arrive so that you can cool off in the pools afterwards.

K’an Ba Cave

Imagine my surprise when I turned up for my tour of K’an Ba Cave and just be given a lit candle. No Helmet, headlamp, or safety equipment of any kind. Just me in my swim shorts, holding a candle.

While this isn’t an issue for the beginning of the tour, when the light from the entrance of the cave is still slightly guiding your way and the water level is still below your waste, as you continue deeper into the cave network it is a bit of a problem. Before long we weren’t wading through water, but swimming through the caves, struggling to hold the candle out of the water and keep it lit.

As you can probably tell, this tour isn’t for the faint of heart. In this ill-advised 30-minute long tour there are moments that you will find yourself struggling through neck-deep water, squeezing through tiny crevasses, climbing a 10ft waterfall across wet rock using make-shift metal rungs for grip, and even jumping from rocks into pitch black pools below.

While this all sounds like good fun, be careful while exploring the caves as the nearest hospital to Semuc Champey is 3 hours away in Coban. A few members of our group got minor cuts and bruises, but there have been reports of more severe injuries resulting from the tour. I even heard of someone dying on the trip, although this may just be one of those backpacker urban legends that do the rounds. The fact that people were willing to believe it though, shows how potentially risky the tour is.

Cave tours run every half an hour between 9am-3pm. Entry to the caves costs 60Q, candle included.

River Tubing

Just a short walk from the pools, you can hop into the Cahabon river with an inner tube and spend a relaxing 30 minutes drifting downstream for around a kilometre or so. During the dry season, the river can be nice and calm, meaning it will take you a little longer to float the entire distance. Local kids will walk alongside you, selling beers for you to drink along the way, eventually catching up with you on your way back for payment. When rainy season arrives, the river can be a little more unpredictable, with the tubing sessions often being cancelled.

Swim in the Pools

The main reason anyone makes the trip all the way to Semuc Champey; to swim in the beautiful pools. Slide down the waterfalls, swim, float, dive off cliff faces and swing from trees. Ideally, if you have a guide, they will show you the safest spots to swim, jump and slide as well as show you how to dive beneath the limestone and emerge in the hollow caverns beneath, although you may want to give that a miss if you’re claustrophobic.

Visiting Semuc Champey Independently vs. With a Tour Group

While most people that travel to Semuc Champey choose to book a tour through their hostel that includes all of the above activities, it is easy enough, and often cheaper, to make your way to the national park independently. The main advantage of travelling there without a group is that you can spend as long as you want swimming and exploring the area, without being herded around or relying on other people.

Having said that, if you want to explore the caves and go river tubing, it is probably better to book a tour and have everything organised for you. It’s also helpful to have a guide with you while exploring the pools, letting you know the safe swimming and diving spots.

To make your own way there, you have two options; The first is to catch a ride in a pick up truck from town. You can flag them down from the crossroads in the ‘town centre’ and they will drive you to Semuc Champey for around 20Q each. Just be aware that there may not always be trucks waiting at the entrance to the National Park when you decide to return to Lanquin, so you may be waiting a while.

The other option is to hike the 10km from Lanquin to Semuc. Luckily the trail is well-signposted and safe. However, it can be a bit of a slog.

Where to Eat and Drink in Lanquin & Semuc Champey

Although there are markets and a few small shops in Lanquin, the majority of people find themselves eating and drinking at their hostels. I found the food in Zephyr to be pretty good, although they tend to price meals a little high due to the fact that they have a captive audience.

When visiting Semuc Champey you have a couple of choices; getting an over-priced, cold packed lunch from your hostel, or finding somewhere to eat near the national park. Right before the entrance, you will find a few vendors selling hot meals (rice, frijoles, tostadas or pasta) for around 30 – 40Q as well as a few people selling snacks and drinks.

What to pack for a Semuc Champey tour

• A good pair of trainers or walking boots to climb El Mirador
• Swimming gear
• A camera to capture some awesome photos or a GoPro to film yourself in the water
• Mosquito repellant
• Plenty of water
• Lockers are available on site but make sure that you bring your own padlock.
• A little cash to buy snacks or a few beers from the local kids

Additional Information

Dave McClane

David McClane is a photographer and travel writer based in Leeds, UK. Since first picking up a camera on a yearlong journey through Central and South America in 2014/2015, He has carefully documented his travels through almost 50 countries.

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10 Tips for Semuc Champey & Lanquin in Guatemala

From lake atitlan to lanquin, from flores to lanquin, from antigua to lanquin, how to visit semuc champey from lanquin, admire the view from mirador semuc champey, swim in the river of semuc champey.

• Embark on an Adventure in Cuevas de K’anba
• Visit the Waterfall at K’anba

Tubing on the River in Semuc Champey

Best restaurants in lanquin and semuc champey, our favorite places to stay in lanquin and semuc champey.

Semuc Champey is a breathtaking natural wonder hidden amidst the mountains of Guatemala. It might take a bit of time to get here, but in our opinion, the journey is absolutely worth it, and you shouldn’t miss this beautiful place during your trip. Through the jungle flows the Río Cahabón, a river with azure-blue water, numerous waterfalls, and limestone terraces that form natural pools. It’s almost hard to believe that this fairytale-like place has formed naturally. Cooling off in the river on a hot day while enjoying the rich surrounding nature is a delightful experience. Here are all our tips for Semuc Champey, Guatemala’s jungle!

The Base for Semuc Champey: The village of Lanquin serves as the base for visiting the Semuc Champey natural area. There isn’t much to do in this village, but you’ll find some beautiful hotels nestled in nature. At the bottom of this page, we’ll recommend the best places to stay in Lanquin.

How to Get to Lanquin? (The Base for Semuc Champey)

Most people travel from Lake Atitlan , Flores , or Antigua to Lanquin. Below, you’ll find information on how to get there from these destinations. The road to Lanquin passes through the mountains with many bends and speed bumps. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking a motion sickness pill before departure.

From the town of Panajachel at Lake Atitlan, shuttle buses depart daily for Lanquin. The journey takes about 10 hours in total and can be booked at your hostel or hotel.

Every morning at 8:00, a shuttle bus departs from Flores to Lanquin. This bus ride takes about 9 hours, and you can reserve tickets in advance.

The bus ride from Antigua to Lanquin takes approximately 9 hours and departs once a day. Reserve a seat on the bus in advance.

Many accommodations offer tours to Semuc Champey, but you can also explore the park independently. When you go on your own, you have the freedom to decide how much time you want to spend at each place. Every day, pickup trucks depart from the main street in Lanquin, taking you to the park for a few dollars. If you encounter a passing pickup truck along the way, you can hop in right away. These pickup trucks also serve as taxis used by locals, so be prepared for them to be quite crowded. The route from Lanquin to the entrance of Semuc Champey takes 30 to 45 minutes and is a bumpy ride on an unpaved road, which is an adventure in itself!

Tip: If you’re staying at an accommodation outside Lanquin, you can always flag down a passing pickup truck, and if it has enough space, you can hop in for a small fee.

What to Do in Semuc Champey?

In Semuc Champey, there are plenty of things to do. Here are 5 tips you shouldn’t miss.

From the entrance of Semuc Champey, you can choose to go directly to the pools (pozas in Spanish) or first hike to Mirador Semuc Champey . The hike to this viewpoint is a great way to start your visit to this beautiful natural area. The stunning river with its turquoise water terraces is a sight to behold from above. In the morning, it’s not as hot and less crowded, so you might have the view all to yourself.

From the entrance, it takes about 15 minutes of walking before you reach the point where the stairs begin. From here, it’s about another half-hour climb to reach the viewpoint. Once at the top, you can buy a coconut or fresh fruit and enjoy the beautiful view over Semuc Champey.

It’s time to immerse yourself in that inviting clear blue water! From the viewpoint, you can take the stairs down to the other side, toward Río Cahabón. You can enter the river at various points, and it’s fun to check out all the different water terraces. Some terraces have small waterfalls where you can hang under for a natural massage, while others allow you to slide down via a small waterfall into another pool.

Tip: Bring a small padlock because at the pools, there are lockers you can use to store your belongings while you go swimming.

Embark on an Adventure in Cuevas de K’anba

Cuevas de K’anba is a cave system just outside Semuc Champey, and it’s a great place to visit if you enjoy a bit of adventure. Armed with a candle, you’ll go into this dark river cave with a guide. Swimming, climbing, and scrambling, you’ll make your way through the cave. It’s almost a mile long, and inside the cave, you’ll climb waterfalls and swim through narrow channels. It can be quite challenging at times, so having an average level of fitness is necessary. In total, you’ll spend about an hour inside the cave. Guides are available at both the park’s entrance and the cave’s entrance to accompany you. Entering the cave is never without risk, so be cautious about where you jump as you might not always see how deep the water is. Don’t enter the cave if you have open wounds as you could risk infection. The nearest hospital is a 12-hour drive away, so don’t take any chances.

Tip: Wear good shoes or sandals when entering the cave. Flip-flops won’t work as you’ll lose them. You can also rent water shoes at the cave entrance.

Visit the Waterfall at K’anba

After your visit to Cuevas de K’anba, don’t forget to continue walking to the stunning waterfall at the end of the trail. The entrance to this waterfall is included in the cave tour, but you can also visit the waterfall separately if you don’t want to go into the caves. After the small waterfalls of the terraces, this waterfall is a bit higher and wider, making it a beautiful sight. If you can’t get enough of this crystal-clear water, you can take another dip here.

Since tubing became a popular activity in Vang Vieng, Laos, it’s now offered in many other places around the world. When you book the tour at a hostel, there are usually a few cold beers available for purchase, allowing you to float down the river while enjoying a drink. During the dry season, it’s a mostly leisurely float, with occasional need to ensure your bottom doesn’t touch the rocks due to low water levels. In the rainy season, the river is much fuller, and the experience can be a bit more adventurous. Pay attention to the guide’s instructions before heading onto the river, especially during this season.

Tip: Tubing prices can vary significantly. Tours from hostels are often a bit more expensive but also more fun since you go with a group. If you go independently to the riverbank where they rent tubes, you’ll pay less.

Unfortunately, the restaurant choices are not very extensive. Often, you can also eat at your accommodation, but below are three nice restaurant tips for you.

Zen Bistro – In this restaurant, you can have a cozy dinner in the garden. They offer delicious curries, pastas, meat, and fish dishes, but you can also order a tapas platter or a glass of wine.

KALULA Café y Restaurante – You can go here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is extensive and includes vegetarian options. From the terrace, you have a beautiful view of the surrounding nature.

Mi Rancho –  This restaurant is located near the entrance to Semuc Champey. It’s perfect for ordering something from the barbecue when you’ve just visited the park and have worked up an appetite.

In the vicinity of Lanquin and Semuc Champey, you can find some exceptional accommodations nestled in nature. El Retiro Lanquin is one of the most charming places to stay in Lanquin. Here, you stay right by the river, allowing you to spend some delightful hours by the water. There’s a bar, a restaurant, a ping pong table, and even a volleyball court. The atmosphere is very cozy and relaxed. Tucked away in the mountains, you’ll find the unique Utopia Eco Hotel. Here, you can enjoy ultimate peace and harmony with nature. You can savor delicious food while taking in the views and all the sounds of wildlife around you. Utopia Eco Hotel is not located in the village of Lanquin but is close to the entrance of Semuc Champey, making it possible to walk there along the river. If you have a slightly more generous budget and want to treat yourself to a special overnight stay, at Mountain Nest , you can book a room with a view! Here, you can enjoy a fantastic view that never gets old from your own veranda. Keep in mind that Mountain Nest is located 7 km from the village of Lanquin and 11 km from the entrance of Semuc Champey.

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About the author

Hi! I'm Wendy As a photographer with a passion for travel, I’m always on the lookout for moments that take your breath away. Since I was a child I’ve loved exploring, and now I’m constantly seeking out extraordinary landscapes, charming restaurants, and thrilling activities. For me, the joy of travel lies in the little things — the small but meaningful moments that make you feel alive and grateful.

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• Travel Bucket List
• Central America
• Travel Tips

Lanquin Itinerary (2 Days) including Beautiful Semuc Champey

San Agustin Lanquin, otherwise known as Lanquin, is a small mountain town in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Located within the province of Alta Verapaz, it is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery in the whole country, with karst rock formations, lush jungles, huge cave systems, flowing rivers and, most famously, Semuc Champey. Despite these natural attractions, Lanquin town has remained largely quiet and undeveloped, so what is there to do here? This Lanquin itinerary will cover everything you need to know for your upcoming trip, including a detailed plan of activities, prices, budgets and other tips.

Lanquin Itinerary in Short

• Day 1 : River Tubing and Explore Lanquin Town
• Day 2 : Semuc Champey and K’An Ba Caves
• Day 3 (Optional): Rafting the Cahabon River

Lanquin Itinerary in Full

How many days do you need in lanquin.

Many travellers miss Lanquin altogether due to the long distances spent travelling from the north or south of Guatemala. Lanquin is a solid 10-hour bus ride from both Flores and Antigua, making it both uncomfortable and time-consuming! Some guides say 8-10 hours, but it’s definitely on the upper end of that scale and sometimes even longer…

Despite this, I view the stop in Lanquin as a great way to break up the journey across the country. Particularly since I try to avoid flying wherever possible. With this in mind, how long would I recommend staying in Lanquin?

The main draw of the area is Semuc Champey which is truly spectacular but only needs one day to explore. However, the travel time for just one day of exploring is ridiculous, and in my opinion not worth it. Therefore, I think a fair trip length for Lanquin is 2 days , which excludes the travel days on either side. If, like me, you don’t like packing up your bags and getting on a bus and want to extend, you can find alternative things to do, hence why I’ve included an optional third day for this Lanquin itinerary.

2-Day Lanquin Itinerary

Day 1: river tubing.

After a long journey the day before, a chilled day of activities is a great way to ease you into life in Lanquin.

There are several places you can go tubing in the area. I chose to book a tour through my hostel ( Zephyr Lodge ) which went down the Lanquin River (Rio Lanquin). Starting at Grutas de Lanquin, we floated down the river avoiding trees, sipping drinks and enjoying the scenery. There were a couple of stops along the way where we could buy food or drinks. We stopped at El Retiro Lodge to play volleyball which was fun. We were picked up at the end and transported back to our accommodation.

Times:  Every Day, 11:30am-15:00pm Duration:  3.5 hours (though time on the water was less than this) Price: 100 GTQ

There is also a tubing launch spot near Semuc Champey onto Rio Cahabon.

Explore Lanquin

Once back, you can wander into the small town of Lanquin. There isn’t loads to do here but it’s nice to get a feel for a new place. The streets are quiet, there’s little sign of tourism and best of all, it’s a great place to find cheap food!

Day 2: Semuc Champey Tour

Day 2 of this Lanquin itinerary is the day you’ve been waiting for! It’s time to visit Semuc Champey National Park! From Lanquin, it’s approximately an hour’s drive over extremely bumpy roads!

The essentials you will need for a day at Semuc Champey are wet shoes, a bottle of water, a swimsuit, suncream, a padlock, and money for any snacks or drinks during the day . You can rent wet shoes from your hostel or from locals near the bridge.

There is a debate over whether to visit Semuc Champey as part of a tour group or to do it independently. It’s certainly cheaper to visit independently, however, I opted for a tour as you need a guide for the K’an Ba Caves and it made transportation one less thing to worry about. Throughout the day, our guides pointed out different animals and plants, plus they picked out natural plants to test out as food or paint.

Different tours seem to do the activities in a different order, though they all cover the K’an Ba caves, El Mirador (the viewpoint) and the Semuc Champey pools.

K’an Ba Cave

Located around 500 feet from the entrance to Semuc Champey are the K’an Ba Caves.

You will head uphill away from the river for about 5-10 minutes until you reach the dark entrance to the cave. At this point, you will be given a candle – your only light source for the adventure. As you head into the caves, you will wade through water and follow ropes to lead the path. Your guides will lead the route through the cave up and down ladders, squeezing through gaps, sliding down crevices and even scaling a little waterfall. It’s an adventure that almost certainly wouldn’t be deemed ‘safe’ in Europe, but it’s a great adventure and a lot of fun.

The K’an Ba cave tour should last around an hour depending on the size of your group.

If lunch isn’t included in your tour, there is a local all-you-can-eat BBQ place for 60Q. Some tour companies and hostels offer a packed lunch (usually for an additional 40Q).

Semuc Champey Viewpoint

Head up to the viewpoint of Semuc Champey – El Mirador. This is the only spot where you can see the pools of Semuc Champey from above to see their true colours! The ethereal turquoise waters are unreal and the photos honestly don’t do it justice!

The hike to the viewpoint is pretty much straight uphill and takes around 30 minutes to reach the top. If you are a fast hiker, you can do it in 20 minutes. There are steps and a handrail for most of the route, making it doable for most travellers.

Local vendors sell coconut water and other drinks en route, should you need to refresh during the sweaty hike. And believe me when I say you can get very sweaty in just 20 minutes!

By the time you’re back at the bottom, you’re more than ready to cool down and relax in Semuc Champey’s magical pools!

Semuc Champey Pools

As the Cahabon River flows down the valley between the karst mountains, it eventually reaches a natural limestone formation shaped much like a bridge.

Most of the water floods down below and disappears. Whilst some water flows over the rocks, creating these incredibly clear pools, perfect for relaxing in! And that’s Semuc Champey, which literally translates as ‘where the river hides’!

These tranquil pools vary in size and depth and flow slowly from one to the next. Take a dip at each of the levels by jumping and sliding your way down. If you are lucky, whilst you are in the pools, you may be able to hear howler monkeys in the trees.

NOTE: the rocks are extremely slippery so wet shoes are helpful.

Times:  Every Day, 9:00am-17:00pm Duration:  8 hours Price: 200 GTQ

Day 3: Rafting or Exploring Semuc Champey Independently

Exploring semuc champey independently.

If you have decided to spend a third day in Lanquin, you may wish to explore Semuc Champey solo. This option is great for photographers, explorers and travellers that want to get away from the crowds. By exploring away from any tour groups, you will get the chance to go at your own pace and see any parts that you didn’t see before.

I suggest going early in the day and booking your own transport the night before so that you get the place to yourself.

With the extra freedom and time to explore the area, make sure to check out the very top of Semuc Champey, where the fast-flowing river disappears under the pools. There is also a rope swing further down, as well as some great places to jump into the green river. Some brave (or crazy) travellers also jumped off the bridge!

NOTE: Be careful of shallow water and rocks just beneath the surface as sometimes the water level can drop.

White Water Rafting on the Cahabon River

If you fancy some adrenaline, head to Cahabon River to go white water rafting. It’s meant to be one of the best places in Guatemala to raft!

The Cahabon River has Class III and Class IV rapids to tackle and is surrounded by a beautiful lush jungle making it both an exhilarating and scenic adventure.

Most tours will offer pickup from your accommodation, lunch and snacks.

Lanquin Itinerary Mapped Out

Lanquin Budget

You’re probably wondering how much should you expect to spend during this 2-day Lanquin itinerary.

As a backpacker, I spent 940Q (120 USD) during my two days in Lanquin. The breakdown is approximately as follows:

Day 1  – 450Q

• River Tubing – 100Q
• Alcohol – 120Q
• Accommodation – 140Q

Day 2  – 490Q

• Semuc Champey Tour – 200Q (included 50Q entry fee)
• Drink and food at Semuc Champey – 70Q

If you add a third day to this itinerary, rafting tours cost around 50-75 USD depending on the rafting company and which river you raft down. The Cahabon River is more expensive than the Lanquin River.

What to do if you have more time in Lanquin?

Honestly, if I had time to kill, I would head to the next destination and spend more time there . That is unless you absolutely love the jungle, or really hate buses! If you are heading to northern Guatemala, spend your extra time in Flores. If you are heading further south, head to Antigua or Lake Atitlan where an extra day will really come in handy!

But as always, here are some more suggestions for things to do in Lanquin.

The mountainous region of Lanquin is an adventurer’s playground so head out into nature and enjoy a beautiful walk.

There aren’t many marked hiking trails around Lanquin so it is recommended that you go with a local guide that knows the area well. They will be able to guide you through the jungle and up to one of the amazing viewpoints. Ask your accommodation if they can sort something out or direct you towards a reputable guide.

As well as white water rafting, you can also hire a kayak and head down the Cahabon or Lanquin River. If you have experience already, that’s great. Beginners are also able to join with inflatable double kayaks available with a guide to help steer at the back.

Lanquin Caves (Grutas de Lanquin)

If you decided against doing the K’An Ba caves as part of a tour, then you can explore these impressive caves as an alternative without the need for a guide. It costs 30Q to enter and there are some lights and rails to help you explore this huge cave system. The cave system goes as far as 10km deep, so you can spend as long as you want exploring the chambers. Just make sure to bring a good headtorch and some grippy shoes as it can get slippery!

If you linger around until sunset you can also see hundreds of bats exiting the cave.

Other caves of interest include Yaxlik caves and Candelaria caves.

Visit Coban

Around 65km west of Lanquin is Coban, the nearest major city to Lanquin and a somewhat nearby hub for outdoor activities. From here you can visit the surrounding areas for adventure or embrace city life. It even has a shopping mall and a McDonald’s!

Before you go

Thank you for reading my 2-day Lanquin itinerary. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to  my blog page  to find out more.

If you are new to  Matt’s Next Steps , check out the  About Me  page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!

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Further Reading...

Hiking Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala: A Complete Guide

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• Destinations
• Central Highlands

Lanquín, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Set within a lush valley in Guatemala’s Central Highlands, the small town of Lanquín is becoming well known for two attractions—the Lanquín caves and the Semuc Champey limestone pools.

Lanquín is a quiet Q’eqchi village set to the northeast of Cobán and San Pedro Carchá. Coffee and cardamom farms line the lower slopes of the hills that surround the town. Lanquín is slow and relaxed, but most travelers come here to experience the caves and pools.

The Lanquín caves are less than a mile northwest of town. The caves are several miles long, but visitors can only explore a small section near the entrance to the caves. Needless to say, they are a fascinating place to wander through—armed with flashlights, and sometimes waste deep in water, you’ll make your way through these limestone caves. Stalactites hang from the ceiling alongside bats. In fact, come here at dusk you’ll see thousands of bats flying out into the night.

The limestone pools at the Semuc Champey Natural Monument are lovely. Some six miles (nine km) south of Lanquín, these pools are quickly becoming one of the area’s top draws. Visitors flock here (especially on weekends) to swim in the splendid pools. Water runs down a huge, 1,000-foot (300-m) limestone formation, filling in pools and pouring over small waterfalls. It’s a beautiful, idyllic place to spend the afternoon.

There is a series of trails and hanging wooden bridges at Semuc Champey. These take you to the spot where the Río Cahabón plunges into an underwater chasm and reemerges downstream. It’s very cool to see. Another trail leads to a lookout above the pools.

Lanquín also serves as jumping off point for white-water rafting trips down the Río Cahabón. This Class III-IV river passes through beautiful, forested gorges. Rafting through the Guatemalan highlands is a great way to experience the countryside.

Lanquín, Alta Verapaz Personalized Trips

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• Semuc Champey + El Quetzal Sanctuary + Coban City: 3-Days Tour From Antigua (From $920.00)
• (0.11 mi) B’antiox Guesthouse
• (0.35 mi) Hostal El Portal de Champey
• (0.60 mi) Greengo's
• (0.29 mi) EcoPortal
• (0.11 mi) La Casa de la Rana
• (3.53 mi) ZEN
• (3.75 mi) Guayahá Restaurante
• (3.35 mi) Comedor Shalom
• (3.26 mi) Kalula Cafe & Restaurante
• (3.00 mi) Viñas Restaurant
• (0.34 mi) Grutas Las Marias
• (3.97 mi) Lanquin Caves
• (3.45 mi) Tuqtuquilal Cacao Tour Experience
• (3.24 mi) Lanquin Outdoors
• (3.38 mi) Utopia Cacao Farms

• 2 Get around

Lanquín is a town located in the southern portion of the Northern Lowlands in Guatemala .

It is much hotter here than in the highlands as it is in the deep valleys between the mountains.

Get in [ edit ]

• Most people get to Lanquin from Coban. The minibus costs Q25 (Feb 2023), and will include stops to pick up locals. A private shuttle will cost more.

Get around [ edit ]

• Walking is the best way to get around town. As it is not too large, most things can be reached within a twenty minute walk. In addition, you can get anywhere via Tuk Tuks which can be seen on the streets sometimes as late as 11PM or you can try to hitch a ride in a local truck for a couple of quetzales.

See [ edit ]

• Semuc Champey - Located about 7km outside of Lanquin, along rough road is a series of tiered limestone pools of varying shades of turquoise. A wild river runs underneath the pools here. Hike up to the mirador for a view pools. Swim in the pools and jump off of the rocks. (Feb 2023) Q25 for a pickup ride from Lanquín to Semuc Champey. The road is under construction to be replaced with a paved road, therefore, expect extra time to get there.
• Unknown waterfalls - Continue outside of Lanquin, past El Retiro for about four miles. You will come to another village. Ask about the waterfalls there ( cascadas or cataratas ), and someone will point them out.
• Bats at Dusk - Go to the Grutas de Lanquin (Lanquin caves) at twilight. Go into the cave entrance and enjoy as the bats fly around your head as they exit the cave. Go in a large group, and negotiate a reduced rate. Show up after dark, and get in free (but miss most of the show). You can also stand on the riverbank for free and see the stunning spectacle of millions of bats streaming out of the cave mouth. Best to arrive just before sunset and wait around.

Do [ edit ]

• Grutas de Lanquin - Explore this cave by flashlight. See the bats at dusk. General admission is 30Q, though large groups can negotiate.
• River Tubing - Tube down the Lanquin river to El Retiro. Cost is Q20 for tube, ride, and entrance fee. The driver will stop for you to purchase beers.
• Tour of Semuc Champey - This is a tour run out of El Retiro. It begins with a candlelight tour of the Grutas de Las Marias , an underwater river which involves swimming, wading, climbing up waterfalls, and jumping into water in the darkness. Next is a jump off a 9m bridge and a float down the river. This is followed with exploration of Semuc Champey and a climb down to see where the river exits under the pools there.

Buy [ edit ]

• There is a small market in town, but nothing that isn't found throughout all of Guatemala.
• There is a Banrural bank with a 5B ATM.

Eat [ edit ]

• Comedor Shalom - Located in town, they provide standard Guatemalan fare for Q25.
• Comedor Champey - Located on the road between the center of Lanquin and El Retiro, it is located near the bridge and the school. It is also denoted by Hebrew written on the sign. Serve a very delicious schnitzel for Q25.
• El Retiro - Serves a communal dinner every night. It is necessary to get your name on the list before you eat. Generally more expensive, but the food is quite delicious.

Drink [ edit ]

• El Retiro (see in OpenStreetMap ) - Late nights with lots of fun, dancing and ribaldry that will settle up another great day in Lanquin.

Sleep [ edit ]

• Zephyr Lodge - An eco friendly hostel on the top of a hill with a view on the river (and an access). Sleeping facilities goes from private (with private shower) bedrooms (Q80) to dormitories (Q35). Open air area with a 360° view of the valley, hammocks, innertubes provided to tube down the river. The food is great and cheap (Q30-40), breakfasts around Q20. Nice ambiance, very large choice of music to download, free internet and Wi-Fi, laundry service. Small tours organized to go to Semuc Champey at 8:30AM (Q90), with a particular (local) guide that will help you avoid the big tourist groups. They do their own bread, recycle plastic and batteries, they represent a sustainable community tourism and are involved with community projects.
• El Recreo - Located as you come into town. Swimming pools and zip lines are available here.
• El Retiro (see in OpenStreetMap ) - A large guesthouse complex beautifully located next to the Lanquin River. Sleeping facilities range from Hammocks to rooms with private beds. There is a pit for a fire, access to swim in the river, an excellent bar (although the evening meal may not suite everyone's appetite or budget) and a board tied up to surf the river. Music downloads available for Q100 (unlimited), internet access (which often doesn't work) at Q20 for unlimited use for the duration of your stay. An easy place to settle into for a couple of days. A look at their complaint book shows they often don't write down reservations, so have a backup option. A critical review on TripAdvisor can elicit real responses like this one: "you are such a little girl stop complaining and start living, don't you have something better to do?"
• There are other guesthouses located centrally in Lanquin, as well as a couple of larger properties closer to Semuc Champey.

Go next [ edit ]

• Many guesthouses can make travel arrangements for you.
• El Retiro can arrange shuttles to Antigua , Cobán , Flores, and Rio Dulce (via El Estor). Be forewarned that some travellers going to Rio Dulce did part of the trip in the back of a pickup truck.
• There are regular minibuses to Cobán from Lanquin.
• Sayaxché , and onwards to Flores to visit the many Maya ruins in the region.

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How to Visit Semuc Champey, Guatemala

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The Ultimate Guide to Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Semuc Champey, Guatemala is a national monument near the small town of Lanquin, Guatemala that is famous for its turquoise-blue natural limestone pools and dramatic scenery.

This is one of the most stunning places in Guatemala that should absolutely be on your itinerary!

The name Semuc Champey means “where the river hides under the earth” in the Q’eqchi’ Mayan language. The natural stepped infinity pools of Semuc Champey are actually a bridge under which the Cahabon River flows, before emerging again further downstream.

One thing everyone will tell you about Semuc Champey is it is HARD to get there. It’s way far out of the way from anywhere else in Guatemala, and no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going, you are looking at a FULL day of travel time to and from Semuc Champey.

But for me, it was 100% worth it.

There’s a reason this is such a popular place to visit in Guatemala.

It’s one of the most naturally beautiful places I have ever seen. And for me, it was one of those places that lived up to the photos… it was even BETTER in person!

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Semuc Champey, Guatemala.

How to Get There

As I mentioned, there is no easy way to get to Semuc Champey. No matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going after, you’re in for a LONG travel day each way.

Go ahead and plan for a full travel day going there and coming back. However long you think it will take to get to Semuc Champey, it will actually take way longer.

The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Semuc Champey (or rather, the nearby town of Lanquin) is by shuttle. Yes, it’s possible to come by chicken bus, but you’ll have to change buses several times and spend even more time in transit.

Shuttles are the most convenient way, and what I recommend.

Here’s an idea of how long it will take depending where you’re coming from:

• Antigua to Lanquin:  8-9 hours
• Panajachel to Lanquin:  8-9 hours
• Quetzaltenango to Lanquin:  12-13 hours
• Flores to Lanquin:  7-8 hours
• Rio Dulce to Lanquin:  6-7 hours

See what I mean about needing to block off a full travel day to get there?

I often book with Adrenalina Tours in Guatemala, but there are plenty of other agencies you can book shuttles with. You can also typically arrange one through your hotel.

Shuttles are generally quite comfortable and you will make several stops along the way to eat and use the restroom. The cost of a shuttle to Lanquin can be between $30-60 depending where you are coming from. Try to book at least a few days in advance, because there’s only one shuttle arriving to and departing from Lanquin each day, so if you miss it, you’ll be stuck.

Another option is self-driving.  Some of the hotels in Lanquin have parking, and there is parking at Semuc Champey. Just bear in mind that you will need a very sturdy vehicle with four-wheel drive to make it from Lanquin to Semuc Champey on a very bumpy, steep dirt path.

⛰️ Prefer a guided tour? You can take this 3-day trip from Antigua to Semuc Champey and Cobán.

How Long to Stay

Since you will need to account for a full two days of travel getting to and from Semuc Champey, you will need to spend at least two nights and one full day there.

A lot of people arrive in Lanquin, spend one night there, go to Semuc Champey the next day, spend another night there, and then leave the following morning. So for example, arrive on Friday, visit Semuc Champey on Saturday, and leave on Sunday.

There’s no way to spend only one night, because even if you visit Semuc Champey in the morning, there are no shuttles or buses leaving Lanquin in the afternoon. You can only leave in the morning.

If you’re short on time, two nights and one day is fine, but I recommend building in another day and night so you have some time to rest and enjoy the area between the long shuttle rides.

I stayed three nights and two days in Semuc Champey, and found this to be a good amount of time.

Of course, you can always spend much longer in Lanquin if you want to relax for a while.

Where to Stay

The two main options for where to stay are the small town of Lanquin, and the area right by Semuc Champey which is about 30-40 minutes away by 4×4.

Lanquin is where the majority of hotels and hostels are. I recommend staying in Lanquin, because it’s where the shuttles will drop you off (they won’t go all the way to the Semuc Champey hotels and hostels) and you’ll be able to easily organize transportation or a tour to Semuc Champey.

Then there are also a few places to stay right around Semuc Champey. For these options, you will need to arrange your own transportation from Lanquin (or the hotel might be able to pick you up.)

One thing to note, all the accommodation options are very rustic. There are no luxury properties around Semuc Champey, so be prepared to rough it a little bit.

Hotels in Lanquin

These are the two places I recommend staying in Lanquin:

• Zephyr River Lodge : This is by far the most famous hotel in Lanquin and it has a reputation for being the fun backpacker hostel. Everyone I met on my shuttle to Lanquin was staying here, except me and one other girl, but we ended up going here two nights in a row to hang out at their pool and have dinner. They have an amazing pool and jungle views.
• El Retiro Lodge :  This is where I stayed in Lanquin and it had a much quieter, family-friendly vibe. I chose it because of their “Suite” with a private bathroom and air conditioning. While nothing to write home about, this was a decent place to stay and they had the cheapest Semuc Champey tour around. They’re also located right on the river.

Hotels in Semuc Champey

Here are two top-rated options closer to Semuc Champey:

• El Portal de Champey : This hotel is located right at Semuc Champey, just a few minutes’ walking distance from the entrance to the national monument. If you want easy access to Semuc Champey, tubing, and other activities, this is a good place to stay. Just keep in mind that shuttles will not bring you this far, and you’ll have to arrange transportation from Lanquin.
• Greengo’s : Another popular option close to Semuc Champey is Greengo’s. This is an eco-friendly accommodation option that is great for backpackers. They have a nice swimming pool and are located in the midst of the jungle. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from the entrance to Semuc Champey and the other nearby activities.

Where to Eat

Lanquin is a TINY town that is basically just one dirt road. There aren’t very many restaurants or other amenities. You will most likely be eating your meals at your hotel, as almost all of them have restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You can also buy food at Semuc Champey for lunch from the local vendors. Most hotels also offer a picnic lunch option that you can bring with you on the day tour.

There are also quite a few tiendas in town where you can buy snacks.

Things to Do in Semuc Champey

What are the best things to do in Semuc Champey? Here are the five activities you shouldn’t miss:

1. Swim in the natural pools.

The most famous thing to do at Semuc Champey is taking a dip in the picture-perfect natural limestone pools! You can jump from pool to pool, and they are tiered downward like steps.

The temperature of the water is perfect most of the day (although it can be chilly first thing in the morning) and you’ll be amazed by the vivid turquoise coloring of the water.

2. Hike to the mirador.

To see the pools from above, hike to the mirador, a stunning viewpoint overlooking Semuc Champey. Although the hike is steep, it should only take about 20 minutes to make it to the top.

After you admire the view, you can follow the trail back down to the pools.

3. Go tubing in the river.

If you’re visiting Semuc Champey as part of a tour, you’ll most likely go tubing on a small segment of the Cahabon River as part of your tour. But if you have more time, you can go tubing for several hours down the tranquil river, starting near Semuc Champey and finishing back in the town on Lanquin.

4. Explore the Kanba Caves.

These caves are located close to the bridge before the entrance to Semuc Champey. The easiest way to visit them is part of a Semuc Champey tour.

You can explore these partially-submerged caves by candlelight, which is a very cool experience. Be prepared for lots of swimming, climbing, and sliding!

5. Visit the waterfalls.

There are some pretty waterfalls located at the base of Semuc Champey that you will visit if you’re on a tour. (You can also visit them for free if you’re not on a tour.) You can jump off the surrounding cliffs, and swim in the clear turquoise water beneath the falls.

Should You Do a Tour or Not?

The price for a full-day tour to Semuc Champey from El Retiro Lodge was Q185 (about $24.) This included round-trip transportation, guides, entrance fees, tubing, and the cave tour.

We spent the morning doing the waterfalls, tubing, and the save tour, then had a break for lunch. Then we hiked the mirador, spent over an hour at the pools, and finally headed back to Lanquin.

I thought the tour was worth it and I would definitely recommend it.

However, it’s also possible to visit Semuc Champey on your own. The entrance fee is Q50 (about $6.50) and includes access to the pools and the mirador. You can also visit the waterfalls for free on your own, but you’ll have to pay extra for tubing and visiting the cave. You’ll also need to arrange transportation on your own, which can be another Q50 or so round-trip.

Overall, you might save some money going without a tour, but the additional cost isn’t too high and for me it was worth it not to have to figure everything out on my own.

Visiting Semuc Champey, Guatemala

This guide showed you how to visit Semuc Champey, Guatemala.

Overall, I think visiting Semuc Champey is definitely worthwhile.

It’s a more challenging destination than other parts of Guatemala (like Antigua for example) but if you’re looking for an adventurous destination off the beaten path, this is it.

This was definitely one of the most beautiful destinations I’ve ever traveled to, and a place I think everyone should experience while they’re in Guatemala!

More Guatemala Travel Tips

Looking for more tips to plan your trip to Guatemala?

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

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1-day itinerary, semuc champey natural monument.

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Explore nearby places

• Santa Cruz Verapaz
• San Jeronimo
• San Miguel Chicaj
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Is Semuc Champey Worth the Crazy Journey? / A Complete Guide

• Last Updated: September 24, 2023

Semuc Champey is beautiful, enchanting, and paradise-like and It is definitely worth getting there – if you do it right!

In this Semuc Champey guide, I will tell you how to get to Semuc Champey and truly enjoy it. You will also learn what’s there to do in Lanquin whether its better to book accommodation in the town or in the jungle and finally, I will help you make a decision about whether Semuc Champey is worth the crazy journey there. 

I was genuinely surprised when I came across some statements and articles saying that Semuc Champey is not worth the visit.

The journey to Semuc Champey (Lanquin actually)  is long and tiring, no matter where you start. Some travellers claim that the pools and river aren’t worth going on this trip. 

I disagree.

But.. There is a but!

Semuc Champey is a magical place. In fact, I remember thinking that it could not get much closer to paradise than that. Swimming in the turquoise river pools surrounded by lush jungle in the middle of exotic Guatemala. Really?

Actually, I wanted to visit Semuc Champey from the moment I decided to book my ticket to Guatemala. I didn’t know what else I was going to see, but I knew I would see Semuc!

So what is the but, you are asking?

If you go on a quick, one-night trip, without giving yourself enough time to rest and enjoy and go on a one-day ‘do-it-all’ tour – you might as well leave disappointed and not go to Semuc Champey at all.

Semuc Champey is not the place you visit for one day.

If you only have one day, I would say: don’t go to Semuc Champey. It is not worth it. You will travel for almost 12 hours one way and then another 10 to 12 to your next destination.

But is Semuc Champey worth the long journey? It is worth adding it to your Guatemala itinerary ? Definitely yes!

If you can stay at least 2 full days, possibly even 3. Then you will have a magical time at Semuc Champey!

Semuc Champey is beautiful, enchanting, and paradise-like, and it is definitely worth getting there – if you do it right!

So now, the most important question – how to do it right? Below I will provide you with all the information you need to make your Semuc Champey adventure wonderful!

Table of Contents

Why is Semuc Champey so popular?

Semuc Champey means ‘where the river hides under the stones’. It is a natural wonder in the department of Alta Verapaz of Guatemala, near the town of Lanquín.

Semuc Champey is becoming more and more popular and it is often described as one of Guatemala’s most beautiful and magical places. 

Semuc Champey is a set of around 18 perfectly turquoise river pools and limestone bridges naturally formed over the Cahabón River. The river flows in the deep jungle gorge, and the best way to get a perfect view is to climb up to the famous mirador. The water in the pools is of perfect temperature and dreamy colour. 

Although Semuc Champey is the area’s main attraction, I think it is not the only one!

The river is beautiful, the surroundings tranquil, views to die for, and the town of Lanqion definitely worth visiting.

All you need to know about getting to Semuc Champey

To get to Semuc Champey, you need to aim for the town of Lanquin. Most lodging options will be in the town or in the jungle, but the only way to get to your hostel is by getting to Lanquin first.

The chances are that you are trying to get to Semuc Champey from Flores or Antigua . Some crazy travellers choose to do it from Rio Dulce. If you are heading from Rio Dulce or Livingston side of Guatemala, I do recommend going to Flores and stopping by Tikal Maya Ruins first. Unless you are happy with a direct private shuttle (If I remember well, those don’t run every day and are a bit pricy, approximately Q350)

The best way to get to Semuc Champey from Flores or Antigua is by shuttle bus.

First of all – don’t just book any shuttle. Go with GuateGo or another reputable shuttle company. It is the most respectable shuttle company, their cars are airconditioned and semi-comfortable given it is not a big luxurious coach.

Let’s be honest.

The journey is long, uncomfortable, bumpy and tiring. You don’t want to end up in a dodgy car that will make you sit there with no air con or break halfway through. Book a shuttle with a respectable and well-known company – ask your hostel for the best recommendation.

I went to Semuc Champey from Flores and booked my shuttle with Los Amigos Hostel. The price for this particular shuttle as of 2023 should not be more than Q225.

If you are prone to motion sickness – this is the time to make sure you stocked up on motion sickness aids. I am lucky to be able to stand the windest and bumpiest roads, but even I, at one point, felt a bit of a churn in my stomach.

And don’t have any expectations as to when you will arrive there!

How did my journey to Semuc Champey go? 

It was a very adventurous journey, that’s for sure!

Some call it a journey from hell. I wouldn’t be so dramatic. 

The bus left Flores at 8 a.m., and we headed towards Lanquin. Not long into the journey, we arrived at the river where an ancient-looking ferry was taking cars, tracks and pedestrians to the other side of the small town. Very slowly.

There were several small boats loading some folks and motorbikes, but all other vehicles were loaded on the ferry. We stayed in the queue for a while. We had no air con switched on until then, so all the windows were open for some fresh air. But as we stood in the queue, we started sweating buckets.

Finally, after around 15 minutes, the driver showed mercy, asked us to close the windows and switched on the air-con. And we sat there observing the slow movement of the ferry. I am still puzzled as to why a bridge wasn’t built over this river.

Finally, we loaded onto the ferry, which didn’t look like it was going to stand the weight of all the vehicles, including the big lorries! We have survived though and continued the journey.

The whole river crossing party was one of the most puzzling traffic situations I have experienced.

The journey continued through Guatemalan villages and the countryside. The first stop was by the petrol station where we had a chance to use the toilet and grab some snacks. There was a lady selling street food – some tamales and empanadas of some sort. It was very yummy!

This was also when we had to change the car. This was a regular occurrence during my shuttle and bus rides and travel around Guatemala. For no apparent reason and without explanation, you are asked to change the minibus. I always look carefully and with apprehension if my backpack isn’t left behind. I recommend you do the same!

The closer to the destination, the more beautiful the views will be. We drove amongst stunning mountains with breathtaking jungle views

The last part of the journey is the most beautiful but also the bumpiest and most winding. In the past, that wasn’t even a paved road. There are roadworks along this part with the strangest traffic system again.

Basically for one to two hours, the road is completely closed to traffic while the work is going on. Then the work stops and the cars are allowed to move. Probably for around an hour or so. If you arrive too late – you are stuck. And so were we. We were supposed to wait just for approximately 15 minutes. We stood there for about an hour and a half.

Luckily by then, we had made friends and started making jokes about spending the night in the Guatemalan jungle and discussing how many supplies we had amongst us.

We arrived in Lanquin precisely 12 hours after leaving Flores. It was a long trip for sure – but I wouldn’t call it a journey from hell (as some do)!

Call me a weirdo – maybe I didn’t love it at the time, but I love the memory of it. This is what travelling and backpacking is for me. If I wanted smooth sailing, getting from one place to another in comfort and drinking G&T while I’m at it – I would go on a luxurious resort holiday and travel by plane.

This is the authentic experience of travel. Sitting in a car with people who travel like this every day, making friends with random people (and staying in touch well after you left the country). Not always being comfortable, sometimes the opposite, sweating your pants off, eating street food, and having the opportunity to witness the day-to-day life of local communities.

To arrive late, being thrown at the back of the track, asked if I want a Guatemalan boyfriend by someone ten years younger and 10 cm shorter than me, and finally sit by the river with cold Guatemalan beer in hand. This is life!

On your arrival in Lanquin, you will find several guys surrounding the bus and shouting different hostel names and offering a ride. If you have booked your hostel in advance (which I highly recommend) – don’t be alarmed. The shuttle to your hotel is free, and they were sent by your hostel. Listen carefully for the name of your place, and you can safely go with them. Most likely, you will be sat at the back of a track – hold on tight!

Where to stay in Lanquin

There are plenty of different lodging options around Semuc Champey catering for all tastes, budgets and preferences.

When looking for a hostel or hotel to stay in when visiting Semuc Champey, you’ll have to decide whether you’d rather stay in the town of Lanquin or a jungle lodge nearer the Semuc.

This is where a lot of travellers get confused and can’t make a decision whether to stay in Lanquin or in an eco-hostel in the jungle. It can be a decision that will make or break your stay!

To help you make the right decision, I created a little pros and cons list of the best locations and hostels to stay near Semuc Champey.

Psst. In this post, you will find a complete guide to the most epic hostels in Guatemala!

Hostels in Lanquin - pros and cons of staying in the town of Lanquin

• In the town with access to restaurants, shops and ATM’s
• In case you didn’t like your hostel, you can walk around and find another
• Easier to save on money
• To get to Semuc Champey you will have to book a tour or take a taxi track
• You might be missing out on the ‘jungle experience’ so many travellers rave about.

Lanquin town is where you will be dropped off by the shuttle or the bus, and regardless of how far your hostel is – there will be a free transfer waiting for you.

Lanquin is a small town with not many things to do in the town itself; nevertheless, I really liked it. Staying in Lanquin will allow you to eat in local restaurants and access a few local shops and markets. There is also a bank and an ATM in Lanquin as well as few tour agencies.

You will, however, have to take a ‘taxi’ or organized tour to get to Semuc Champey Park unless you don’t mind 2 hours hike. I opted for a stay in Lanquin because I like flexibility, and I didn’t want to be stuck in one place. 

A Pro Tip: There are many legendary secluded Jungle Hostels around Guatemala. Many of them are a destination in itself. Although there is a definitive appeal to them and they often seem like a good deal, there is a catch. Because those are in the middle of nowhere, even if the price for the bed is very reasonable, you will be stuck when it comes to food and drink options. With no shops around, you will be eating and drinking in the hostel/hotel which adds up pretty quickly. If budget is not an issue, then go for it. But if you are a budget traveller (like me) you need to weigh all the pros and cons. 

There are many hostels located in Lanquin, many offering the remote jungle feel as well.

Casa Mary – This is the best option for you if you are on a budget and want to stay in a great family-run hostel. In fact, you will have your own little hut for yourself. They serve delicious and affordable food and you can book the tour with Casa Mary as well.

Hostal Oasis – I stayed in two hostels in Lanquin, and Oasis Hostal was one of them. This is a lovely, peaceful hostel with great dorm rooms as well as private rooms. It was also located right by the river and with a large on-site restaurant. The WiFi in the restaurant was pretty decent, and with the tranquil views, it was an excellent place to work. There is no communal kitchen, but the Lanquin Centre is 10 minutes walk away. The service was great and all staff working there were very friendly.

Vista Verde – I moved to Vista Verde because of its pool and beautiful views. This hostel offers cosy and comfortable dorms and massive outside space with reasonably priced food and good WiFi. The pool is really nice and the views are to die for. It is a very relaxing hostel with friendly staff, and although it has a remote feel, it is only 10 minutes from the centre. I felt very well taken care of and met many travellers, and made long-lasting friendships. 

Guayaha – This is a slightly different concept – glamping in the Guatemalan jungle. If you like the idea of staying in a really cool tent with a pool on site, this is where you want to book! Breakfast is included and there is also a restaurant on site. It’s a perfect peaceful place to stay in Lanquin.

In the majority of hotels near Semuch Champey, even those located nearer Lanquin, WiFi will be available in the common areas only. Most of the dorms and rooms will be spread along the field or mountains, so I guess it might be hard to provide good WiFi in all cabins. Keep that in mind if continued access to the internet is important for you. Or stock up on mobile data.

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Staying in a Jungle Eco Lodge near Semuc Champey - pros and cons

• Incredible jungle surrounding and experience
• You will be closer to the Semuc pools and often able to walk there
• The majority of jungle hostels are ecological and sustainable, some grow their own food
• You will have to rely on a hostel for food, drink and entertainment 
• The remoteness of those hostels might prevent you from seeing Lanquin itself
• Bugs! You will be in the jungle, can’t get away unfortunately

I was seriously debating this option. I, however, stayed in this type of property in the past and as much as I loved it, I felt limited in my choices and ended up spending much more money than I was planning. Keep in mind that the below hostels are very remote, and you will be limited to purchasing their meals and drinks. This, for me, is the main downside of staying in the jungle lodge.

On the other hand, you will be much closer to Semuc and in some cases, you will be able to walk there, The jungle location is incredible. I experienced it in Rio Dulce in Guatemala and Minca in Colombia. Falling asleep to the sound of the jungle and waking up surrounded by the most breathtaking nature and wilderness is an incredible experience.

Make a choice based on your preferences. Although I haven’t stayed in any of the below, I have gathered all the information and opinions. Here is the list of the best jungle hostels near Semuc Champey:

Utopia Eco Hotel –  is a tropical jungle lodge and eco-farm. It is one of the most popular hostels near Semuc Champey, and I nearly made a decision to stay there. Not only it is an excellent hostel with a cacao farm and incredible surroundings – it also has this ‘spiritual’ opinion with morning yoga classes and spots for meditation. You can do it all or do nothing at all there. Tours, bird watching, hiking, river tubing or just chilling – all available there. 

If you are looking for a remote getaway, ecological and environmentally friendly – Utopia is a great choice. Meals are vegetarian, and I only heard great opinions about it. In fact, if I return to Lanquin, I will definitely check this hostel out. 

Ch’i Bocol Community Hoste l – I really regret not staying in this hostel, although I have booked and then cancelled twice! It was my first choice while I was still debating whether I should stay in Lanquin or the jungle.

I love the concept of this hostel. Not only it is an affordable eco-lodge remotely situated in the wilderness with stunning views and proximity to the river and Champey – they also have its own vegetable garden where you can buy veggies and then cook your own food.

I only heard great things about this hostel; however, keep in mind that you would have to trek for around half an hour to get there. So if you are arriving with a lot of luggage and don’t like hiking in the jungle, this hostel isn’t for you. From this hostel, you can walk to Semuc Champey or take river tubing

Greengos Hotel – The legend has proceeded with this hostel as I have heard about it while still in Livingston . Just 10 10-minute walk from the Semuc Champey pools, this hostel is a destination in itself.  Greengos is one of the most popular accommodations near Semuc offering a pool and several great activities. They offer both dorms and private accommodation and have a great restaurant and bar on-site and generally offer a great stay.

How to Visit Semuc Champey / Tour or no Tour

Visiting semuc champey with an organised tour.

The most popular way to visit Semuc Champey is by taking an organized tour which costs around Q200 ($25). This is the price you will pay if you book in one of the hostels in Lanquin. If you decide to book online, it will be more expensive. But if you prefer to book in advance and with a well-known company, you can book an all-inclusive tour with transport from Antigua and accommodation like this 3-day Semuc Champey tour. 

Majority of the tours that are on offer in Lanquin include also a visit to K’an Ba Cave (controversial – read on for more info), swing rope, climbing a mirador for those famous views and sometimes river tubing back to the town.

These days, most of the tours will start with the K’an Ba Cave visit. I heard horror stories about it, but also I heard some people saying it is an incredible adventure. I guess it all depends on how ‘adventurous’ you are. I believe that there is not much guidance and regulations around this particular caving experience, and it all depends on how lucky you are with a guide on a given day.

The journey through the underground river caves is around 1km long and consists of scrambling over rocks, climbing up waterfalls and swimming through narrow channels and pools. It is meant to be an exciting and enigmatic experience.

Take a headlamp (if you have one); otherwise, you will be given a candle that will potentially make this experience enchanting and mysterious, yet keep in mind that you will have to swim in darkness, scramble and slide in the dark cave. I’d rather have a headlamp.

Disclaimer – I decided not to do the caves. I am a hiker, and I love a good adventure. But I am clumsy, and I like to be prepared. I don’t go to the mountains in sneakers, I don’t travel without insurance, and I am not walking into the slippery and dark cave without the appropriate footwear. Call me a chicken, but it is who I am. I have travelled like this for years, and so far, I am in one peace and without major injuries or financial losses. It works for me.

So to cut it short – I didn’t have water shoes or any shoes that could work for caving inside the waterfall. I didn’t want to risk slipping and breaking my leg. I had a long journey ahead and instead decided to see the pools, hike to the mirador and enjoy the scenery.

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If you’d rather not go to the cave, there is no need to take an organized tour. You cannot go to the cave without a guide, but you can do river tubing without one.

After visiting the caves, some tours will guide you to the mirador. This is around 45 minutes hike which I found not too challenging, and the views were definitely worth it!

Finally, you will visit the pools where you will spend the afternoon swimming in crystal waters and soaking up the sun and incredible surroundings. Definitely the best part of the tour!

Visiting Semuc Champey without the Tour

How to visit Semuc Champey without the tour? Easy! 

It is very straightforward to get to Semuc Champey from Lanquin. In the town, you can grab one of the track taxis (you will stand at the back – so much fun!). The official price is Q25 (for tourists), but you can definitely negotiate, especially if you are in a group. I went with a couple of friends, and we managed to get a taxi for Q20 each.

Also, I booked my taxi track the day before as I really wanted to be there before all the tours arrive. 

The taxi will drop you at the park entrance, where you will be asked to pay Q50 for the ticket. You will also definitely be approached by someone trying to offer you a tour or guidance.

The park is well-marked and great for hiking. There are toilets and lockers in the park. Take a padlock if you’d like to use lockers.

Make sure you go early. We had breakfast in town around 8 am, and straight after, we hopped on a track that we booked the day before. We arrived at Semuc just after 9 am. The organized tours will not arrive at the pools before midday, so if you arrive early, you will have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the mirador and pools without the crowds.

As we arrived, we decided to climb the Mirador first. It is a good walk up the stairs and rocks. Not too challenging, but it can be hot, so make sure you pack plenty of water.

On your way up, you will find many vendors selling fruit, coconut water and juices but all are pretty overpriced.

The view from the mirador is spectacular. The climb is definitely worth it, and you should not miss it! The only downside is that you are only allowed 15 minutes at the Mirador, and keep in mind that if you want to use a drone, you will be asked to pay a fee.

We then walked down to the pools and literally spent the rest of the day there. The Semuc Champey pools are a true paradise. The water’s temperature was perfect, the colour out of the world and the surrounding gorge and jungle made it an extraordinary experience. It is one of the most beautiful places and incredible things I have experienced in my life. Do I need to say more?

We returned to town on time for late lunch. I highly recommend Kalual restaurant in the centre of Lanquin.

So is it worth booking a tour to Semuc Champey?

I would say booking a Semuc Champey tour makes sense if you really want to see and experience the caves. If you are not bothered about the caves – go without the tour. It will be cheaper, and you will be able to do what you want with your time.

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Other things to do in Lanquin apart from Semuc Champey

River tubing / other things to do in lanquin.

It is a really popular activity near Semuc Champey. It is great fun, and the River Cahabón is stunning! You can ask at your hostel or head towards Lanquin Caves, where you will be able to rent the tubes. You can take a tuk-tuk there. Tubes cost between Q30 and 50Q, and the tubings last for around 30 minutes.

It is recommended that you go tubing with the guide as it is easy to miss the exit and be taken down for a long float. The other perk of going tubing with the guide is that you will be able to get a beer straight from the guy in another tube! It’s a great relaxing day!

Grutas de Lanquín

You can explore Grutas de Lanquín with its thousand bats! Not many visitors opt for this adventure, so it is definitely an off-the-beaten-path experience. Lanquin caves are large and very interesting as well, being home to thousands of bats. You can explore with or without the guide. If you decide to go tubing, you can combine both activities – explore the caves first and then rent a tube for a relaxing end of the day. You can either take a tuk-tuk or walk for around half an hour. The entrance fee is Q30. 

If you want to see all the bats flying out into the night – stay till sunset!

Learn all the basics of Chocolate making

Utopia Hostel is also home to a Cacao Farm. I had the best chocolate ever in Guatemala, and if there is any country you should visit a cacao farm in, it is Guatemala. You will learn all the basics of Chocolate making, from the seed to delicious chocolate and drinks. Book your cacao farm tour here.

Explore the town of Lanuin

Make sure you explore the town of Lanquin. It is a very authentic, small and colourful town. Visit local shops, wander around the market and get the feel of the place. Pop into Kalula and have an iced mocha coffee on the terrace. The food in this restaurant is also great!

Have some pupusas for breakfast and fried chicken for a lunch. Take in the mountain views! Lanquin is indeed more than just Semuc Champey. 

One of the best things to do in Semuc Chapey and Lanquin is just relaxing. Take walks, hike, watch the birds, sleep in a hammock or chill by the pool. I stayed in Lanquin for five days. After day-long travel – I needed it.

How many days you need for visiting Semuc Champey

How many days do you need for Semuc Champey? Minimum two nights, but ideally three. It will give you enough time to recover from a long journey and enjoy the trip to the river but also relax and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

The majority of people who didn’t enjoy this trip didn’t give it enough time. The journey is long and tiring. But Lanquin is amazing. What better place than the paradise pools of Semuc Champey to recharge your backpacking batteries? 

Semuc Champey – Practical tips and information 

• Semuc Champey is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit as early as you can
• It costs 100 Q ($12) to enter Semuc Champey which will include the mirador and all the facilities
• There are toilets, and lockers (take padlock) that you can use. There is also a restaurant at the entrance.
• Pack plenty of water – it is hot.
• For your stay take insect repellant and sunscreen. Also, good walking shoes and ideally water shoes if you are planning on visiting the caves.
• In the town of Lanquin, there is an ATM and plenty of small shops. If however, you are planning to stay in a jungle eco-lodge, make sure you get the cash before arriving in Lanquin. You might not get a chance to stock up on arrival. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Lanquin and I think Semuc Champey is spectacular. For me, it was definitely worth the journey. 

I hope you found this Semuc Champey guide helpful. 

If you went and have a different opinion or would like to add anything – please make a comment below. I would like to hear from you!

Until then, happy travelling.!

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Exploring more of Guatemala?

Be sure you read my other Guatemala posts! My guide to solo travel in Guatemala and a list of the most epic backpacker hostels in Guatemala will help you plan your Guatemala trip

Are you wondering how to spend an amazing time in Antigua Guatemala on a budget? In this article, I will tell you how!  

I hope you are heading towards Lake Atitlan because this place is just magical! Here you will find a complete guide to things to do and towns around Lake Atitlan .

And of course, don’t forget to explore the Tikal National Park!

My favourite Travel Resources 

• For most of my accommodation, I use Bookings.com  and  Hostel World . With both booking platforms, you will often get free cancellations and access to tons of reviews. Read them! You will also get the most extensive selection of all types of accommodation. I hardly ever look elsewhere. If you are travelling in Asia – Agoda is definitely worth checking out!
• Make sure you download Google Maps and, for each new destination, download an offline map of your location and surrounding area. This way, even without the internet or Wi-Fi, you will be able to get to navigate around the town.

Moovit is also an excellent and very underrated travel and journey-planning app. It works great in many countries and will show you all possible routes by public transport, including the timetables.

For busses, I mainly use  Busbud  or  Omio  and  Flixbus to travel in Europe. 

123Go   — Great for tickets for trains, buses, ferries and charters in Southeast Asia! The best way to buy your ticket for the overnight Bangkok train! Rome2rio   – Another great journey-planning app. If your way of travel is mainly public transport  – you will use this app for sure!

 The travel insurance I use is Heymondo , and their plan suits me perfectly. They have clear policies with no deductibles, the price is excellent for what they offer and the price doesn’t go up when you are over 30 years old. They have a dedicated, easy-to-use app and free assistance calls.

I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money. And it also covers COVID-19.

Heymondo offers my readers 5% off so go ahead, and click on this link and your quote.

• I carry two debit cards with me. Given I don’t have a permanent country of residence,  Revolut  and Wise  work fantastically. In case one gets frozen, stolen or simply lost, I have a backup. The great thing about both cards is that you can freeze them straight from your phone and transfer money between them in case you need to. You will also get a great exchange rate and create separate foreign currency accounts. 
• I booked most of my tours via either  Get Your Guide  or  Viator . You can also book locally, but I advise you to ask around and follow the local recommendations. 

For more travel tips and recourses, visit Pati’s Travel Tips page!

4 thoughts on “Is Semuc Champey Worth the Crazy Journey? / A Complete Guide”

hello! we have 3 days to spent after rio dulce; do you recommande Samuc or FLORES? WE VISITED 2 TIMES TIKAL, BUT WE HAVE NEVER BEEN IN FLORES THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANSWER

Hello Lidia! I would definitely suggest Semuc but you need to keep in mind that it’s a long journey there. So if you only have 3 days in total in Guatemala this could be a stretch. It’s very easy to get to Flores from Rio Dulce and it’s a very lovely town with quite a few things to do there. It’s a tough one because it all depends on where are you going after. If you are going to Antigua or Guatemala city, you can get there from Semuc. And If you have already seen Tikal then again, Semuc could be a better choice! But I would definitely say 3 days is not enough to see both places. I hope this helps and enjoy Guatemala!

Thank you for the detailed information! Much appreciated Happy travels !

You are most welcome Nadia! I am very happy I could help:) Happy travels to you too!

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Hi, I’m Pati. A traveller, photographer (aspiring), dreamer and hopeless believer in magic. I caught the travel bug in my forties – and not planning to look back any time soon. I travel solo and on a budget and I try to spend as much time and effort as possible to truly immerse myself in the country I am visiting.

Whether you are like me and decided to change your life around a new dream or just wandering (because not all who wander are lost) – I am here to tell you that everything is possible. 

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How To Travel From Lanquin To Semuc Champey: All Options Explained

Come find out how to travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey in Guatemala. These two spots are only a short distance apart, though the dirt roads are mountainous and full of potholes.

So let’s find out how exactly I and heaps of other travelers make this journey by tour, pickup truck, walking, or taxi including how to book, prices, and more!

Semuc Champey is one of the most stunning natural attractions in Guatemala , and a must-see for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and culture. It is a series of turquoise pools and waterfalls that are formed by a limestone bridge over the Cahabon River, surrounded by lush jungles and mountains.

It’s the perfect place to swim, relax, and explore the beauty of this Central American country.

But how do you get from Lanquin to Semuc Champey? Semuc Champey is not exactly easy to reach, as it is located in a remote area of Alta Verapaz, about 10 kilometers from the nearest town of Lanquin.

Lanquin itself is about 200 kilometers from the popular tourist destination of Antigua , and the road conditions are not the best.

There is a road between the two locations, but it is a basic dirt road where potholes seem to come out of nowhere. The terrain is also mountainous so it isn’t an easy walk either, especially if you are planning to hike to the Semuc Champey Mirador at the other end.

In this blog post, I will guide you through the different options to travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey by giving you some tips and advice on how to make the most of your trip.

Whether you want to book a tour, take a local pickup truck, hire a taxi, rent a car, or hike on foot, I will let you know all there is to know so you can confidently travel to Semuc Champey to Lanquin.

Lanquin To Semuc Champey: All Transport Options Explained

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🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Guatemala: GuateGo

Semuc Champey is one of those places that you have to see to believe. The contrast between the emerald green river and the bright blue pools is breathtaking, and the scenery is simply stunning.

You can spend hours swimming in the clear water, jumping from rocks, sliding down natural slides, and enjoying the sun.

But there is more to Semuc Champey than just the pools. You can also hike up to a viewpoint or mirador that offers a panoramic view of the whole area, and see how the river disappears under the limestone bridge.

You can also explore the nearby caves, where you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and bats, and even swim in some parts with a candle.

Semuc Champey is definitely worth visiting if you are looking for an unforgettable adventure in Guatemala. It is a place that will leave you speechless and amazed by its beauty and charm. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

The distance from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is about 10 kilometers. However, this does not mean that it is a short or easy trip. The road that connects Lanquin and Semuc Champey is unpaved, narrow, steep, and full of potholes and rocks.

It can be very bumpy and dusty, especially during the rainy season (May to October).

Depending on the mode of transportation you choose, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey. The fastest way is by car or taxi, while the slowest way is by foot.

As we mentioned before, the travel time from Lanquin to Semuc Champey depends on how you decide to get there. Here are some estimates based on different options:

Book A Tour: 40 minutes by the time you go around picking everyone up

Local Pickup Truck : This method takes around 45 minutes as you will be starting and stopping quite option

Taxi: This is the fastest option as you can stop as much or as little as you wish. This will approximately take 25 minutes

Rent A Car: Only do this if you have the correct license, but it is fast just taking 25 minutes

Hike: This is the longest option taking 2 hours and 30 minutes and honestly not recommended. The road is mountainous, dusty, and hot.

Of course, these are approximate times that may vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, and other factors. From my experience, anything and everything can happen on the dirt road so be prepared.

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is by booking a tour with a local agency or your hostel. This way, you don’t have to worry about finding transportation. You just have to show up at the meeting point and enjoy the ride.

A typical tour from Lanquin to Semuc Champey includes:

• Transportation by minibus or van
• Entrance fee to Semuc Champey
• Guided hike to the viewpoint
• Guided visit to the caves
• Sometimes optional activities such as tubing or ziplining

The price of a tour from Lanquin to Semuc Champey ranges from $15 USD to $25 USD per person depending on what’s included.

When booking a tour most of the time the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

For example, by taking a tour you don’t have to worry about finding transportation, you have a guide who can explain everything about Semuc Champey, you have access to optional activities that may not be available otherwise and you will have the chance to meet other travelers who share your interests.

In contrast, the disadvantages are basically that you will have less flexibility and independence, including having to wait for other people or follow a fixed schedule and not having enough time to explore everything at your own pace.

Another option to get from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is by taking a local pickup truck that runs regularly between the two places. This is the cheapest way to get there and also the most adventurous one.

A local pickup truck is basically a modified vehicle with benches in the back where passengers can sit or stand. It can fit up to 20 people depending on how crowded it gets. The driver will stop along the way to pick up or drop off more people. This is how locals get around here, and travelers on a budget are more than welcome to join.

You can find these pickup trucks on the main street of Lanquin near the market. They don’t run on a set schedule, but they do depart rather frequently. It’s a 45-minute journey which will cost you at least $1.00, but it’s pretty normal that tourists pay more, so expect to pay up to $4.00.

The advantages of taking a local pickup truck from Lanquin to Semuc Champey are:

• You save money compared to other options
• You experience how locals travel in this area
• You have more flexibility and independence

The disadvantages of taking a local pickup truck from Lanquin to Semuc Champey are:

• You may have to wait for a long time until it fills up or leaves
• You may have an uncomfortable ride due to bumps, dust, heat, or rain
• You may not have enough space for your luggage or yourself

If you want more comfort and speed than a local pickup truck but don’t want to book a tour or rent a car then taking a taxi from Lanquin to Semuc Champey may be your best option.

A taxi is basically a private car with a driver who will take you directly from Lanquin to Semuc Champey without any stops or detours. It can fit up to 4 people depending on how much luggage you have.

You can find taxis on the main street of Lanquin near the market or ask your hotel to order one. The price is around $20.00 for the whole vehicle, though you may need to haggle for it.

The bonuses of taking a taxi from Lanquin to Semuc Champey are that it is more comfortable, you don’t have to wait for anyone or follow any schedule and you can negotiate with the driver for extra services such as stopping for photos or food.

The downsides of this option are it’s more expensive than other options, and you may have to look for a while to find one as it’s not that common.

If you want more freedom and control over your trip then renting a car from Lanquin to Semuc Champey may be your ideal option. You can find rental cars at some hostels or agencies in Lanquin.

The price varies depending on the type of car but it usually starts from $50.00 per day. You pay directly when you pick up or drop off the car.

The advantages of renting a car from Lanquin to Semuc Champey are that you can do what you want and stop where you would like. A huge plus is that you can stay longer at Semuc Champey without worrying about transportation.

It’s so beautiful and there are lots of things to do there, no doubt you will want to chill in the pools for the whole day.

Just be aware you will need an international driver’s license, a valid credit card, and insurance that covers rental cars.

If you are feeling adventurous and fit, you can also walk from Lanquin to Semuc Champey on foot. This is the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get there, but also the most challenging one.

The hike is about 11 kilometers long and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. You will need to follow a dirt road that goes through the jungle and along the river, passing by some small villages and farms.

Walking from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding experience if you enjoy nature and solitude. You will have the opportunity to see some wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and butterflies, and admire the scenery at your own pace.

You will also have a sense of accomplishment when you reach your destination. However, you will also need to be prepared for the heat, humidity, insects, and possible rain. You will also need to carry enough water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent with you.

When is the best time to visit Semuc Champey? The best time to visit Semuc Champey is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and warm, the water is clear and blue, and the road conditions are better.

However, this is also the peak season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, is not recommended for visiting Semuc Champey.

During this time, the weather is cloudy and wet, the water is murky and brown, and the road conditions are worse. There is also a risk of landslides, floods, and road closures.

What should I bring to Semuc Champey? Make sure you bring with you swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, water, snacks, hiking shoes, camera, insect repellent, and money as there are no ATMs or card machines in Semuc Champey.

How much is the entrance fee to Semuc Champey? The entrance fee to Semuc Champey is 60Q / $7.80 per person per day. This fee gives you access to the pools, the viewpoint, and the caves. You can pay at the entrance gate with cash only.

Is Semuc Champey safe? Semuc Champey is generally safe for visitors, as long as you follow some basic precautions. Here are some tips to stay safe at Semuc Champey:

• Do not swim alone or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Do not jump or dive into the pools without checking the depth-first
• Do not swim near the edges of the pools where the current is strong
• Do not enter the caves without a guide or a candle
• Do not leave your valuables unattended or in plain sight
• Do not wander off the marked trails or into private property
• Do not travel at night or during bad weather

Where To Stay In Semuc Champey

Next up we have where to stay in Semuc Champey, and you will be spoilt for choice here. Though the first decision you need to make is whether you want to stay in the town of Lanquin or close to Semuc Champey.

If you want to experience more of the local side of life 100% it is recommended you stay in Lanquin. Here you will be able to try an assortment of restaurants and have a bit more freedom. You are more likely to be able to find rooms with air conditioning, 24/7 power, and wifi.

In Semuc Champey a lot of the accommodations are set up like resorts, even hostels. Basically, there is minimal reason to leave the grounds except for tours, which you no doubt booked through your accommodation.

I know this can sound a bit daunting, especially if you are a chill backpacker who likes to explore and plan things last minute. Though I loved staying closer to Semuc Champey as you were right in nature and it honestly felt so peaceful.

However air conditioning was nonexistent, and we only had power and wifi for certain times of the day.

Personally, I stayed at Greengos Hostel and had an incredible stay. It is an excellent choice for budget travelers with an included transfer from the shuttle drop off, two pools, onsite restaurant, tours, and in the most beautiful location just a 10-minute walk from the entry of Semuc Champey.

Things To Do In Semuc Champey

There are some super awesome things to do in Semuc Champey, I mean this is the reason a lot of people travel here. This is just a quick breakdown of some of the top options:

Semuc Champey Mirador: To get the most impressive view of the pools you will need to hike the Semuc Champey Mirador . This is included in your entry to Semuc Champey, though it isn’t something everyone completes. The total hike time for the Semuc Champey Mirador is approximately 45 minutes.

Tubing : You can either do this organized through your hostel or simply with a group of friends when you are at Semuc Champey. This is certainly one of the cheaper activities to do here in Semuc Champey.

Caving: Now I have heard both positive and negative reviews about the cave tour, let’s just say it is for the adventurous. Essentially think tight squeezes, trying to keep a candle alight while swimming, and holding it while also climbing a ladder.

I didn’t do it myself, as I spent my only afternoon in Semuc Champey recovering, though I questioned the safety precautions taken.

Swim In The Semuc Champey Pools: It is a quick 5-minute walk from the entry to the main pools at the top, where there are some small cascades that you can jump off.

There are also some less busy pools lower down, though you do miss that famous infinity pool that looks over the jungle that this place is known for.

Hiking: A lot of hostels and hotels will offer hiking tours to their guests. They will organize a guide to take you through the jungle in the surrounding area. This will give you the perfect chance to see wildlife, as well as interact with some locals.

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

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The Amazing Lanquin Caves of Guatemala (Grutas de Lanquin)

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Lanquin Caves, Guatemala

The Lanquin caves in Guatemala or Grutas de Lanquin are a protected area formed by a huge complex of limestone caves. They are considered by Mayans as a sacred place (the entrance to the underworld), in fact, they still carry on their rituals in it. It is a place that everyone should visit while traveling to Guatemala .

To visit them, you can stay in the nearby Lanquin Village .

Grutas de Lanquin

When I traveled to Lanquin, Guatemala a few years back, I didn’t know anything about the famous Grutas de Lanquin (Lanquin Caves) until a fellow backpacker suggested we go to explore them! Since backpackers are notoriously known for going where few have gone before and even more for taking their time getting there, we luckily arrived to the cave around 5 pm. I say ‘Luckily’ because if we actually got our acts together and arrived at noon, like we originally planned, I would have missed an extraordinary event!

There are two ways to get to this beautiful cave. You can walk along the banks of Lanquin River or take a huge inner rubber tube and go along with the currents to the mouth of it. Regardless of the way of transport, you’ll get the shock of your life!

Related Read: Zephyr Lodge, Guatemala: Best Option Near Semuc Champey

This is how my first adventure in the Lanquin Caves went:

Right as we neared it, along the path, we started to hear a strange sound. Suddenly out of nowhere, thousands and thousands of BATS made their nightly ritual to leave the cave in search of food. This might sound like a scene out of Batman but on the contrary, it wasn’t frightening nor were they focused on anything other than their food: Fruits and flowers.

Guatemala is the land of the ancient Mayan civilization. Their majestic ancient cities stand proud even if rain forests have overtaken most of them. Along with their cities, Mayans knew this holy ground before anyone else. They thought of these Lanquin caves as passages to the underworld. They have performed ceremonies of all kinds in them for centuries and still do.

This Lanquin cave system is so widespread that not a single explorer or hardcore spelunker has been known to see where it ends. For the less-than-average caver, like me, there is a well-lit path that goes for a good 450 meters in, just deep enough to feel its magical power.

Lanquin Caves is a definite must-see if you’re in Guatemala! Where else can you get a private bat dance and see magical alters deep within unending caves? Staying at the nearby town of Coban, Guatemala will complete your adventure.

Related Read: Facts bout Coban, Guatemala

Note: The path inside the cave maybe be lit, but power outages are a quite common thing here, so it would be a good idea to bring flashlights! Plus, the humidity and staleness of the air have formed lots of moss making a super slippery ground, so be careful and wear very good walking shoes.

Years later, I decided to take my sons and husband to this region. We all had a great time exploring the caves and swimming in the nearby turquoise pools of Semuc Champey .

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Last Updated on June 23, 2023

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2 thoughts on “ The Amazing Lanquin Caves of Guatemala (Grutas de Lanquin) ”

I’m a big cave tour fan. I know some operators offer tours for the more adventurous that get them away from the paved/lit portions of the cave – is there any such option at Lanquin Caves?

Hey Justin,

sorry for the late response, I was traveling with no internet. Lanquin is the best by far. What’s really awesome about these caves though, is that at dusk millions, no exaggeration, of bats fly out. it’s insane!

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5 Best Ways to get from Lanquín to Semuc Champey, Guatemala

By: Author AnaMarija Mishachkovska

Posted on Published: August 18, 2022  - Last updated: December 1, 2023

You can get from Lanquin to Semuc Champey by a local pickup truck, shared shuttle + tour, private transfer, rental car, or a hike!

The  cheapest way to travel from Lanquín to Semuc Champey is by a public pickup truck, which only costs USD 4. But you can also get there for free if you choose to hike!

The  most popular option is also the public pickup truck or a taxi, as they offer the easiest alternative at an affordable price.

The  fastest way to travel to   Semuc Champey from Lanquín is by   private transfer, taxi, or rental car , which takes about 40 minutes.

I’ve made Guatemala my second home, learning every quirk of its travel routes and the best ways to experience its wonders.

This guide will break down all the transport options from Lanquin to Semuc Champey, giving you precise details to ensure your journey is secure and a breeze.

Check out our guide for the best options for traveling from Lanquin to Semuc Champey.

Table of Contents

Transportation Options from Lanquin to Semuc Champey

The following table outlines all transportation options from Lanquin to Semuc Champey :

How far is Semuc Champey from Lanquin?

The distance from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is 6.2 miles or 10 kilometers. It takes around 30 minutes to get there by vehicle or about a 2-hour and 30-minute hike!

Getting to Semuc Champey from Lanquin

1. transport + tour from lanquin to semuc champey.

Journey Duration: 40 minutes

A tour to Semuc Champey is popular for tourists traveling from Lanquin!

Rather than trying to organize everything yourself, it is probably better to book a tour to explore the caves, go river tubing, and have everything organized! 

By booking a tour to Semuc Champey, you get transportation to the natural site and a guided tour provided by a professional!

Having a guide with you while exploring the pools is especially helpful, as they can point out safe areas for swimming and diving.

Many tour agencies offer packages that include visits to Semuc Champey and the caves and sometimes even river tubing.

You can take a tour that includes transportation , an English-speaking guide, a tour of the caves, cliff jumping, and a guided hike to the lookout for USD 25 per person without including the entrance fee to the caves. 

Guided tours are a great way to visit Semuc Champey from Lanquin, and you won’t be disappointed with the reasonable offers!

These tours change regularly, so you must speak with your travel agency when you arrive or book a tour online in advance!

2. Local Pickup Truck from Lanquin to Semuc Champey

Journey Duration: 45 minutes

Using the local transport on a self-guided tour is the cheapest way to visit Semuc Champey.

While most people who visit Semuc Champey book a tour that includes activities through their hostel, independent travel is often easier and cheaper.

The main advantage of traveling there without a group is the freedom to swim and explore the area without being herded around or reliant on others.

The main form of local transport in Lanquin is the truck, which most people pile into the back. In Lanquin, the ride to Semuc Champey costs roughly USD 1, but you are not a local, so don’t expect to pay that. Instead, be prepared to spend about USD 4.

There is squishing, bumping, and discomfort throughout the 45-minute journey, but traveling this way is quite an adventure! Overall, it’s a very cheap and exciting way to get around!

Lanquin’s local transportation leaves from the crossroads in the town center. Their schedule varies, but they run frequently.

3. Private Transfer/Taxi from Lanquin to Semuc Champey

If you want a comfortable trip, get a couple of friends together and an entire vehicle for about USD 18 that will get you from Lanquin to Semuc Champey! 

The trip is far more comfortable than public transport, and you will arrive at Semuc Champey in about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

You can organize this vehicle on the main street in Lanquin with any driver or reliable taxi company you choose. If you’re unsure where to look, ask for help at your hotel or hostel for directions or recommendations.

And also, make sure you negotiate a reasonable price so you don’t get ripped off!

Do you need help arranging your transportation?

Complete this form and one of our transportation specialists will be in touch!

We specialize in arranging transportation across Guatemala , Costa Rica, Mexico , Peru, Panama, Brazil, Thailand, and Colombia!

4. Driving with a Rental Car from Lanquin to Semuc Champey

If you want independence and a comfortable vehicle, rent a car in Lanquin and drive to Semuc Champey!

Even though the roads in this area are winding and mountainous, the scenery is breathtaking, and you have complete freedom to plan your trip!

However, when renting a car, pick something appropriate since the road to Semuc Champey is rough terrain, where you should travel with a 4×4 vehicle. 

The trip only takes 40 minutes, and there are numerous vehicles you can choose from, all at meager prices!

5. Hiking from Lanquin to Semuc Champey

Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

And finally, the last option is to hike the 10-kilometer trail from Lanquin to Semuc Champey!

You can walk from Lanquin to Semuc Champey if you’re up for it. The walk is magnificent and lasts for about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

If you’re worried about finding your way, you shouldn’t be concerned! Fortunately, the trail is safe and well-marked, making it simple for you to climb up.

You can always take the local bus to get back if you don’t want to walk both ways.

During your visit, ask for details at your hotel or with locals about this since the trail can become dangerous due to weather changes.

And lastly, make sure you come prepared. Bring hiking shoes and appropriate gear so you don’t encounter trouble.

Best day tours in Semuc Champey

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Here, you can find some of the  best tours in Semuc Champey .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is semuc champey worth it.

There is no doubt that Semuc Champey is a beautiful and unique place to visit in Guatemala. So, yes, it is worth it!

What is the entrance fee to Semuc Champey?

It costs USD 6.50 to enter Semuc Champey for international visitors. For locals, it costs USD 4 for adults and USD 1.30 for children.

What are the Semuc Champey opening hours?

Semuc Champey is open from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM daily.

When is the best time of the day to visit Semuc Champey?

We recommend visiting Semuc Champey first thing in the morning when the gates open at 08:00 AM to avoid crowds and large tour groups. You might be able to enjoy Semuc Champey all by yourself for a few hours!

Can you swim at Semuc Champey?

Yes, swimming in the Semuc Champey pools is allowed.

How long does it take to get from Lanquín to Semuc Champey?

If you’re going from Lanquin to Semuc Champey with a vehicle, it takes around 40 minutes. However, if you decide to take the hike, you will arrive at Semuc Champey in 2 hours and 30 minutes!

What is the cheapest way to get from Lanquín to Semuc Champey?

The cheapest way to travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is by the local pickup truck, which costs USD 4. But if you want to save money, you can take a hike, which is entirely free!

More Routes from Lanquín

Lanquín to Guatemala City

Lanquín to Semuc Champey

Lanquín to Antigua

Lanquín to Rio Dulce

Lanquín to San Pedro la Laguna

Lanquín to Flores

• About the Author

AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica , Transportation in Mexico , Transport in Guatemala , Transport in Peru , and Transport in Thailand .

Expertises: Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand

Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo , an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in  Transport in Costa Rica ,  Transportation in Mexico ,  Transport in Guatemala ,  Transport in Peru , and  Transport in Thailand .

Expertises: Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand

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