What fun and so exciting. If you purchase items through these links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Guatemala Travels offers daily trips departing at 9 AM in Guatemala City. Private transfers are the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey/Lanqun. There is a wide variety of places to stay both in the town of Lanquin as in the middle of the jungle. JJ our guide", Traveled to Guatemala as a family in March, 2023, "My trip to Guatemala was amazing. It is a series of limestone pools and waterfalls formed by the Cahabn River, and it is a popular destination for travelers. Hidden in the lush mountainous jungle just 11kms of the nearby town, Lanquin, Semuc Champey, is a 300 m long natural forming limestone bridge that has six turquoise blue water pools. There are a lot of steps for this hike and a moderate work out, I wouldn't recommend if you don't have good knees. If you love adventure and being connected with nature this place is certainly for you. Semuc Champey Guatemala is one of the highlights of most people's visit to Central America. This included round-trip transportation, guides, entrance fees, tubing, and the cave tour. The tour costs a total of 180Q ($24 USD), which includes your transportation, park entrance and a guide. (e.g. This Guatemala location article is a stub. There are lockers and lots to buy there, water shoes, beer, food whichever you need. You might be able to leave the car at Flores airport if you choose to drive onto Tikal, but you will want to double-check first. Semuc Champey Guatemala is open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Dozens of minutes passed as we sat in pure silence, straining to hear the bats over the sound of our rapidly thudding hearts. Also, the road condition of the last six miles (around ten kilometers) is pretty terrible. We recommend taking a shared van shuttle from Guatemala City to Semuch Champey. It is a series of limestone pools and waterfalls formed by the Cahabn River, and it is a popular destination for travelers. Semuc Champey's Turquoise Pools - Central Highlands, Guatemala - Anywhere Your shuttle will pick you up at your accommodation in Guatemala City and drop you at the bus station in Lanquin. People visit Semuc not only to enjoy swimming in the pools but also to explore the nearby water cave, or tube down the Cahabon River which disappears under the limestone bridge only to reappear miles later. Calle Oriented #8, in front of Hospital Obras Sociales Hermano Pedro. In this case, however, we recommend agreeing on a set price. In short, this is not the place to desperately need an airlift but have no way to arrange one. After tubing, our Semuc Champey tour included a choose your own adventure part of the afternoon. Thanks Shalini. If so, what do you advise would be a good order to visit these places? The view from the lookout is amazing but the steps are many. Not particularly safe, but not were going off a cliff on the next turn kind of road either). Either way youll love the pools just make sure you bring some sunshine with you :D, Hi! We are in Guatemala City for work and are planning to drive to Semuc Champey next week. Some of the pools are deep enough to dive or jump into, while others are good for relaxing in. Shimmering jewels in the heart of Guatemala. 74 Likes, TikTok video from mgaucigreen (@mgaucigreen): "Semuc Champey, Guatemala #traveltiktok #guatemala". Fabulous jungle lodge with a fantastic decking area which is the hub of the place.All the staff are very helpful and friendly, a big thanks to you all. I absolutely loved Semuc Chsmpey! Address is 6ta. Me and you both know you wouldnt come all the way to Semuc Champey just to take pictures. Semuc Champey, Guatemala - Unique Places in Central America See the footer and Affiliate Disclaimer for full details. Next-gen, high-speed servers in 94 countries, Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers, and more, 256-bit AES encryption protects your data, even on hotel Wi-Fi, Unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites. Semuc Champey It is hidden not because it is unknown, it is hidden because it is very secluded and far from everything. Most hotels also offer a picnic lunch option that you can bring with you on the day tour. Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world twice. .arf_form_outer_wrapper.ar_main_div_100 .arf_fieldset .formtitle_style{ The distance from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey is 182 miles or 293 kilometers. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Hike through the jungle! Even the ride in the jeep is adventurous (and exhausting) and the cave activity and various (optional) waterfall jumps are for adrenaline seekers. Alternatively, you can also take a nice 20 minute walk to town and find a place to stay there for the night. I know we wont make it to the mirador but will it be ok to get to the water? Of course, you can always spend much longer in Lanquin if you want to relax for a while. (one plus it wasnt a particularly dangerous road. I had an epic time as a solo traveller i felt at home. However, its also possible to visit Semuc Champey on your own. What could go wrong, right? The price Q185 is fair considering there is transport, the cave tour and some tubing included on top of the park and two guides the entire day. Get 3 extra months free of ExpressVPN when signing up for a 1-year plan. Parking at the entrance of the park costs 10Q and nationals only pay 25Q to enter. Around 177-miles (285 km) northeast of Guatemala City, Semuc Champey is one of the countrys most spectacular destinationsas famous for its stunning natural pools as it is for the long and bumpy journey out there through the mountains. Most people would suggest going during the high season, mid December to mid April as it doesnt rain as often and the Cahabon River is a lot clearer, but we would say otherwise. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Semuc Champey is located in the town of Lanqun - you can take a group shuttle from Antigua, Tikal, or Lake Atitlan to Lanqun for 200-300 Q ($26 - $40). Hey guys! We did a day tour from Lanquin and this tour also covered a candlelight adventure into nearby caves, a couple of hikes and also a few jumps and swing rope into the river. Cmon doesnt that sounds like an added bonus to your already fun trip to Semuc Champey? Unknown to many, this sparkling turquoise lake hides amid Oregon's snowcapped mountains. Your email address will not be published. :). Semuc Champey, which literally means a place where the river disappears under the rocks, is a natural limestone bridge, which is about 300 meters wide. You can travel from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey by public bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, and taxi. [1] It consists of a natural 300 m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabn River. We recommend you make a reservation in advance! Semuc Champey is an isolated place near the village of Lanquin, and it can make you wonder what persuades travelers from all around the world to undertake a long journey (8 hours only to get to Lanquin is a norm) to reach this place in the middle of the jungle where still indigenous Maya people live. To see the pools from above, hike to the mirador, a stunning viewpoint overlooking Semuc Champey. You can jump off the surrounding cliffs, and swim in the clear turquoise water beneath the falls. From Antigua to Semuc Champey It's a fantastic place to swim and relax. Many people, myself included, as well as a KID, were hanging out the back! Putting 4 stars comes with a big but. color:#47407f}. If the tour company can not promise a different mode of transit, walk and find another who can. There are no luxury properties around Semuc Champey, so be prepared to rough it a little bit. Then we hiked the mirador, spent over an hour at the pools, and finally headed back to Lanquin. (especially since we also had a few days extra to visit Copan Ruinas, in Honduras, too). No matter how long or short your trip, dont forget to purchase travel insurance. You missed white water rafting on the Lanquin or Cahabon rivers. Beautiful turquoise pools amid the lush Guatemalan jungle certainly is a sight to behold. Note that you can have a box lunch from your hostel, or there are a couple local vendors near the bridge. And you shouldnot undertake the waterfall portion barefoot. Day tours will handle transport in a 44, or you can hire one to take you there for less than $5 in a shared transport. The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, 11 Awesome Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala, take this 3-day trip from Antigua to Semuc Champey, Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike. Shuttles run only once in the morning, usually at 7:30 or 8:00 AM, because the drive to Lanqun from anywhere else takes all day. Semuc Champey It is hidden not because it is unknown, it is hidden." DASHA & KYLE | Outdoor Adventure on Instagram: "Hidden gem is Guatemala. Explore the mystical caves of Kanba by candlelight, assisted by a member of the Q'eqchi Mayan group. The name Semuc Champey means where the river hides under the earth in the Qeqchi Mayan language. There will be a sign directing you to the banos on your left. You'll pass through different water levels, swim in natural pools, and climb a waterfall. Its a classic activity on this day trip, butif youre not wearing swimming trunks (those lucky guys! The distance from Antigua to Semuc Champey is 201.3 miles or 324 kilometers. I highly recommend my friend Jose, whatsapp +502 4797 6625 as a tour guide, he is awesome takes care of you and your stuff and shows you additional things like the plants and cacao fruit. Semuc Champey is one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala. I am so thankful that the accident happend at Zephyr Lodge. 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 awayby 44. Check our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey. Looking for more tips to plan your trip to Guatemala? So dont leave home without it. Nice information! Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. While almost every visitor to the area makes the journey solely to plunge into the emerald rock pools, Lanquin is often overlooked. In case you didnt have enough relaxing time in the pools, grab a tube and go river tubing down Cahabon River for about one kilometer. Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey, 4. Take my advice, jump on the back of a truck and get there now!! It is famous for its stunning natural pools and the bumpy ride to get there. How to get from Rio Dulce to Semuc Champey, Guatemala - Universal Traveller As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Just be aware of the crazy traffic and winding mountain roads. While it is possible to rent a car and drive on your own, the easiest and safest way to get to Semuc Champey is by booking a minibus through a travel agency in one of Guatemala's larger cities. You travel a day by car to get to this place. from the big road another 10km on a gravel road that is very bumpy, and leave your car in town, for the "taxi" to pick you up for the last 10km that is even worse, not to be done by your own car for sure! Cost of visiting Semuc Champey with a tour. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi5. Explore different ways to experience this place. For these options, you will need to arrange your own transportation from Lanquin (or the hotel might be able to pick you up.). If you want to take a taxi make sure that you have agreed on a set price before you leave. Easy to do and the staff will organise transport. Semuc Champey, Guatemala #traveltiktok #guatemala | TikTok Last updated: September 12, 2022 Sharing is caring! 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. The shockingly blue pools rest on top of a natural limestone bridge covering a portion of theCahabn River. We have quite a bit of time in Guatemala. My guide was mirrored zea was the best. Eduardo se", "I really can't say enough amazing things about Cathy and the whole team at Columbus Tours! 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Daniel James Do you need help getting from Antigua to Semuc Champey? But now its a gorgeous spot where you might not get a sound sleep but you will surely have a good time. Thanks for the really great guide to Semuc Champey , cant wait to visit in a few weeks. They offer Q125 for Antigua Lanquin and Q150 for Lanquin Flores. I thought the tour was worth it and I would definitely recommend it. The Kan Ba Cave portion of our adventure wasnt exactlysafe and it was a bit out of my comfort zone (its one those things that youd just never do back homebut that isperfectly acceptable on the road!). Have fun in Semuc. Although youll find sparse accommodation close to Semuc Champey, Lanquin is just 11 km away and the easiest place from which to organize your visit. We have a reservation at a hostel in Lanqun. The water temperature in the pools in December is tepid warm at noon. How To Visit Semuc Champey | Guatemala's Jungle Paradise - Gecko Routes Thanks! Some of the tours will also include a visit to K'an Ba Caves ( #3 ). The distance from Rio Dulce to Semuc Champey is 132.6 miles or 213.4 kilometers. The view from the mirador was impressive. This article related to a protected area in North America is a stub. This guide showed you how to visit Semuc Champey, Guatemala. Still, if that hasnt put you off, then you can look at renting a car in the capital or out at the airport and driving to Lanqun. Even then, you definitely wont be able to return it in Semuc Champey, so if you do choose to rent a car then be prepared to drive it back to where you started. The tour guides are aggressive--reminded me of the merchants inside the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, quite unpleasant experience. They will pack you into the back like cows. One of the reasons is that it may be difficult for the driver to find people to travel back to Guatemala City. If you still want to travel by rental car, we recommend splitting the trip into two stages. We opted for the latter and stayed at Utopia Eco Hotel. The above-ground portion of the tour meanders through the forest before dropping guests at their final activity: a relaxing swim in the limestone pools. Imgenes areas tomadas Zumbido del Parque Nacional Semuc Champey en The first thing you read when you come across Lanquin is Semuc Champey. By bucketlisttravellers " Shimmering jewels in the heart of Guatemala " Feb 2020 But when traveling, I have tried new foods that I had never dream of sampling, tackled adventures that intimidated me, and jumped off a rope swing, come to find out, really didnt have my name written all over it, as the other travelers insisted. I travelled part way on the back of a Ute. He listened to what we wanted, made as many modifications as ", Traveled to Guatemala as a couple in June, 2023, "My husband and I booked our trip to Guatemala for Holy Week. It's a long drive so make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks, but your driver will stop off every now and again for bathroom breaks and to give you a chance to stretch your legs. Their WhatsApp contact is 502 4656 6919 and [emailprotected]. The pools have a stunning greeny turquoise colour and are very clear. One thing everyone will tell you about Semuc Champey is it is HARD to get there. The drive from Guatemala City through the Central Highlands is stunning, but not really recommended for drivers who are used to crazy Guatemalan traffic and winding mountain roads with chicken buses hurtling around corners at breakneck speed. Posted on Published: September 22, 2021- Last updated: January 16, 2023, Categories Guatemala Transportation, Guatemala Travel Guide, Home Universal Traveller Travel Guides Central America Travel Guide Guatemala Travel Guide Guatemala Transportation. All rights reserved. Under the bridge flows the Cahabon River in the department of Alta Verapaz in Guatemala. Ive been on some bad roads in my travels, but that was by far the worst. Take a nice 45 minute hike through the jungle to the viewpoint, El Mirador. And yes, the pools are still crystal clear and turquoise blue. However the difficulty of getting to this unique natural landscape is rewarded many times over by the sights and experiences awaiting guests upon arrival. Located just under 11 km from the village of Lanquin, the natural pools stretch for about 300 meters and are, what most people don't know, a naturally formed limestone bridge over a raging river that runs underground. Once you arrive in lanqun, you will probably have to stay there overnight to catch a pickup truck to Semuc Champey the next morning. But if you do it yourself, (transportation to/from park, admission fees, and food) it would cost you about $28 US. Thelookout point over Semuc Champey offers stunning views of the many pools of water and tiny waterfalls. There are affiliate links within this article, which help me travel more often! Mesoamerican monoliths and zoomorphic stones covered in royal visages, ancient mythology, and grand celestial events. It was sooo wonderful. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey, Guatemala. Semuc Champey is a natural attraction located in the department of Alta Verapaz in Guatemala. After the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, Semuc Champey became an important center of trade and agriculture. Famous last words. View Map Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala's most beautiful natural sights. Thank you! This guide is super helpful. While you should definitely travel at least once in a chicken bus, we dont recommend it for longer trips. And yes, I am talking pretty specifically about one instance on that last one. Zephyr was not a party hostel back in 2010in fact it was brand new. So often in life we live with the safety of routine. Do you know if it is possible to travel by night? Insider Tip: The hike up to the viewpoint is muddy and slippery, dont be stupid like us and wear flip flops. we just came back. I often book with Adrenalina Tours in Guatemala, but there are plenty of other agencies you can book shuttles with. Are these shuttles return trips or one-ways? It is also possible to take a taxi or Uber/Lyft from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey, however, some of the drivers have been known to cancel bookings and/or request higher prices once you get in the car, especially if they don't feel like they're going to be able to get a return fare back to the city.