Semuc Champey is one of the most Instagrammable places in Guatemala, especially if you have a drone! Semuc Champey should absolutely be on your bucket list of things to do if you’re travelling in Guatemala.
The main attraction here is, of course, the natural limestone pools. These stunning turquoise pools are formed by the Cahabón River, which flows beneath the limestone bridge structure. It’s quite remarkable – the river actually flows underneath the pools you’re swimming in! The pools themselves are arranged in a stepped formation, creating natural infinity pools with small waterfalls between them.
The pools stretch for about 300 metres through the jungle, and they vary in depth from shallow paddling spots to deeper swimming areas. The colour of the water changes throughout the day depending on the sunlight, but it’s usually that perfect shade of turquoise that you see in photos (and yes, the photos you’ve seen are real!).
That being said, it can be a bit of an adventure to get there.
Contents
- How to Get to Semuc Champey
- Where to Stay in Lanquín
- Best Things to Do in Semuc Champey
- Practical Tips for Semuc Champey
- When to Visit Semuc Champey
- FAQs About Semuc Champey
- Conclusion
How to Get to Semuc Champey
Getting to Semuc Champey requires a bit of planning, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. It’s not really somewhere you can visit in a day from any of the tourist hotspots; ideally, you need to arrange to stay a couple of nights in Lanquín. Lanquín is where any tourist shuttle busses “To Semuc Champey” will drop you off.
Here are the typical journey times:
- From Flores: 8-9 hours
- From Antigua: 8-10 hours
- From Guatemala City: 7-8 hours
- From Lake Atitlán: 10-12 hours
While it is possible to get to Lanquín using public transport (chicken buses), it’s a complicated journey that can take much longer and involve multiple changes. Most travellers go for tourist shuttles for this one, which might be a bit more expensive but are far more straightforward and comfortable.
From Lanquín, you’ll need to take a 4×4 pickup truck (usually arranged by your accommodation) for the final stretch to Semuc Champey itself.
The road from Lanquín to Semuc Champey is unpaved and quite bumpy – the journey takes about an hour in said 4×4. It’s all part of the adventure though, and the views along the way are a part of the experience.
Where to Stay in Lanquín
Most accommodation options in Lanquín are fairly basic, but they make up for it with incredible views of the jungle and river. Many places offer dormitory-style rooms and private options, and some even have riverside bungalows.
There are also lodges you can stay at that are further out from Lanquín and closer to Semuc Champey itself. Of course there are pros and cons to staying in a town vs. staying in the jungle, but both will be great experiences as long as you plan ahead!
Best Things to Do in Semuc Champey
El Mirador Viewpoint
One of the absolute must-dos when visiting Semuc Champey is hiking up to El Mirador viewpoint. It’s a steep climb that takes about 45 minutes to an hour, but the view of the cascading pools from above is spectacular. The path is well-maintained but can be quite slippery after rain, so wear proper shoes. Most people do this hike first thing in the morning before swimming in the pools, which I’d definitely recommend – it gets quite hot later in the day!
Tubing on the River
You can rent inner tubes and float down the Cahabón River, which is a lovely way to cool off in the afternoon. Some hostels organise group tubing trips where you can float down the river together.
Exploring the Jungle
The area around Semuc Champey is filled with hiking trails through the jungle where you can spot toucans, monkeys, and all sorts of tropical birds. The local guides know these trails well and can point out interesting plants and wildlife.
The Caves of K’an Ba
The Caves of K’an Ba (sometimes called Lanquín Caves) are another major attraction near Semuc Champey. These limestone caves stretch for kilometres underground, though only a portion is open to visitors. What makes these caves unique is that you explore them by candlelight, wading through underground rivers and climbing up small waterfalls. It’s quite an adventurous experience and not for the faint-hearted!
Practical Tips Semuc Champey
The entrance fee to Semuc Champey is around 50 Guatemalan Quetzales, and it’s worth getting there early to make the most of your day. There are basic facilities at the site, including changing rooms and a small shop selling snacks and drinks, but I’d recommend bringing your own supplies in case you can’t find what you want.
The roads to Lanquín and to Semuc Champey itself are notorious for being rough – expect a bumpy ride whether you’re coming by shuttle or local transport.
Remember to bring:
- Good walking shoes for the hike to El Mirador
- Water shoes, flip flops or similar for the pools
- Swimwear and a towel
- Insect repellent
- Cash (there are no ATMs nearby)
- A waterproof bag or case for your camera
When to Visit Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey can be visited year-round, but the dry season (November to April) is ideal because the water tends to be clearer and the hiking trails will be less muddy. That said, even during the rainy season, mornings are often clear, and the afternoon showers create a magical atmosphere in the jungle.
No matter when you visit, try to spend at least one full day here – there’s nothing quite like having the morning to hike up to El Mirador, then spending a lazy afternoon floating in the perfect turquoise water.
FAQs About Semuc Champey
Is Semuc Champey worth the trip?
Absolutely! While getting to Semuc Champey does take some effort, its stunning turquoise pools, limestone formations, and jungle setting make it one of Guatemala’s best natural attractions. The unique experience of swimming in natural infinity pools while a river flows beneath you is unforgettable.
How many days do you need in Semuc Champey?
Most visitors stay 2-3 days in the area. You’ll need at least one full day to explore Semuc Champey itself (including both hiking to El Mirador and swimming in the pools). Given the long journey times to reach Lanquín, it’s worth staying at least an extra day to explore the caves, go tubing or do a hike in the jungle.
What’s the best way to get to Semuc Champey?
The most convenient way is to take a tourist shuttle to Lanquín, followed by a 4×4 pickup truck to Semuc Champey. You will likely need to stay overnight in Lanquín in between, and I’d recommend it to make the most of Semuc Champey. Shuttle journey times vary: 8-9 hours from Flores, 8-10 hours from Antigua, and 10-12 hours from Lake Atitlán. Book through reputable companies (get a recommendation from other travellers if you can) and prepare for a bumpy ride!
When is the best time to visit Semuc Champey?
The dry season (November to April) has the best weather, with clearer water and less muddy trails. However, Semuc Champey is beautiful year-round. If you go during the rainy season (May to October), plan activities for the morning when weather is typically better.
Are the pools at Semuc Champey safe to swim in?
Yes, the limestone pools are safe for swimming and this is one of the main reasons people go here. The pools vary in depth, from shallow paddling areas to deeper swimming spots. There are local guides and staff present, and the stepped formation of the pools creates natural barriers.
Conclusion
Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala’s most spectacular natural wonders. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or simply in search of Guatemala’s best views, Semuc Champey has a lot to offer. While it may be off the beaten path, this natural wonder proves that sometimes the most challenging journeys lead to the most extraordinary destinations.