Where to Stay in Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Semuc Champey, one of Guatemala’s most stunning natural wonders, is a series of turquoise pools in the heart of the jungle (read: you feel like you’re literally in the middle of nowhere, and you kind of are, too).

While the pools themselves are the main attraction, choosing where to stay in Semuc Champey, Guatemala can really change how you experience the place and other things there are to do in the area.

The accommodation options for Semuc Champey are spread between two main areas: Lanquín (the gateway town) and a few jungle lodges closer to the pools themselves. You can also get to Semuc Champey from a larger town nearby called Cobán, so I’ve included that in this list, too.

Unlike more developed tourist destinations, the Semuc Champey area is quite rural, and accommodation tends to be quite rustic. This is completely part of the experience though, and something that you kind of need to just embrace rather than shy away from.

So, here’s you guide on where to stay in Semuc Champey (or, nearby, at least!)

🇬🇹 Read more: A Full Travel Guide to Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey from above

Contents

Where to Stay in El Portal de Semuc Champey (Semuc Champey)

Best for: Nature Immersion & Early Access

The area immediately around Semuc Champey, generally referred to as El Portal, offers the most immersive jungle experience. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the pools, which means, crucially, that you can arrive early before the day-trippers and have this natural wonder almost to yourself. The accommodation options here are mostly eco-lodges and riverside hostels with varying levels of comfort.

Being close to the pools means you’re quite isolated from other amenities, and electricity can be inconsistent. However, most lodges offer all-inclusive packages with meals included, which is basically essential given the limited dining options in… the literal jungle.

Best Lodges Near the Pools

Greengo’s Hotel has riverside bungalows with stunning views of the surrounding jungle. Their onsite restaurant serves both local and international dishes, and they can arrange any activities you may want to do at Semuc Champey.

Hostal El Portal is by the entrance to Semuc Champey and has both private rooms and dormitories. Their location couldn’t be better for accessing the pools, and they offer a good restaurant and social atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Lanquín (Closest Town to Semuc Champey)

Best for: Amenities & Budget Options

Lanquín is the closest town to Semuc Champey, about an hour away via a bumpy dirt road (you will also have to take said dirt road if you stay in El Portal, but you’ll do that before you reach your accommodation rather than after).

Lanquín serves as the gateway to the pools and thrives off of this tourism, offering more accommodation options, better amenities, and slightly more reliable electricity than El Portal. Of course it’s not as immediately beautiful as staying by the pools, but Lanquín provides a more authentic glimpse of local life, lower prices, and more amenities nearby.

Most hostels and hotels in Lanquín include transport to Semuc Champey in their room rate or can arrange it for a small fee. The town also has small shops and local restaurants, giving you more options for eating than staying near the pools.

Best Hotels and Hostels in Lanquín

Zephyr Lodge has become something of a backpacker institution in Lanquín. This hostel in Lanquín on a hillside with spectacular valley views, especially from their infinity pool! They have both dorms and private rooms, and are well known for their social vibes.

El Retiro Lodge sits alongside the Lanquín River and offers a range of accommodation options from camping to private bungalows. You can swim in the nearby river, and they’re well known for their social, family-style dinners.

Casa Rosada combines comfortable rooms with a peaceful garden setting. This hotel in Lanquín has really helpful staff that can arrange all of your local activities, including Semuc Champey, and their free breakfast gets consistently good reviews.

Where to Stay in Cobán (Closest Large Town to Semuc Champey)

Best for: Comfort & Breaking Up the Journey

Cobán is the capital of Alta Verapaz department and serves as a major transport hub for reaching Semuc Champey. While it’s about four hours drive from the pools, many travellers choose to break their journey here, especially when coming from Guatemala City or Antigua. The city offers significantly more comfort than Lanquín or the pool area, with proper hotels, restaurants, and amenities.

Cobán itself is worth exploring, with its coffee plantations, orchid garden, and authentic Guatemalan atmosphere. Cobán also provides easy access to other attractions in Alta Verapaz, like the Ram Tzul nature reserve and various coffee farms.

Best Hotels in Cobán

Hotel La Posada has comfortable rooms in a beautiful colonial building near the city centre. This hotel in Cobán has a beautiful courtyard, and the hotel restaurant serves excellent local cuisine.

Park Hotel provides modern amenities and professional service, making it popular with tourists that want a more upscale experience. Their location near Cobán’s central park is convenient for exploring the city.

Casa Q’eqchi is a boutique hotel in Cobán that showcases local Q’eqchi culture through its architectural design and artwork. Their free breakfast features local Guatemalan specialities, and the staff can arrange transport to Semuc Champey as well as other local tours and experiences.

Getting from Cobán to Semuc Champey

Most hotels in Cobán can arrange shuttle transport to Lanquín, which typically takes about three hours on a paved road, followed by the final hour to Semuc Champey on dirt roads. Some travellers prefer to stay a night in Cobán and then another night in either Lanquín or El Portal to give them a full day to enjoy the pools.

Whether you choose the convenience and amenities of Lanquín, the natural immersion of staying near the pools, or the comfort of breaking your journey in Cobán, Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala’s most beautiful natural attractions, and is not to be missed.

Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay

When planning your stay in the Semuc Champey area, there are several things to keep in mind. The region experiences regular power outages, and internet access is limited even when the electricity is working. Most accommodations are fairly basic, so adjust your expectations accordingly. The road between Lanquín and Semuc Champey is rough, so consider motion sickness if you’re planning to make the journey multiple times.

During the rainy season (May to October), the dirt roads can become quite challenging, and water levels at the pools can rise significantly. Some lodges offer better wet weather facilities than others, so check reviews from visitors who stayed during this season.

Most accommodation in Lanquín and El Portal areas needs to be booked in advance during high season (December to March), despite their remote location. Many places don’t accept credit cards, so make sure you bring plenty of cash for your entire stay, including activities and transport.

How Long to Stay

Most visitors spend two to three nights in the area. If you’re staying near the pools or in Lanquín, two nights is usually sufficient to explore Semuc Champey and enjoy the surrounding nature. If you’re based in Cobán, you might want to add an extra night to account for transport time to and from the pools.

Where to Stay in Semuc Champey FAQs

Which area is best for first-time visitors to Semuc Champey?

Lanquín is generally the best choice for first-time visitors. It offers a good balance of amenities and jungle experience, with reliable transport to the pools. You’ll find more accommodation options, better facilities, and more dining choices than staying directly at El Portal, while still being close enough to easily visit the pools.

Is it worth staying right next to Semuc Champey pools?

Staying at El Portal near the pools is worth it if you want to be first at the pools in the morning and enjoy a complete jungle immersion experience. However, be prepared for very basic amenities, limited electricity, and isolation. Most lodges offer all-inclusive packages to compensate for the limited dining options.

How difficult is the journey from Lanquín to Semuc Champey?

The journey from Lanquín to Semuc Champey takes about an hour on a bumpy dirt road. While the distance isn’t great, the road conditions can make it challenging, especially during rainy season. Most accommodations in Lanquín include transport to the pools in their rates or can arrange it for a small fee.

Should I stay in Cobán when visiting Semuc Champey?

Cobán is best used as a stopover point when travelling from Guatemala City or Antigua, rather than as a base for visiting Semuc Champey. While it offers the most comfortable accommodation options, it’s about four hours from the pools, making day trips impractical.

How many days do I need in Semuc Champey?

Two to three nights is typically enough time to fully experience Semuc Champey. This allows for one full day at the pools and additional time for other activities like cave tours or river tubing. If you’re staying in Cobán, add an extra night to account for transport time.

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