How do you get from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey?
The easiest and best way to get to Semuc Champey from Guatemala City is by private transfer (around a 7.5-hr drive), but you can also hire a car, or take a tourist shuttle bus to Lanquín.
How much time do you need at Semuc Champey?
The hike takes about 45 minutes each way, and is quite steep on some pretty rickety stairs in some parts. At the top, there’s a platform you can view the pools from, and a few women sell fresh fruits and coconuts. Semuc Champey is just one of many amazing things to do in Guatemala.
What is the nearest large city to Semuc Champey?
Minibuses will drop you off at Lanquin, the town closest to Semuc Champey and from there you can either walk for about 2.5 hours or take a 4×4 pickup truck “taxi” to the entrance of the falls. Most hotels in and around Lanquin also offer day tours to Semuc Champey.
How much does it cost to go to Semuc Champey?
Semuc Champey is essentially a naturally formed water park sitting in the middle of the Guatemalan jungle, well worth the 50 quetzales (about $6.75 USD) admission price.
Is Semuc Champey open?
The caves are open every day at Semuc Campey from 9 am to 3 pm and entrance with a guide is 60Q per person (that includes your candle!) This guided tour from Lanquin actually includes the visit to Semuc Champey along with the cave tour!
Why should I go to Semuc Champey?
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. Semuc Champey is definitely a do-it-yourself kind of attraction.
Is Semuc Champey safe?
As long as you stick to swimming in the pools, Semuc Champey is a safe place to swim – just be sure to stay away from either end of the pools. Here you have the entrance and exit of the river under the limestone rock. This part has strong currents and at one end could suck you under the rock.
What can you do at Semuc Champey?
Things to do in Semuc Champey?
- Go swimming in the pools. We might as well start with the number one reason that people choose to visit Semuc Champey.
- Enjoy a scenic walk around the park.
- Hike to the viewpoint.
- Check out the waterfall.
- Have a go on the rope swing.
- Explore the cave.
- Go tubing.
Where is Semuc Champey located in Guatemala?
Alta Verapaz
Semuc Champey (Where the river hides under the stones) is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300 m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River.
How do you get from Antigua to Semuc Champey?
One of the easiest ways—aside from private transfers, of course—to get around Guatemala, tourist shuttle buses run daily from Antigua to Semuc Champey. They will pick you up from your accommodation in the city and drop you off at the bus station in Lanquín. You might have to change buses half-way through.
What can you do in Semuc Champey?
What time does Semuc Champey open?
8 am to 4 pm
Semuc Champey is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily. When is the best time of the day to visit Semuc Champey? If you want to avoid the crowds and large tour groups I recommend visiting Semuc Champey first thing in the morning when the gates open at 8 am.