How to Visit Semuc Champey: A Complete Guide to Guatemala’s Hidden Paradise
Semuc Champey 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. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swimming attraction.
Semuc Champey came on to my radar after I had already planned my route through Guatemala, which did not include 22 hours on a shuttle to see this site. But, after a blog post put Semuc Champey on to my radar, I knew I needed to get there.
I canceled my flight from Antigua to Flores, and committed to the 12 hour shuttle ride there, followed by an 8 hour shuttle to Flores afterwards.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely.
Here I will breakdown my entire trip from Antigua to Lanquin to visit Semuc Champey and give all the details so you can too.
Getting to Lanquin
To get to Semuc Champey, you need to travel to Lanquin. Due to it’s remote location, this is a lengthy trip, regardless of where you start from.
The quickest and most comfortable way to get to Lanquin from another part of Guatemala is by private car. However; this is also the most expensive route.
Due to being more cost effective, the shuttles are the most popular way to get to Lanquin.
🚐 To/From Antigua: The route takes anywhere from of 9 to 11 hours, costing an average of $45-64
🚐 To/From Flores: The distance is similar distance from Antigua, but luckily takes only about 8 hours and costs $45-$65
🚐 To/From Panajachel (Lake Atitlan): The route takes approximately 10 hours. *You do NOT need to go to Antigua to get a shuttle to Semuc Champey from Lake Atitlan
🚐 To/From Guatemala City: The route takes approximately 8 hours and costs $45-$65
While you CAN take Chicken buses to Lanquin from any of these points, it is not recommended for several reasons, including; safety, unreliability, lengthy duration of time, and unpredictable routes and schedules.
I opted for the share shuttles as they fit my schedule and budget the best.
My route was Antigua ➡️Lanquin ➡️Flores.
While my ride from Antigua to Lanquin as quite comfortable with frequent stops for restrooms and food, which did make the journey longer but was nice to break it up and be able to stretch and eat more than just snacks.
The ride from Lanquin to Flores started out a bit rough, as they packed the shuttle using the middle seats until we reached Cobin (approximately 1 hour) but then shifted passengers on to another shuttle, so the remainder of the ride was fine.
Arriving in Lanquin
The shuttles use one central stop, The Tourism Bus Terminal in Lanquín, Guatemala located at:
Lanquin Tourism Bus Terminal, H2G8+PWX, Lanqúin, Guatemala
Most of the shuttle services coordinate with local accommodations, as there are only a few, which will pick up guests in vans. From here, you can also take a tuktuk to your accommodation or walk depending on where you are staying.
How Long to Stay in Lanquin
This will greatly depend on who you ask, how much time you have, and how quickly you are willing to get back on a shuttle.
The general consensus seems to be 2-4 days.
I was in no hurry and really wanted to have time to relax, as well as do some hikes and explore the area a bit on either side of my visit to Semuc Champey, so I opted for 3 full days.
This was the perfect amount of time for me and allowed a day to relax by the pool, a day to visit Semuc Champey, and a day to go hiking before heading up to Flores.
⭐Giving yourself 2 full says is highly recommended in the event weather is not on your side. It is a long journey to limit yourself to 1 day to visit the park.
Accommodations
Due to it’s remote location, there are limited options for accommodations in Lanquin, but the few that are available offer a good variety of stays and price points, with hostel dorms starting under $10USD and private rooms (or a tent) starting around $20/night depending on season.
These are the most popular accommodations when visiting Semuc Champey.
Guayaha
Booking a tent at Guayaha was a bit of a leap for me, but I had committed to going outside my norm and comfort zone in Guatemala so it felt like the right choice.
I ended up absolutely loving my stay here and even considered extending it. Having a large private space, and TWO full sized beds was a treat after hostel stays and share spaces, even if it was in a tent. I felt very safe and comfortable and had my best nights’ sleep here.
The price point was on par with a hostel, and included transportation to and from the bus terminal, as well as a great breakfast and beautiful property.
There are also standard private hotel rooms on the property for those not seeking the glamping experience but still looking for an elevated, but budget-friendly, stay.
For more information and booking, click here
Hostal Portal de Champey
This was actually where I planned to stay and was ready to book when I discovered Guayaha. It is one of the most popular hostels for visiting Semuc Champey, with private room options and a great price point, it is easy to see why this is a popular option.
A fellow traveler I chatted with on the shuttle spoke very highly of it and said it was one of the best hostel experiences she has had.
For more information and booking, click here
Hostal Oasis The Traveler
For the true backpacking experience, Hostal Oasis The Traveler offers dorms starting around $10/night (as well as private rooms that sleep up to 4) on a beautiful property. This hostel is great for those looking for organized outdoor adventure and group activities.
For more information and booking, click here
Greengos Hotel-Hostel
Greengo's is a colorful hotel-hostel located right in the middle of lush jungle, steep mountains, and clear river waters of the Semuc Champey valley. Inspired by the surrounding natural beauty, Greengo’s was designed to make your visit a unique, fun, and memorable experience.
Greengos is another popular stay on a visit to Semuc Champey and is well known for being a bit of a “one stop shop” as they offer lodging, tours, activities, food and drink, etc to make any stay a complete experience.
It is a bit more remote than other stays, but does offer transportation and the location offers a unique jungle stay.
For more information and booking, click here
Visiting Semuc Champey
There are a few options when it comes to visiting the actual site.
You can explore on your own (which is what I did) or book a tour with a guide. Both private and group tours are available, at varying price points and can be either a few hours to just visit Semuc Champey, or all day to visit other sites in the area as well.
Getting to Semuc Champey
Tours and transportation can be arranged via your hostel or hotel, at varying price points. Anticipate round trip transportation to cost around $15 and Tours (not including entry fees) to start around $30.
Transportation to Semuc Champey is via pick-up truck, and depending on how many passengers there are, you may be standing in the back.
🛺 Tuk Tuks also offer transportation, however; it is a rather lengthy ride for a TukTuk (in my opinion). You can also flag a pick-up truck along the road, or outside your accommodation, which will save you a few dollars each way, but can be a bit unreliable.
The road to the entry is winding and gets quite bumpy and rough as you approach the entry, so if you get car sick, plan accordingly.
What to Know Before You Go
🕰️Opening hours: 8am-4pm
⭐Most tours arrive late morning, so arrive early to avoid crowds
💵Entry is 50 Quetzales (approximately $6.50) which includes access to the pools, caves, and mirador
This can be paid in cash or via credit card.
🚻There is a bathroom across from the ticket booth, as well as at the entry to the pools
🩱There are private changing areas just before the entry to the pools
🛅Lockers are available to store your belongings while in the pools
👟Good shoes are a must for the hike up to the mirador and are highly recommended for the trails.
⭐The pools are VERY slippery. Proper water shoes are highly recommended - not just sandals (even Tevas). I was very glad to have my water socks with good grips.
⌚A visit can be a few hours, or all day. It really just depends on how much time you want to spent in the park. If planning to ascend to the mirador, give adequate time to reach the top, recover, and climb back down (about 90 minutes).
I spent about 6 hours at the park and felt that gave me time to really enjoy it and spend time exploring and relaxing at the pools.
💧Be sure to bring water and snacks, or coins to buy water from the “vendors” selling at the entry. There is no water, or food for purchase past the entry.
🧴Be sure to bring sunscreen. There is little shade coverage at the pools, and the UV index can be very high, all year round.
The Mirador
This ascent to the mirador is a combination of steep inclines, stairs, and switchbacks, followed by a flat trail to the lookout point.
There is no sugar coating it: it’s a pretty tough ascent, but worth it. The views at the Semuc Champey are like nothing I have ever seen.
It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top, but there is no rule here, so you can go ask quickly or slowly as is comfortable for you.
Be sure to wear good shoes and have plenty of water.
Semuc Champey Pools
Semuc Champey's pools are a series of natural, turquoise-colored pools created by the Cahabón River flowing over a limestone bridge. The pools are popular for swimming and offer a unique landscape featuring cascading water and lush vegetation. They are located near the town of Lanquín in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
The pools are the draw to Semuc Champey and swimming around in the crystal-clear water, surrounded by the incredible landscape, is truly an amazing experience.
Due to the expanse of the pools, you can find little quiet pockets to splash around or relax in pretty unbothered. I was lucky that there were very few people when I visited (late March 2025) and it was a really peaceful experience.
Where to Eat
While most hostels and hotels are pretty self-contained with bars and restaurants, and my accommodation had a decent restaurant, I highly recommend a meal at Aragoncito Bistro al Carbón.
🗺️RD-AV-6, Lanqúin, Guatemala
🕰️Sun 12p-8p, Mon - Closed, Tues 12p-9p, Wed 6p-9p, Thurs-Sat 12p-9p
This little family run restaurant has a fantastic menu, including vegan and vegetarian options. Everything is prepared fresh to order and the service is top notch.
The first meal I had here was so good, I returned the next night.
Portion sizes are huge, but the prices are not.
Was changing my plans and spending 20 hours on shuttles worth it to see Sumec Champey?
Absolutely yes.
The peace and beauty of Lanquin was an added bonus and the perfect break on my 3 week Guatemala journey.
If you are traveling through Guatemala, be sure to add Semuc Champey to your itinerary, you won’t regret it.
Click here
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