Semuc Champey is a natural monument in central Guatemala and is an absolutely breathtaking site to see. With a variety of activities to pick and choose from it’s definitely worth the journey!
How to get to Semuc Champey
You will need to take a shuttle to Semuc Champey from wherever you are in Guatemala. Your hostel will be able to organize this transportation for you.
NOTE: The journey to Semuc Champey is long from pretty much anywhere. The trip from Antigua was about 7-8 hours. Be sure to contact your accommodation so they know your expected arrival time.
Once near Semuc Champey, your driver will drop you off in what seems like a random parking lot. There will be people from various hostels and hotels there, so look for the person that will take you to your specific accommodation. From there, you will most likely ride in the back of a truck with bars for you to hold onto – it doesn’t seem super safe, but it is fun! Soon enough you’ll be at your accommodation and able to book your tours to Semuc Champey!
Where to Stay
There are several options for accommodation in the Semuc Champey area, so feel free to do your own research. However, I stayed at Zephyr Lodge and highly recommend it!
Normal Dorm Price: $17 USD / 140 Q
Deluxe Dorm price: $22 USD / 175 Q
There is a bar and restaurant on the property as it is not located near any other restaurants. There is a pool and a lively atmosphere in the evenings. On top of all that, the surrounding landscape is breathtaking – it’s almost unreal waking up to the view here!
Learn more about Zephyr Lodge HERE. They only take reservations by email (zephyrlodgelanquin@gmail.com) or WhatsApp (502) 4646 0909
Book Some Tours
It is easiest to book your Semuc Champey tours through your accommodation once you arrive. If you stay at Zephyr Lodge, I recommend giving yourself about two full days there to do the two main tours available.
Tour 1 – Exploring the Natural Monument: The must-do tour is an in-depth exploration of the Semuc Champey pools and limestone cliffs. Your guide will bring you through all the various pools of this natural wonder, showing you where it is safe to cliff jump or water slide to the next level down. You will also have the option to go under some of the limestone to see some air pockets within. You’ll also go up to the famous viewing point where you cans see all of Semuc Champey from above.
Note: Do not follow your guide into the air pockets if you are claustrophobic – you are basically surrounded by water and limestone on all sides of your head with no way out other than through.
Second Note: the cliff jumping is very manageable. There are some spots where it is the only option to continue on with the tour but they are all very short jumps and perfectly safe.
Also included in this tour is a candle-lit exploration of the Kan’Ba Caves. You will be given a single candle and led through dark caves. Honestly, this was a very strange experience and the majority of the time I was very focused on swimming and keeping my candle lit at the same time. I still had lots of fun though and it is a wild experience to tell your friends about!
Price: $25 USD / 200 Q
Tour 2 – River Tubing: The other tour option available is a day of tubing along the Cahabon/Lanquin River. You can buy beers along the way and there are a couple of stops for games, food, and hanging out with newfound friends! This is definitely not a necessary tour – but definitely a day well spent.
Price: $13 USD / 100 Q
Semuc Champey is a stunning natural monument of Guatemala and I 100% recommend visiting the area. You don’t need much time to see everything, but you will without a doubt have a lot of fun during the few days you spend there!
Sylvia's Gap Year 