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.

What region is Semuc Champey in?

Situated in the region of Alta Verapaz in the northeast of Guatemala, Semuc Champey is considered a natural monument for its unique formation, and it is one of the most visited places by travelers coming to explore Guatemala from all over the world. Semuc Champey means “where the river hides under the earth”.

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.

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.

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.

CAVE SWIMMING AT SEMUC CHAMPEY - TRAVELLING IN GUATEMALA (Part 2)

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 is semuc Champey known for?

Semuc Champey is famed for its great natural limestone bridge, 300m long, on top of which is a stepped series of pools with cool, flowing river water good for swimming.

Is semuc Champey open?

The opening hours will be 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, Tuesday-Sunday. The move comes after authorities reached consensus with local communities over health protocols. Semuc Champey will open at a limited capacity of 60 people per day. Visitors will need to book their trip in advance by phone.

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 there to do in lanquin Guatemala?

• Semuc Champey. 1,219. ...
• Lanquin Caves. 256. ...
• Grutas Las Marias. 116. ...
• Lanquin Outdoors. Bike Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours.
• Utopia Cacao Farms. Factory Tours. ...
• Aventura Grande. Other Outdoor Activities.
• Lanquin Chocolate. Lessons & Workshops.
• Aventuras turisticas. Hop-On Hop-Off Tours • Taxis & Shuttles.

What can you do at 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.

Is Coban worth visiting?

Coban, located in the area of Alta Verapaz is very rich in flora and fauna. ... A perfect place to enjoy eco-tourism, Coban will offer you a big concentration of natural reserves, cave systems and rain forests.

Who is famous from Guatemala?

• Miguel Ángel Asturias. Diplomat. ...
• Oscar Isaac. Actor. ...
• Efraín Ríos Montt. Politician. ...
• Carlos Ruiz. Soccer. ...
• Jacobo Árbenz. Politician. ...
• Marco Pappa. Soccer Midfielder. ...
• Otto Pérez Molina. Politician. ...
• Alfonso Portillo. Politician.

What are 5 interesting facts about Guatemala?

• The national bird lends its name to the Guatemalan currency. ...
• Guatemala means “land of many trees” ...
• It has been inhabited for 20,000 years. ...
• 22 languages are spoken in the country. ...
• The CIA overthrew a socialist government in 1954.

How much does it cost to go to Tikal Guatemala?

To visit Tikal you'll be required to pay the entrance fee of 150 GTQ, roughly $20 USD. Do note that this is the general entrance fee, and those doing a sunrise tour will be charged 250 GTQ, or around $33 USD. If you plan on visiting Uaxactun as well, you'll need to pay an extra 50 GTQ.

How deep is the semuc Champey?

After taking a right turn and a few wiggles, the river arrives at a natural limestone formation known as Semuc Champey and plunges underneath it for over 300 metres – forming possibly the most terrifying waterfall on the planet.

How far is Coban from Antigua?

How to Get from Antigua to Cobán. Cobán, in the Guatemalan Central Highlands, is just 125 miles (200 km) from Antigua, but the mountains and notoriously bad roads mean that it is at least a six-hour drive from the city.

How do you get from Antigua Guatemala to Lake Atitlan?

1. By Private Transfer. Duration: 2+ hours (traffic dependent) ...
2. By Private Tour. Duration: full day (or longer) ...
3. By Private Taxi or Rideshare. Duration: 2+ hours (traffic dependent) ...
4. By Helicopter. Duration: <25 minutes (or half/full-day tour) ...
5. By Rental Car. ...
6. By Shared Shuttle. ...
7. By Chicken Bus.

How do you get from lanquin to Flores?

How to get the Flores to Lanquin shuttle. The shuttle from Flores Island (by the I heart Peten sign) costs 130 Quetzals and takes around 9 hours. You can book through Hotel Los Amigos or online here (at an additional price). The shuttle leaves at 8am and gets into Lanquin at around 17:00 at the Centro De Salud Lanquin.

What do they drink in Guatemala?

The national beer of Guatemala is Gallo, however, other common beer brands include Dorada, Sol and Victoria. Guaro liquor is another popular alcoholic beverage. Limonada con soda is a refreshing drink made from freshly squeezed lemonade and soda water.

What is typical Guatemalan food?

Food items such as pork, rice, beef, cheese, chilies, corn, tortillas, and beans are the primary ingredients of traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Certain Guatemalan foods are commonly eaten on specific days of the week. For instance, patches (Tamales) are typically consumed on Thursdays.

What is the population of Coban Guatemala?

The municipality of Cobán has a population of approximately 251,000 people.

What is Coban Guatemala known for?

Cobán is also known for their basketball history. The youth leagues are the best in the country.

How do I get from Tikal to Lake Atitlan?

The cheapest way to get from Lago de Atitlán to Tikal is to bus and Public Minibus which costs $29 - $40 and takes 16h 32m. What is the fastest way to get from Lago de Atitlán to Tikal? The quickest way to get from Lago de Atitlán to Tikal is to Private Shuttle and bus and fly which costs $150 - $550 and takes 8h 35m.