When planning a trip to Guatemala, most people have the same destinations on their itinerary: Antigua, Lake Atitlán, maybe Flores for Tikal. But one place that often gets left off is Semuc Champey.
Whether it’s because of the long journey to get there or because people simply haven’t heard of it, many backpackers choose to skip it. Personally, I think that’s a huge mistake.
Yes, it takes a bit of effort to reach, but it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in all of Central America. With its bright turquoise pools, lush jungle surroundings, caves, waterfalls and laid-back atmosphere, Semuc Champey absolutely deserves a spot on your Guatemala itinerary.
How to get to Semuc Champey
If you’re backpacking through Central America, you’ll most likely be travelling from Flores, Antigua, or Guatemala City.
The easiest option is to book a tourist shuttle, which usually takes around 7–8 hours (road conditions permitting). You can also travel by chicken bus if you’re on a tighter budget, but be prepared for a much longer day. The journey can take anywhere from 10–15 hours, with multiple bus changes along the way.
Where to stay
I stayed at Greengo’s Hotel & Hostel, and it ended up being my favourite hostel from my entire Central America trip (out of 16 hostels!).
After being picked up in Lanquín, it’s about a 45-minute 4WD drive through the jungle to the hostel, which is located just beyond the entrance to Semuc Champey National Park.
One thing to note is that the pickup from Lanquín is complimentary, but the return trip costs Q35. Alternatively, you can book your onward shuttle directly through Greengo’s, which I found to be the easiest option.
The hostel itself is incredible. Hidden away in the jungle, it has a large swimming pool, bar, restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and plenty of communal spaces to relax after a day of exploring.
One of the biggest advantages is its location. Greengo’s is one of the few places within walking distance of the Semuc Champey entrance, saving you both time and transport costs compared to staying elsewhere.
Another popular option is Zephyr Lodge, which is famous for its spectacular infinity pool overlooking the surrounding jungle and valley.
Things to do in Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is open daily from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, and there is plenty to keep you busy for a couple of days.
Hike to El Mirador
If you’ve seen photos of Semuc Champey online, chances are they were taken from El Mirador.
The hike takes around 30-45 minutes each way for most people, although I reached the top in about 15 minutes. It’s short but surprisingly steep, especially in the Guatemalan heat.
The reward is one of the best viewpoints I’ve ever experienced. Looking down over the bright turquoise limestone pools winding through the jungle almost doesn’t look real.
Bring plenty of water and wear shoes with decent grip. I wouldn’t recommend doing this hike in sandals.
Swim in the turquoise pools
After hiking to the viewpoint, cool off in the famous pools themselves.
The crystal-clear water stays at a comfortable temperature, making it easy to spend hours swimming between the different pools. Even when there are plenty of visitors, the area is spread out enough that it rarely feels overcrowded.
It’s every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest.
Take the caving tour
Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights of my visit.
The adventure begins inside the K’an Ba Caves, where your only source of light is a candle you’re given at the entrance. Walking through the caves by candlelight was both eerie and unforgettable.
Along the way, we waded through chest-deep water, climbed small waterfalls, squeezed through narrow passages, and even slid down a natural rock waterslide.
After leaving the caves, the adventure continued with a giant rope swing into the river, followed by a swim beneath a cascading waterfall that genuinely looked like something out of a movie.
To finish the day, we floated back down the river in tubes while locals threw cold beers into the water for us to buy – a pretty unique way to end an adventure.
If you’re only going to book one activity in Semuc Champey, make it this one.
Go river tubing
There is also a dedicated tubing tour that covers a longer stretch of river than the one included with my cave tour.
Unfortunately, river levels were too low during my visit for it to operate, so I only got a shorter tubing experience. If conditions allow, though, it looks like a fantastic way to spend a few relaxing hours.
Is Semuc Champey worth visiting?
Absolutely.
Even though getting there requires a full day of travel, I’d do it again without hesitation.
I think three nights is the perfect amount of time. That gives you two full days to explore the viewpoint, swim in the pools, tackle the cave tour, and simply enjoy being surrounded by one of Guatemala’s most beautiful landscapes.
If you’re debating whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary, my answer is simple: don’t skip it. It ended up being one of my favourite places in Central America, and I have a feeling it’ll be one of yours too.
Want to know more about what it costs to travel Central America? Read about it here!