By air
La Aurora International (GUA), ~8 h by road
North America · Guatemala
Semuc Champey, Guatemala
Turquoise pools on a limestone bridge
Getting there
Best time to visit
November to April — drier and clearer water
Don't miss
The Semuc Champey pools
El Mirador viewpoint
The Kanba caves
The Lanquín caves
Things to do
Swimming in the pools
Candle-lit cave walks
River tubing
Hiking to the viewpoint
Where to eat
What to pack
Water shoes, swimwear, a dry bag, insect repellent
A quieter corner
Tubing down the Cahabón River at Lanquín
Questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Semuc Champey?
November to April — drier and clearer water. What to pack: Water shoes, swimwear, a dry bag, insect repellent.
How do I get to Semuc Champey?
Fly into La Aurora International (GUA), ~8 h by road.
What is there to do in Semuc Champey?
Swimming in the pools, candle-lit cave walks, river tubing, hiking to the viewpoint. A quieter find: Tubing down the Cahabón River at Lanquín.
What should I eat in Semuc Champey?
Kak'ik turkey soup, tamales, local cardamom and cacao.
About Semuc Champey
- Forest
- Riverside
Where it is
Semuc Champey is a natural monument near the town of Lanquín in Alta Verapaz in central Guatemala, set in a steep, forested river valley.
History
The area has long been home to the Q'eqchi' Maya, who farm the surrounding hills. Its pools and caves were little known outside the region until travellers began arriving in growing numbers in the late 20th century, and the site is now protected and run as a natural monument.
People
The people of Alta Verapaz are mostly Q'eqchi' Maya who speak Q'eqchi' and Spanish and farm cardamom, coffee and cacao on the steep, green hillsides.
Known for
- Stepped turquoise pools
- The Cahabón River
- Candle-lit cave swimming
- Rainforest hiking
Did you know?
The pools of Semuc Champey sit on a natural limestone bridge, while the Cahabón River rushes underneath through a tunnel beneath them.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.