Your complete Guide to Semuc Champey, Guatemala!

Last updated on June 10th, 2026 at 02:03 am

Semuc Champey is my idea of a good time. It was my favourite thing I did in Guatemala and I don’t think I just struck it lucky. There were others around but not many. I could have stayed longer given I love my swimming – but I wasn’t rushed!

ITs a fun time with plenty of action from tubing the river to a big swing, and from caving, to hiking to a stunning viewpoint and relaxing in the pools. You can even have a go cliff jumping if you are gutsy enough! And, even better, the pools are as beautiful as the photos show.

It was just a great trip to a beautiful place and this post answers all your questions, gives you important tips to make the day go smoothly, and tells you how to get there and all you need to know to have a great day out.

Enjoy!!

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Plan for your trip

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are some highly recommended options for Semuc Champey:

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!

Relaxing-by-the-turquoise-Semuc-Champey-pools-in-Guatemala — Relaxing by the turquoise Semuc Champey pools in Guatemala

So what is Semuc Champey?

It is simply a river (the Cabahón River) flowing between lovely green wooded cliffs with natural limestone bridges, and gorgeously turquoise natural pools that makes you think of fairytales. There is also a cave to explore, and a great little hike to a lookout point above the river and pools. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Guatemala despite being a real schlep to get there!

Where is Semuc Champey?

Semuc Champey is located in central Guatemala, about 40 minutes from the nearest town – Lanquin. It may be central geographically but, like I said, it doesn’t feel very central when it comes to getting there!

How do I get to Semuc Champey?

Basically you need to get to Lanquin first. Most people come here between Flores and Lake Atitlan or Antigua – or vice versa. From Flores, Guatemala City or Antigua its an 8 hour tourist shuttle bus trip! You can get here on public buses but its going to take longer. Ok if you have time and don’t mid changing chicken buses a lot – but I recommend just taking the tourist shuttle.

These are some shuttle options:

Then to get to Semuc Champey itself it is a 40 minute drive on the back of a 4wd / pick up truck – which is great fun in itself.

Travelling-by-jeep-toward-Semuc-Champey-in-Guatemala — Travelling by jeep toward Semuc Champey in Guatemala

You can do a long day trip from Guatemala City if you are really pressed for time! These trips are highly rated:

But I think these 3-day tours are a better option:

When should I visit Semuc Champey?

Its best during dry season – December to April. In the wet season Semuc Champey can be closed if the rainfall is enough to make the river flood. Apparently it doesn’t happen often, but does happen.

What do you do at Semuc Champey?

There is a basic tour that everyone in town offers. They all do the same thing – the only difference may be if you can negotiate extra time at the pools or negotiate the tour price! The things you can do (you don’t have to do them all) are: explore the cave, do the swing into the river, cliff jump, walk to the lookout, relax in the pools, and tube the river.

You can also go it alone – take a jeep to Semuc Champey, pay the entrance fee and off you go. The park is open from 8am – 4pm. I absolutely wish I had known the set up and stayed in Semuc Champey for two nights so I could stay and enjoythe river more.

Note: The guides are good at spreading the groups out so that not everyone is trying to do the same thing at the same time! Its unlikely to be crowded.

1. Rope swing into the river

On your way to the pools you pass a rope swing which will land you nicely in the river. Given the temperature at Semus Champey is tropically warm, and the rivers a bit cooler – its no shock to the body to jump in like this. In fact its very nice! This is a lot of easy fun – go as many times as you can!

Don’t worry – its your choice whether you want to swing or not – but its not a high jump or anything like that so just go for it!

2. Cliff jump into the river

A bit further on you get to some waterfall / cliffs below “the pools.” There are a number of places of varying heights that you can jump from – a few meters up to 12 meters and more.

You only do the ones you feel comfortable with. Nearly everyone jumps from the first low cliff and then the cliffs get higher and higher. By the time you get to the last 12m one there might be one or two still jumping – but definitely not me!!

The-big-swing-into-the-river-and-cliff-jumping-in-Semuc-Champey-in-Guatemala — The big swing into the river and cliff jumping in Semuc Champey

3. Explore the Kanba Cave by candlelight

Candles-in-the-cave-at-Semuc-Champey-in-Guatemala — Candles in the cave at Semuc Champey

This was great fun – no headlights or helmets, but a candle which you held in front of you and one arm up above the water when wading – actually almost swimming – through it!

There is a rope to climb up a wall at the end of the walk / swim into the cave – with a bit of waterfall makes it even more fun to try! Don’t worry – you don’t have to! But its really really fun!

Note: You can get a life jacket if you don’t swim.

4. Walk to the lookout

Its your choice whether you do this or not but I highly highly highly recommend you do! Its about 1km – up – with a lot of stairs.

You might be pleased to hear that some enterprising souls place themselves at strategic points on the way with coconuts and watermelon for sale – which is absolutely perfect after breaking the sweat to get up there!

5. Swim and hang out at the stunning pools

Literally just that – you hang out, you swim in these incredible pools, you enjoy!

The view down over the pools and river is great – you get a real perspective of the whole area. And the photos are real – it is that colour without any filters etc.

Semuc-Champey-pools-in-Guatemala — Semuc Champey pools in Guatemala

6. Tube down the river

Get in your tube and float……down the river. I love tubing so this was nice. If you haven’t done it before then this is a great easy introduction to tubing!

If you are on your own without a tour, you can hire tubes and enjoy this as well. This is one more reason to stay in Semuc Champey and enjoy the river for a second day (or more).

Tubing-down-the-river-in-Semuc-Champey-in-Guatemala — Tubing down the river in Semuc Champey in Guatemala

Is Semuc Champey worth the long trip in and out?

Honestly – yes! I was very dubious and nearly skipped it. But I’m totally glad I went – it was definitely one of the very top highlights in Guatemala for me – if not the top! If you are on limited time, you may not be able to do this, unless you are not going to Antigua or Atitlan, but if you have the time – go!

Where to stay in Lanquin and Semuc Champey?

Its easiest to stay in Lanquin and take a day trip. BUT if you make the effort to stay in Semuc Champey itself, you get to spend longer in this lovely area and have it to yourself after the day trippers have gone! You’re going to have to decide.

In Lanquin

In Lanquin I stayed at Hotel Rabin Itzam as I had left it late to book and most options were gone, but I thought was pretty good, had a great location, and really helpful staff. These are other highly rated options:

High End – Mountain Nest has really high ratings!

Mid Range – Guayaha

Budget – Casa Mary, is very popular. If your looking for the party hostel, Greengos is really popular and the choice for most! Ch’i Bocol Community Hostel is also very popular but a bit out of town – you can get a tuktuk though!

At Semuc Champey

El Retiro Lodge Lanquin is a great hostel.

Utopia Eco Hotel is a bit more upmarket and very highly rated.

Frequently Asked Questions about Semuc Champey

Q: Is Semuc Champey worth visiting?
A: See above – yes, but don’t rush it – try and stay a couple of days between the long trip in and out!

Q: How do I get to Semuc Champey?
A: From Antigua Guatemala, Flores, or Guatemala City travel to Lanquín. From there you get a 4wd on the rough road to Semuc Champey.

Q: How many days do I need at Semuc Champey?
A: At a minimum you want 1 full day at Semuc Champey, with 2 nights in Lanquín. But if you love the pools and swimming – bring a book and picnic and come back for a second day. I doubt you will regret it.

Q: Can you swim at Semuc Champey?
A: Absolutely, yes – its the highlight! DFo the hike first so you can cool off and chill after. Walk to different areas of the pools to try different parts!

Q: Is Semuc Champey safe?
A: Basically, yes. Use normal travel precautions – avoid displaying valuables and use reputable transport providers. In terms of health and wellbeing – be careful on wet rocks!

Q: When is the best time to visit Semuc Champey?
A: The dry season is better – from November to April. It can be lovely in the wet season but heavy rain can affect the river flow and water clarity, and the trail conditions so its hit and miss!

Q: What is Lanquín and should I stay there?
A: In my opinion yes for at least a night. Lanquín is the gateway town to Semuc Champey and after a long journey to get to the area it is great to stop and get a shower! You can always stay closer to Semuc Champey the next night! But there is plenty of accommodation here and transport is easy.

Q: Can I visit Semuc Champey without a tour?
A: Yes definitely – you can get a ride from Lanquin and go alone. You simply have to pay the entrance fee – its open from 8am to 4pm and best if you come early to avoid the crowds. You do need a guide for the caves, but can pay for one for a small fee when you get there.

Q: What should I bring to Semuc Champey?
A: Swimsuit, water shoes and walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, drinking water, cash, towel, drybag.

Q: How difficult is the Mirador hike?
A: Its short and steep but not hard – its just very humid so you will be sweating and glad to get in the water afterwards! you will be able to buy coconut on the way up to drink – I recommend you do!

Tips for a good day at Semuc Champey

Spend at least two nights in Lanquin, add a night at Seumc Champey if you want two days in the pools! Staying locally adds to the experience with jungle views, swimming spots, hammocks, and even wildlife sightings!
Be careful about the tour you go on. I did hear that some hostels will send huge groups – 20-40 people. You don’t want that. Be very clear about the maximum size of the group before you book!
Aim to get there as early as possible – it opens at 8am – to avoid the bigger crowds (although it wasn’t bad in my experience – it is just more peaceful the fewer people there are).
Check if your tour will have a locked place to store your bag when in the caves. If not – take a padlock for your locker.
Bring a head torch if you have one – just in case you need it at some point in the cave.
Go to the viewpoint first – its a hot sweaty walk and you can cool off in the pools afterwards.
Take water – you’re going to need it!
Have decent shoes for the walk to the viewpoint, and crocs or water shoes for tubing and when in the water.
You can buy food at Semuc Champey but it was limited and probably a bit pricier than normal – you might want to bring your own and just buy snacks from one of the stands.
Bring some cash for snacks and the watermelon or coconut on the way up to the lookout. You will thank me later!
Bring a drybag for your important bits and pieces – phone etc
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!! Take a towel or sarong to dry off with.
Do the cave tour – its a lot of fun!