Hola! My name is Rebeca but my friends call me Rebe. I’m from Guatemala City. I grew up and still live here. One of my biggest passions is traveling around the world but when the pandemic hit I started traveling inside Guatemala. I wanted to get to know my country better and I found out that Guatemala has it all – amazing places like Semuc Champey and Tikal.
Guatemala is paradise – it’s even better than the photos. I feel so lucky to live in a country with perfect weather, where everywhere you look you can see a volcano and more! The culture and gastronomy is incredible and also we have many secret hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Why Semuc Champey is so Special
I have lost count of how many times I have visited Semuc Champey. It’s one of my top 5 favorite places in Guatemala. Semuc Champey, where the river hides under the stones, is a natural monument. Rio Cahabon goes under natural turquoise pools – with pure water that comes from the mountain.
The most popular way to see Semuc Champey in all its glory is by walking to El Mirador. It takes about 45 minutes to get there but it’s totally worth it. You get to see the river that goes under the natural pools and the mountains in the distance look really spectacular as well. Of course, you have to go swimming as there are natural slides and pools to relax in!
Another great way to see this natural monument is to join a tour. I love to join tours because every time I go I learn something new about this national treasure. Also, you can get easily lost in the jungle and the tour guides know where to go. You can find the tours in most of the hotels but if you want a specific one I can recommend Lanquin Services.
Make sure your tour guide takes you to the K’anba Caves located about a kilometer before you enter Semuc Champey. This is one of my favorite caves in the country. You go inside a cave inside a mountain which is full of water. The best way to enter is with a candle or some type of torch. The swim after the caves is fun – you have the opportunity to swim in the river!
Then there are the waterfalls and tubbing that you can do in the river. All in all, Semuc Champey is a special place for me because every time I go there it makes me realize that Guatemala is paradise. We are so lucky to have a destination like this in our country. It’s mind-blowing how beautiful it is!
My Best Experience at Semuc Champey
The best experience I have ever had was when I went for the first time with a group of friends. We had the best time because none of us truly realized how beautiful it was. Also, we did all the activities – and rafting for us was the highlight. We laughed a lot! It was an adrenaline rush and we love those types of experiences. Staying at the Zephyr Lodge made the trip even better. We made new friends and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Good to Know Before you Go
If you are looking for a place to stay I can recommend the following places: Zephyr Lodge, Hotel Vista Verde, Vinas Hotel and Guayaha Glamping. Once you have booked your accommodation, and any tours you would like to have, then it’s time to prepare yourself for Semuc!
The first thing to know is that it’s a long road to get there but the view makes it worth it! Also, be sure to bring all of the necessary gear like mosquito repellent, water shoes, and a jacket just in case it rains (which happens more often than you think). Bring snacks too because the tours can last all day. Finally, prepare for an adventure of a lifetime. The sunrises and sunsets here are very special if you get the chance to see them.
