Semuc Champey
The limestone pools at the Semuc Champey Natural Monument have quickly grown into one of the area’s most popular attractions. Set just outside the small town of Lanquín, Semuc Champey is composed of a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls. It’s a fantastic place to swim and relax.
Semuc Champey was once a remote attraction, but today it has become one of Las Verapaces’ top draws. The pools here form a staircase of turquoise pools that extend over a natural limestone bridge. The water is the runoff from the Río Cahabón, which tunnels underground before reemerging downstream of the pools. This picturesque place is one of Guatemala’s best spots for swimming and sunning.
Aside from relaxing in the placid pools, travelers can walk along a series of trails and hanging bridges that extend into the nearby forest. You can visit the spot where the Río Cahabón plunges underground or hike up a steep trail that leads to a lookout with excellent views of the pools. There’s also a visitors center where you can buy food and drinks.
Semuc Champey is about 6 miles (10 km) from Lanquín. There are a few hotels nearby, although many people choose to stay in Lanquín and day trip to the pools. Camping at Semuc Champey is also possible.
Semuc Champey itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Semuc Champey itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Nature Week in Guatemala with Friends
Swap bustling city streets for the emerald heart of Guatemala, where mist‑kissed highlands and turquoise lakes reveal a world of untamed nature and timeless Maya heritage. Your week threads through Lanquín’s rainforest canopy, Semuc Champey’s limestone pools, and Lake Atitlán’s volcanic rim, each microclimate delivering zip‑lining thrills, river swims, and coffee‑farm tours. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides share Maya traditions, sustainable farming, and volcanic legends, leaving you with vivid memories of adventure, community, and the pristine beauty of Guatemala’s wild heart.
Volcanoes, Lakes, and Hot Springs
The rich history and beautiful sights blew us away! We got more than we expected from this Guatemala trip.
Experiences in Semuc Champey
Explore hand-picked Semuc Champey tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Semuch Champey Experience
Where to stay in Semuc Champey
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Semuc Champey accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hostal Oasis
This hostal is right outside of Lanquín Caves National Park. It is between Lanquín Caves National Park and the pools of Semuc Champey, which are two of the most interesting sites in Guatemala.
Nanajuana Hotel & Marina
The hotel is set along the Río Dulce. This resort has tropical gardens, a swimming pool, and water-view rooms.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
