LOCATION
DIFFICULTY
ACTIVITY
LENGTH
Full day
AV. COST
50 - 150 euro p.p.
Lanquin is a charming town in Guatemala, surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys. Reaching Lanquin can be an adventurous journey in itself, as the town's remote location makes it a lesser visited place. While the road to Lanquin may be challenging, the effort is well worth it. The winding paths leading to this hidden gem take you through breathtaking landscapes, passing by dense forests, and crossing rivers along the way. Once you arrive in Lanquin, the sense of seclusion and tranquility envelops you, offering a true escape from the bustling outside world.You'll find beautiful hostels that allow you to calm down after the long trip there.
From there, you can visit Semuc Champey, a breathtaking sight tucked away in the jungle. It features turquoise pools cascading over stone terraces, creating a paradise-like setting. Spend your days swimming, hiking, and exploring the caves with their mesmerizing rock formations. If you are adventurous, check out the caving experience, or try cliff jumping or rope swinging! Back in Lanquin, enjoy delicious Guatemalan food and immerse yourself in the local culture by joining dance performances and celebrations. Lanquin and Semuc Champey offer an unforgettable experience, combining adventure, natural beauty, and a taste of Guatemala's vibrant spirit.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHERE IS SEMUC CHAMPEY?
Semuc Champey is located about 45 minutes - 1 hour away by pick up truck from Lanquin. Most people arrive all the way from Flores or Panajachel, by shuttle. The closest city to Lanquin is Copan, about 2 hours away.
For Semuc Champey, book a tour at your hotel or hostel, or find a local company in Lanquin​
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From Flores to Lanquin
Every morning at 8.00, a shuttle leaves from Flores to Lanquin. The drive is about 10 hours and you can book a ticket at your hostel or hotel or book it in advance on Guatego.
From Panajachel to Lanquin
At 7.00 in the morning, the shuttle leaves from "Pana" to Lanquin. The trip will take about 9 hours and you will make a short stop to have some dinner at a mall in Copan.
TRAVEL TIPS
The K'an Ba Caves
Arriving at the K'an Ba Caves you are asked to put all your stuff in a box and to put on swim shoes - if you don't have these you can rent them from the kids that live near Semuc Champey, they will offer them to you. Don't go into the cave without any shoes on, as you are sure to cut your feet ont he pointy rocks underwater.
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Going into the caves your guide will hand you a candle, and you will have to swim with one arm up (feeling like the Statue of Liberty) from here on out. There's not much light coming from these candles and you will also not be wearing a helmet, so watch out!
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One more piece of advice is to keep your mouth shut as much as possible when swimming or jumping into the water. The water here is not moving and because of that you can get ill after swallowing too much.
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We loved this experience and would recommend it for sure!
The tubing
This is an activity we personally did not partake in as our hostel didn't offer it. During 30 minutes you can float along this lazy river in your tube, and can buy beers from the locals along the way.
The packing list
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Swimclothes
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A sports camera or waterproof phone case
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A floaty that you can connect to your camera - we lost our camera and this led to a long story.
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Watershoes or sandals
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Water
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Sunscreen
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A lock for the closets in which you can put your stuff away
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Lunch (which you often get from your hostel/hotel to bring along)
WHERE TO STAY
I will only promote hotels/hostels in which I or my friends have actually stayed. That way I try to keep my recommendations as honest as possible! When you click on one of these links & finish a booking, I earn a small amount from Booking.com.
One of the last local-owned accommodations in Lanquin. Support the local community by staying here while enjoying a cozy and calm area. The outside living room and family dinners are great.
Rooms starting at €35 / night
Beds starting at €15 / night
Lanquin
A bustling, famous backpackers hostel whose name you will see on stickers all throughout Guatemala
Rooms starting at €60 / night
Beds starting at €20 / night
Lanquin
The party hostel in the area.
Rooms starting at €50 / night
Beds starting at €22 / night
Lanquin
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