Semuc Champey
Crystalline waters, fresh air and nature all around wait for you at Semuc Champey, which means -Sacred water hidden under the stones-.
Semuc, mostly known as Champey, are the peaceful formations that the river leaves after disappearing under the rocks. Right under a cave system filled with water ends to the open right ahead.
Make your choice
From floating around, swimming and snorkeling, you can enjoy the clear water at Semuc.
If you are lucky, a fine rain will refresh the air, this is called -chipi chipi-, where the finest drops of water you can imagine float all around.
Semuc is often sunny and warm so don't worry too much about the weather.
What to expect at Semuc Champey?
- Safety, the place is secure enough. You can also ask for permission to camp over there.
- Peace. Trust me, some pools are so calm that you will end up almost falling sleep captive by the silence and quietness.
- Great trails among the trees. Also, the karstic formations hidden between the trees amaze with their shapes.
- Nature all around. Semuc has no hotels at the place, so, it is a peaceful location with the touch of nature.
- Of course, lots of fun. Just think about it, a sunny place with clear water waiting for you.
Where to stay at Semuc Champey
You can find two main hotels, El Recreo and El Patio. Also consider some decent and cheap places to stay the homes of the locals at Lanquin, at only minutes from there.
How to get to Semuc
Get to Coban first (the center of Alta Verapaz) via Carretera al Atlantico. Then drive to San Pedro Carcha and a road will take you straight to Semuc Champey.
The whole drive takes about 5 hours from Guatemala City but is totally worth the wait.
In fact from Carcha to Semuc the landscape is quite beautiful. The roads are in great condition.
Related notes
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Beauty of Semuc Champey
Cancuén archaeological site
Sepalau Lagoons
Laguna Lachuá, a Mirror of the sky
Bombil Pek cave
Bombil Pek
Lachua lagoon Laguna de Lachuá
San Cristobal Acasaguastlan
Wonderful Quiche
Quirigua Archaeological Site
Zaculeu maya ruins