Semuc Champey - Lanquin - TravBuddy

Semuc Champey is located 11km south of Lanquin, in a valley slopes with high slope, bordered by tropical forest. It includes a natural bridge 300 meters long, above which there are pools of different shapes and sizes of crystal clear water from springs, with depths of 1 to 4 meters. Beneath this bridge runs the river Cahabón. At the end of the bridge, water from the river basins falls toward forming a cataract of approximately 40 metres high. The colour of water from the pools changes throughout the year depending on the weather, the sun and other natural factors, a phenomenon that is unique in photos. It's a beautiful place that some call "paradise". Activities include: swimming, resting, walking three interpretive trails, discover the flora and fauna, share with the family, meditate, admiring the view from two viewpoints and have contact with nature.

Semuc Champey has a wealth of flora and fauna, including 100 species of birds, 34 mammals, 25 reptiles and amphibians and 10 species of fish; has been identified over 120 species of trees and vines in the area.

The basic infrastructure for tourists include: a visitors center with a cafeteria and bathrooms, toilets, changing rooms, 2 wooden shacks for shelter, a stand of charge, parking area. There are no special services for those who want to camp but are allowed to do so in the former heliport below the entrance. The saved resources can provide guide service for free. Semuc Champey is managed by the Municipality and costs Q20/$2.50 dolars (national), Q30/4.50 dolars (foreigners), Q10 (children), parking (Q10), camping (Q35/5.00 dolars. per tent) aprox prices. Open every day from 8am-6pm.

If the idea of spending a day swimming through pools of torquoise water, diving into a crystal clear pool from the edge of a small waterfall or hiking many small trails through jungle, then this is the place for you. For the prive of 10 quetzales (under $1.50 USD) you can spend the day at this beautiful park. The pools are formed by travertine dams, which are in turn formed by the dissolved limestone of cave systems forming upstream. This limestone is carried in the water and turns it the signature blue color. The limestone is slowly redeposited to form these dams. When one is at the Semuc Champey, one must be careful not to slip into the short cave which goes under the entire feature. The entrance is a gaping maw at the upstream end of the Semuc, which is where you want to watch your step. Two people have fallen in here, and both were swpet into the cave below and killed in the raging water. The downstream entrace is calm, and when water levels are low it can actually be explored, if only for about forty feet. There are also many hiking trails, some with wonderful views of the Semuc Champey or other parts of the Cahabon River. Although we did little hiking, we were still able to see several reptile species along the trail, so keep your eye open while you're hiking! I'd suggest getting there early morning so as to avoid crowds.