Semuc Champey

Late December, with Brittany’s brother and mom coming to visit, we made it our mission to visit what some have called “the most beautiful place in Guatemala.” Semuc Champey is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, near the rural town of Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swimming attraction.

The journey to get there however, would not be easy. Wanting the easiest, hassle-free trip, we hopped on a bus to Cobán, the biggest city nearby. Within an hour of René and Nancy’s arrival we were on a bus, starting what would be about a 5 hour bus ride.


Cobán was in many ways a normal Guatemalan city, but thanks to Semuc Champey’s proximity, had some decent hotels and okay restaurants. Planning to spend a little more time exploring Cobán on the return trip, we remained there for only a night before catching a shuttle to Lanquín, the jumping off point to the park. Since the lodge in Lanquín would not take reservations for whatever reason, we called three times early in the morning, until we had secured beds for all four of us. After a twisty two hour ride and plenty of car sickness, we were dropped off at El Retiro Lodge, as we soon found out, THE place to be in Lanquín. Walking down the hill to the reception desk we were met with the milky-green waters of a beautiful river passing next to the lodge. Once we got there we even got them to give us a room for 4 at the dorm rate, saving us about half the normal cost by sharing the space.

Wanting to make the most of our time there, we immediately took advantage of the river by going tubing for about an hour. For a decent price, the lodge drove us up the road a few kilometers to a launch off point where we were awed by the unique color of the water.


After a long day of riding in a van and floating down the river is was time to feast. The lodge had a great fixed vegetarian dinner each night for only about 5 dollars and all you could eat. Taking advantage of the cheap happy hour as well, we were all happy, fed, and ready to party. Playing a Jenga game made out of 2x4 lumber got things going and soon the whole place was filled with Jenga, drinking, and ultimately dancing (on top of the bar as well).


The next day it was off to see the natural wonder that is Semuc Champey. After a quick pickup ride we arrived at the park where we started the day off with a rope swing into the river. Only a few of the tour group were brave enough to take it on, but all the Kazas and Pierings grabbed the swing with gusto. After already being wet, we donned our headlamps (René a candle) case for a 2 hour water adventure into a cave where we swan, climbed over waterfalls with ropes and did some cannonballs into a deep pool at the end of the cave. Very excited from the spelunking, we couldn’t believe that we still hadn’t seen the main event.


After a detour to jump off a bridge, (or in Rene’s case, jump, flip, and dive of the bridge), we hiked to a viewpoint of the natural pools which was awe-inspiring. The water was a green like no other. Unfortunately by the time we reached the pools themselves the weather had rolled in and we kept the swimming to a minimum. The place was so beautiful; we will try to just let the pictures speak for themselves. Add another check to the list of must sees in Guatemala.