Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey
5
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5.0
1,248 reviews
Excellent
1,049
Very good
151
Average
24
Poor
6
Terrible
18
Jacqueline D
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
Dec 2019
It was sooo wonderful. I travelled part way on the back of a Ute. What fun and so exciting. The water when you finally arrive is the most beautiful blue-takes your breath away. It was cool and inviting. I swam in just a couple of the pools but some people went to all of them. The view from the lookout is amazing but the steps are many. Wear aqua shoes because the limestone is quite slippery and you must go to the end of the walkway to see the river go under the pools-an amazing sight. My guide was mirrored zea was the best. He comes highly recommended by me.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rowan H
Cairns, Australia1,674 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
My partner and I are visiting Guatemala and added semuc champey to the ‘holy trinity’ of flores/Tikal, Antigua and lake atitlan. Weren’t sure about this originally as it’s a 2 day investment (one additional day of travel, one day visiting the site).
We stayed at greengos and this was a great option as it’s within walking distance to the site (see my seperate review for that). We didn’t do a tour and I can’t see the rationale for doing one.
Entrance was 50Q per person.
We started with the hike to the mirador which is a must do if you want ‘that’ photo. Normally this is a big loop with a steep elevation shortly after entry to the ticket stand and then a less steep but longer descent. Unfortunately the steep section of the official path was roped of but a second somewhat sketchy shortcut has been constructed nearby. It’s the next left after the roped of set of stairs. There will be a sign directing you to the banos on your left. Just go behind that and you’ll see the path continue on. You can follow this all the way up to the top but it’s a steep and slippery affair. Nearer to the top another path comes off to the right - which connects to the open portion of the official path and allows one to complete it in a ‘loop’ rather than a up and down. The view from the mirador was impressive. I was surprised that the water still held its turquoise appearance despite the recent rain. It took over an hour to complete the mirador hike.
Following this there are the pools that you can swim in. The upper pool gets pretty crowded but the lower one was leas frequented and easily as pretty. Keep an eye on your stuff here as there are frequent reported pick pockets. There are lockers available.
Overall our visit lasted about 3 hours including travel time to and from the hostel.
So was the juice worth the squeeze? For us yes - but we have the time. I think this is a location I’d only be adding into your itinerary after you’ve dedicated enough time to the holy trinity. I also think if you’ve been the Agua Azul in Mexico’s Chiapas region or the waterfalls in Luang Prabang in Laos that you’ve seen better and that would warrant consideration also in the decision.
We stayed at greengos and this was a great option as it’s within walking distance to the site (see my seperate review for that). We didn’t do a tour and I can’t see the rationale for doing one.
Entrance was 50Q per person.
We started with the hike to the mirador which is a must do if you want ‘that’ photo. Normally this is a big loop with a steep elevation shortly after entry to the ticket stand and then a less steep but longer descent. Unfortunately the steep section of the official path was roped of but a second somewhat sketchy shortcut has been constructed nearby. It’s the next left after the roped of set of stairs. There will be a sign directing you to the banos on your left. Just go behind that and you’ll see the path continue on. You can follow this all the way up to the top but it’s a steep and slippery affair. Nearer to the top another path comes off to the right - which connects to the open portion of the official path and allows one to complete it in a ‘loop’ rather than a up and down. The view from the mirador was impressive. I was surprised that the water still held its turquoise appearance despite the recent rain. It took over an hour to complete the mirador hike.
Following this there are the pools that you can swim in. The upper pool gets pretty crowded but the lower one was leas frequented and easily as pretty. Keep an eye on your stuff here as there are frequent reported pick pockets. There are lockers available.
Overall our visit lasted about 3 hours including travel time to and from the hostel.
So was the juice worth the squeeze? For us yes - but we have the time. I think this is a location I’d only be adding into your itinerary after you’ve dedicated enough time to the holy trinity. I also think if you’ve been the Agua Azul in Mexico’s Chiapas region or the waterfalls in Luang Prabang in Laos that you’ve seen better and that would warrant consideration also in the decision.
Written 19 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mme D
California296 contributions
Dec 2022
The only reason I did not rate this National Monument as excellent is because of the horrific condition of the one lane into/out. We had an interesting experience driving to/from Lanquin to Semuc Champey as the one lane road is a combination of major pot holes, dirt, gravel, cobble stones, cement, etc. Parking at the entrance of the park costs 10Q and nationals only pay 25Q to enter. There is an abundant amount of self-proclaimed tour guides who wish to help you navigate a single road to/from the park entrance to the natural pools and there are plenty of signs that instruct tourists to go up to the mirador (look out area) to get your best picture of the area. The tour guides are aggressive--reminded me of the merchants inside the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, quite unpleasant experience. The water temperature in the pools in December is tepid warm at noon. It's in your best interest to wear water shoes and not attempt to walk along the ridge of the pools as I witnessed a young girl slip and eat it. Be careful as this is a high risk for falls area.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fuchslu
Jutiapa, Guatemala16 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Putting 4 stars comes with a big ‘but’. True, the location, the landscape and the river with its ponds are amazing. However the folks running it and around merit 1 star at best. For the first time in 6 weeks Guatemala we felt annoyed by its people. As lost as the place is it feels a bit like the Souk in Marrakesch. Everybody wants to sell you something, guide you, show you something or tries to cheat you. When asked how much the entry is we were told 75 even though the sign says 50 (which we paid in the end) to give just one example. Food and drinks are completely overpriced, bring your own!
Enjoy a day or 2, hike up to the viewpoint, chill in the pools or explore the caves. For none of it you need a guide - enjoy nature and stay away from the people - sad to have to give such a recommendation...
Enjoy a day or 2, hike up to the viewpoint, chill in the pools or explore the caves. For none of it you need a guide - enjoy nature and stay away from the people - sad to have to give such a recommendation...
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy Lou
Vancouver, Canada79 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Absolutely amazing natural phenomenon, very warm even if it’s raining like hot rain. stunning water colour. So much to do, like swimming in caves and tubing down the river, there is a two hour hike to a stunning view point. There are lockers and lots to buy there, water shoes, beer, food whichever you need. Cliff jumping and of course swimming in Semuc Champey. I highly recommend my friend Jose, whatsapp +502 4797 6625 as a tour guide, he is awesome takes care of you and your stuff and shows you additional things like the plants and cacao fruit. I had an epic time as a solo traveller i felt at home.
Written 22 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralf Wilhelm
Stuttgart, Germany116 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
At the park entrance, we had to pay 40 Q'les each. As all tracks are well marked and maintained, a guide is not really required. At 8:50am, we started the 400m into the forrest. The stairs towards the mirrador turn left. Approx. 500m of stairs and well above the river valley the mirrador gives a colourful overview over the karst formations down in the valley. Another 20min back down, looking at monkeys in the trees, we arrived at the mouth of the Semuc Champey. At this place, the river just dissappears one level below the ground and most of the water on the surface is quite and clean freshwater from the forrest creeks. The 200m stretch of azure coloured pools starts soon thereafter. Beach sandals were a good choice at that point. The park authority provides a bit further down some lockers and a changing room for ladies/gents.
Swimming in and jumping into the pools is pretty cool. The water is clean and fresh at maybe 24 degrees. Picknicking is easily possible at the edge of the pools. The area fills up during the day, so we enjoyed the morning hours almost alone in the pools. At 12:30pm we continued through the park and arrived at the entrance at 13:00pm. Amazing half day or even day trip.
Swimming in and jumping into the pools is pretty cool. The water is clean and fresh at maybe 24 degrees. Picknicking is easily possible at the edge of the pools. The area fills up during the day, so we enjoyed the morning hours almost alone in the pools. At 12:30pm we continued through the park and arrived at the entrance at 13:00pm. Amazing half day or even day trip.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabienne
11 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I absolutely loved Semuc Chsmpey! We went there early in the morning around 9 and hiked directly up to the Mirador (recommendable brcause later it gets quite warm and the hike is a little challenging)
They ptovide locker which you csn use if you bring your own lock. Thw rock pools are incredible and it looks like out of this world.
They have a sign which says you shouldn‘t use repellent, sunscreen or any other chemical products when entereing the water. This is rrally important to protect the health and therefore the color of the river- but noone enforces this rule which is sad.
The lady at the entrance is also not really friendly but that doesn‘t matter to us. You can come and go during the day until 5pm if you keep your ticket.
They ptovide locker which you csn use if you bring your own lock. Thw rock pools are incredible and it looks like out of this world.
They have a sign which says you shouldn‘t use repellent, sunscreen or any other chemical products when entereing the water. This is rrally important to protect the health and therefore the color of the river- but noone enforces this rule which is sad.
The lady at the entrance is also not really friendly but that doesn‘t matter to us. You can come and go during the day until 5pm if you keep your ticket.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura H
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Friends
Zephyr Lodge is amazing and so is the staff there. I broke my tailbone when I jumped off a cliff in Semuc champey, and my guide, Chiki, took so good care of me. He contacted the guys who carried me on the stretcher - a special thanks to these guys as well. The owner of the hostel Magdalene was amazing as well. She personally upgraded me to a private room, and were so caring as well. The rest of the staff too kept a special eye on me and my situation. I am so thankful that the accident happend at Zephyr Lodge. Thank you!
Laura
Laura
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jlewischch
Blackball, New Zealand9 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Great day out. We enjoyed every part of the day. The truck ride in, the hike, the pools and Kan Ba caves. I had read some reviews about how dangerous the caves are and I want to emphatically say that our experience (with a 13 and 15 year old) was definitely not unsafe. There are ropes to hold onto all they way and our guide gave us safe options all the time. The big swing into the river was scary - but safe. They are paving the road which will make access easier, but no doubt that will bring more crowds. Take my advice, jump on the back of a truck and get there now!!
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenna H
22 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Beautiful place, difficult to get to. There is a gas station right before going down into Lanquin and all the truck drivers harrass you to get you to let them drive you down there. If you say no, they follow you all the way through Lanquin and onto the road into Semuc Champey in their trucks and motorcycles trying to get you to change your mind. Once you actually get to the part in the road where a normal bus can not go, they are there waiting and continue to offer their services. Then they tell you you can park your vehicle there at a big parking spot on the side of the road. You drive on into the park and get in, walk to the pools and the high point. Nice place, very beautiful. Lots of tourists all over the place. The only inconvenient part is the lockers, there is no where to sit and very few spaces to put stuff for the amount of people. The workers have no problem asking you to share your lunch with them either. But it is a beautiful place that everyone should visit at least once.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hay manera de viajar desde Lanquin a Flores de noche?
Written 29 August 2024
Hola, es recomendable visitar Semuc Champey en Diciembre? como es el clima en esa epoca? Gracias
Written 20 November 2022
Jacky T
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Hay problemas de Internet o de líneas telefónicas? Gracias
Written 19 May 2022
James Rubio
Riverside, California
Are there a lot of mosquitos in Semuc Champey during April?
Written 1 April 2021
Hi! I'm planning to visit soon and read that you have to book in Advance, since they only allow 60 people at a time. Does anyone know if this is true? If so, where can I book?
Written 29 January 2021
jesus copoya escobedo
Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico
sugerencias desde Comitan de dominguez para semuc champey
Written 18 October 2019
Guatemala in September
So me and boyfriend are thinking about Guatemala in September however we are afraid that we cannot take buses of visit Semuc Champey due to bad road conditions- is this the case? Does it rain so much that roads become super bad?
Does any one has had experience graveling in Guatemala by bus in September or during rainy season?
Thanks!!
Written 22 June 2019
We did it in Apr & there were several days of rain during our time in Guatemala. The day before our trip to Semuc, the heavens opened in Lanquin & we thought the pools would be brown, even if we even could get to them. No problem...the trucks & buses that take you appear to me to be ready for this weather, they can't afford to stop all operations for the whole rainy season. I think you'll be ok. have a look at Semuc reviews & search for some for September time. Good luck, it's worth it
Written 26 June 2019
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