Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey
5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,253 reviews
Excellent
1,052
Very good
152
Average
25
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, Australia1,721 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
California317 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.
Ruby
Chalfont St. Giles, UK6 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
We got a tuk-tuk from Lanquin, which was great and took about 15/20 minutes. You have to pay in cash on entry and they would not give us change! So make sure to take the right amount. We did the Mirador hike first which was hard but there is an amazing viewpoint at the top and it is definitely worth it. It probably took us about 30 minutes to get to the top- lots of stairs! The pools are incredible, the water is so fresh and clean and the whole area is so peaceful. 5 star experience, -1 for the tubing...
We went back to the entrance to do the tubing as we had read about this online and there were a few guides offering to take us. We chose one of them, all seemed good, we got our tubes and dropped our stuff. The first 15 minutes were fun as we floated down the river, but then we hit some rapids. At the first set, the guide and my friend were pushed out of their tubes by the current. He helped my friend back in and we set off again. We then encountered another set of rapids where me, my friends, and the guide were all pushed out of our tubes by the water. This was incredibly dangerous and scary as we were all dragged underwater for an extended period and could not surface due to the strong current. All 4 of us lost our shoes (which he told us to wear!) and other belongings. I also cut my leg open on a rock. The guide is fortunate that we were all strong swimmers the outcome could have been very different. The guide was not sympathetic at all and insisted we still paid in full. I'm not sure why this happened to us as I have read other blogs where people have done the tubing here. Perhaps it was because we visited in rainy season, or maybe he took us on the wrong part of the river, I don't know. Either way, I would just completely avoid the tubing experience here unless you are doing it with a reputable tour company. We wish we did it through our hostel at Zephyr Lodge as theirs is far more official and on a different river (I believe).
We went back to the entrance to do the tubing as we had read about this online and there were a few guides offering to take us. We chose one of them, all seemed good, we got our tubes and dropped our stuff. The first 15 minutes were fun as we floated down the river, but then we hit some rapids. At the first set, the guide and my friend were pushed out of their tubes by the current. He helped my friend back in and we set off again. We then encountered another set of rapids where me, my friends, and the guide were all pushed out of our tubes by the water. This was incredibly dangerous and scary as we were all dragged underwater for an extended period and could not surface due to the strong current. All 4 of us lost our shoes (which he told us to wear!) and other belongings. I also cut my leg open on a rock. The guide is fortunate that we were all strong swimmers the outcome could have been very different. The guide was not sympathetic at all and insisted we still paid in full. I'm not sure why this happened to us as I have read other blogs where people have done the tubing here. Perhaps it was because we visited in rainy season, or maybe he took us on the wrong part of the river, I don't know. Either way, I would just completely avoid the tubing experience here unless you are doing it with a reputable tour company. We wish we did it through our hostel at Zephyr Lodge as theirs is far more official and on a different river (I believe).
Written 23 October 2024
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.
globalgrrrl
Toronto, Canada86 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
It is worth it to go to see this incredible natural wonder. Things are changing RAPIDLY here. If you want to see this site before it blows up on the tourist trail, then go now.
Space is being made to put up more restaurants and hotels, which means more people.
Here are the details to get there: a) you need a ride from Lanquin. The road is about 75% brand new pavement. It will be fully complete by 2025. It is steep. I'd recommend an experienced driver. There are still very rough sections. b) the entrance to the site is across a short yellow bridge and up a short but steep, rocky, stone road. I don't think tuk tuks can make that climb. You can walk it or if you have a 4x4, you can get to the car park.
Inside the site, expect dirt & rocky paths. No big deal. Whatever you do, don't wear heels! Runners, hiking shoes are fine.
What to do? Swim & hike! I am a 59 year old traveller in okay shape. I made it to the top of El Mirador (ie the lookout) in about 45 minutes. Most people passed me but that's okay, I made it! 100% worth the steep rocky stairs, scrambling with some good quality wood stair sections.
Space is being made to put up more restaurants and hotels, which means more people.
Here are the details to get there: a) you need a ride from Lanquin. The road is about 75% brand new pavement. It will be fully complete by 2025. It is steep. I'd recommend an experienced driver. There are still very rough sections. b) the entrance to the site is across a short yellow bridge and up a short but steep, rocky, stone road. I don't think tuk tuks can make that climb. You can walk it or if you have a 4x4, you can get to the car park.
Inside the site, expect dirt & rocky paths. No big deal. Whatever you do, don't wear heels! Runners, hiking shoes are fine.
What to do? Swim & hike! I am a 59 year old traveller in okay shape. I made it to the top of El Mirador (ie the lookout) in about 45 minutes. Most people passed me but that's okay, I made it! 100% worth the steep rocky stairs, scrambling with some good quality wood stair sections.
Written 6 December 2024
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.
Hi,
Does anyone know how long the drive from Rio Dulce to Semuc Champey is?
Written 15 November 2024
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
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