Panoramic view of vibrant turquoise natural pools and cascading waterfalls surrounded by dense green jungle in Tolantongo, Mexico

Hidden pools of Semuc Champey - Guatemala

Bite-sized trip

  • Travelife
  • ABTOT
  • ATOL
    • Itinerary:
      Lanquin - Semuc Champey
    • Duration:
      3 days / 2 nights
    • Price:
      From £244 per person (excluding flights)
    • Transport:
      Shared transfer from Antigua to Lanquin and from Lanquin to Flores

    ✓ See the incredible pools of Semuc Champey
    ✓ Hike to the breathtaking viewpoint of El Mirador
    ✓ Get off the beaten track

    Panoramic view of vibrant turquoise natural pools and cascading waterfalls surrounded by dense green jungle in Tolantongo, Mexico

    Light blue swimming pool beside a green river surrounded by lush trees, with a wooden bridge and mountain views in Tolantongo, Mexico

    Day 1 - Arrival in Lanquin

    Following your time in Antigua, it's time for some adventure. You'll take a shuttle transfer to Lanquin, which takes around eight hours. It's not the most comfortable experience, but stops will be made along the way to stretch your legs. Lanquin is a sleepy village, known as the gateway to the beautiful natural wonder of Semuc Champey. Accommodation is a simple property with a pool, and you'll be staying in your own private cabana, with private facilities.

    Day 2 - Explore Semuc Champey

    Today you'll visit the turquoise, limestone pools of Semuc Champey, surrounded by lush, dense jungle, beneath a natural limestone bridge. First, you'll hike along a steep but rewarding trail for around 45 minutes to reach El Mirador. From this point you'll be treated to incredible views of the terraced pools below, their colour ranging from vibrant turquoise to emerald green, depending on the sunlight. After all your efforts, you can cool off in the pools and enjoy bathing in the crystal-clear waters, hopping from one pool to another.

    In the afternoon, you'll head underground into a cave that's partially submerged in water. With only a candle to light the path, you'll walk, swim and climb through different sections of the cave. Inside, you'll discover incredible natural formations of stalactites, stalagmites and underground waterfalls. Guides are on hand to help you safely get through all sections of the cave. After exploring the cave, you'll end the day tubing down the Cahabon River before being dropped back to your accommodation for one more night.

    Three smiling people on a wooden balcony overlooking turquoise natural pools and a winding river through lush green cliffs in Semuc Champey, Guatemala
    Woman in a swimsuit sitting on a rock in front of a waterfall flowing into bright green water surrounded by lush jungle in Flores, Guatemala

    Day 3 - Departure from Lanquin

    Today you'll depart from Lanquin on the shared shuttle to Flores, and the next stage of your Guatemala/Mexico journey.

    Accommodation

    Wooden jungle bungalows with thatched roofs surrounded by tropical greenery in Semuc Champey, Guatemala
    Swimming pool beside a green river with a wooden bridge, tropical trees and mountain scenery in Semuc Champey, Guatemala
    Simple hotel room with bright yellow walls, a wooden bed and colourful bedding in Semuc Champey, Guatemala