Plan a spring trip to Semuc Champey. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Semuc Champey — TL;DR
Guatemala's jungle limestone pools, where Zephyr Lodge's infinity pool overlooks the cascades that put this corner of the country on the map.
Semuc Champey overview
January to April (dry season) offers the clearest, most turquoise pools and easiest access on the rough roads.
Lanquin town is the gateway, with Greengo's just a 10-minute walk to the famous cascades and pools, and Ch'i Bocól a 2-minute walk from its own secluded waterfall.
Guatemalan Quetzal (Q)
Spanish; Q'eqchi' is widely spoken.
CST (UTC-6)
Semuc Champey's hostel scene continues to split between Zephyr Lodge's party-focused infinity pool and Ch'i Bocól's secluded waterfall retreat, with Greengo's Mediterranean-leaning on-site restaurant reflecting the reality that Lanquin's very few standalone restaurants push most travelers to eat where they sleep.
Where to eat, drink & do in Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey neighborhoods
Semuc Champey pools district Home to Greengo's, just a 10-minute walk to the famous turquoise cascades and pools.
Lanquin town The gateway town where very few restaurants exist, so most travelers eat at their hostels.
Secluded waterfall district Home to Ch'i Bocól, one of the most secluded hostels in Guatemala, a 2-minute walk from its own waterfall and natural pool.
Practical info for Semuc Champey
Getting around in Semuc Champey? Lanquin town is the gateway, with Greengo's just a 10-minute walk to the famous cascades and pools, and Ch'i Bocól a 2-minute walk from its own secluded waterfall.
When to go in Semuc Champey? January to April (dry season) offers the clearest, most turquoise pools and easiest access on the rough roads.
What's changing now in Semuc Champey? Semuc Champey's hostel scene continues to split between Zephyr Lodge's party-focused infinity pool and Ch'i Bocól's secluded waterfall retreat, with Greengo's Mediterranean-leaning on-site restaurant reflecting the reality that Lanquin's ve
Seek out Ch'i Bocól's private waterfall in Semuc Champey? A 2-minute walk from a beautiful waterfall and natural swimming pool at one of Guatemala's most secluded hostels.
Base yourself in Semuc Champey pools district in Semuc Champey? Home to Greengo's, just a 10-minute walk to the famous turquoise cascades and pools. Known for iconic limestone pools.