Semuc Champey is famous for its stunning natural pools. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey, Guatemala.
Semuc Champey is amongst the most popular destinations in Guatemala, and rightly so!
It is famous for its stunning natural pools and the bumpy ride to get there.
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Check our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey.
How far is Semuc Champey from Guatemala City?
The distance from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey is 182 miles or 293 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey
The following table outlines all Guatemala transportation options from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey | 11+ hours | |
| Shared Shuttle from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey | 8 hours | USD 41 |
| Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey | 6 hours 30 minutes | |
| Rental Car from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey | 6 hours 30 minutes | |
| Taxi from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey | 6 hours 30 minutes |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
Getting to Semuc Champey from Guatemala City
1. Bus from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 11+ hours
The cheapest option to travel to Semuc Champey is by “Chicken Bus” – an old, converted American school bus.
While you should definitely travel at least once in a chicken bus, we don’t recommend it for longer trips.
You will have to travel first from Guatemala City to Cobán. From there you have to take another bus to Lanquín.
Once you arrive in lanquín, you will probably have to stay there overnight to catch a pickup truck to Semuc Champey the next morning.
2. Our recommendation: Shared Van Shuttle from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 8 hours
We recommend taking a shared van shuttle from Guatemala City to Semuch Champey. Traveling by van is more comfortable and faster than taking a bus and at the same time still cheaper than a private transfer.
There are different companies offering shuttles between these two cities.
Guatemala Travels offers daily trips departing at 9 AM in Guatemala City. A one-way ticket costs USD 41, and the journey takes around eight hours.
3. Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
Taking a private transfer is probably the most comfortable way to travel to Semuc Champey. We recommend this option, especially for families or groups.
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
It is a scenic drive from Guatemala City, through the Central Highlands, to Semuc Champey. Just be aware of the crazy traffic and winding mountain roads.
Also, the road condition of the last six miles (around ten kilometers) is pretty terrible. So if you are not used to driving under these conditions, it might be better to choose one of the other options.
If you still want to travel by rental car, we recommend splitting the trip into two stages. You can stay for example, in Lanquín or Cobán.
5. Taxi from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
It is theoretically also possible to take a taxi to Semuc Champey. In this case, however, we recommend agreeing on a set price.
We heard stories of taxi drivers that canceled the booking or asked for a higher price once people get in the car. One of the reasons is that it may be difficult for the driver to find people to travel back to Guatemala City.
