Semuc Champey is well connected with Lanquin. You can get from Lanquin to Semuc Champey by a local pickup truck, shared shuttle + tour, private transfer, rental car, or a hike!
Semuc Champey is one of nature’s most breathtaking creations, tucked away in the jungle depths of Guatemala!
There’s something so magical about Semuc Champey. It is a stunning area with incredible turquoise waters and limestone formations that create beautiful crystal clear swimming pools that look like pieces of art!
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In addition, you’ll see cascading waterfalls that flow from their hiding places into the pools below.
This tropical paradise in the middle of Guatemala is not just a pretty place; it’s also a place to get away from the rest of the world and relax.
Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala’s most beautiful natural wonders and is close enough to Lanquin that it can easily be reached, where you can grab some lunch or dinner and go exploring!
So, you definitely won’t regret visiting Semuc Champey!
Traveling between Lanquin and Semuc Champey is easy, and you can choose between a local pickup truck, shared shuttle+tour, rental car, private transfer, or a hike!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey.
How far is Semuc Champey from Lanquin?
The distance from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is 6.2 miles or 10 kilometers. It takes around 30 minutes to get there by vehicle or about a 2 hours and 30-minute hike!
Transportation Options from Lanquin to Semuc Champey
The following table outlines all transportation options from Lanquin to Semuc Champey:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transport + Tour from Lanquin to Semuc Champey | 40 minutes | – |
| Local Pickup Truck from Lanquin to Semuc Champey | 45 minutes | USD 4 |
| Private Transfer/Taxi from Lanquin to Semuc Champey | 40 minutes | ~USD 20 |
| Rental Car | 40 minutes | – |
| Walk | 2 hours 30 minutes | USD 0 |
Getting to Semuc Champey from Lanquin
1. Transport + Tour from Lanquin to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 40 minutes
A tour to Semuc Champey is popular for tourists traveling from Lanquin!
Rather than trying to organize everything yourself, it is probably better to book a tour if you want to explore the caves, go river tubing, and have everything organized!
By booking a tour to Semuc Champey, you get transportation to the natural site and a guided tour provided by a professional! Having a guide with you while exploring the pools is especially helpful, as they can point out safe areas for swimming and diving.
Many tour agencies offer packages that include visits to Semuc Champey and the caves and sometimes even river tubing.
You can take a tour that includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, a tour of the caves, cliff jumping, and a guided hike to the lookout for USD 25 per person without including the entrance fee to the caves.
Guided tours are a great way to visit Semuc Champey from Lanquin, and you won’t be disappointed with the reasonable offers!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Lanquín to Semuc Champey. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
2. Local Pickup Truck from Lanquin to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 45 minutes
Using the local transport on a self-guided tour is the cheapest way to visit Semuc Champey.
While most people who visit Semuc Champey book a tour that includes activities through their hostel, independent travel is often easier and cheaper.
The main advantage of traveling there without a group is the freedom to swim and explore the area without being herded around or reliant on others.
The main form of local transport in Lanquin is the truck, which most people pile into the back. In Lanquin, the cost of the ride to Semuc Champey is roughly USD 1, but you are not a local, so don’t expect to pay that. Instead, be prepared to pay about USD 4.
There is squishing, bumping, and discomfort throughout the 45-minute journey, but traveling this way is quite an adventure! Overall, it’s a very cheap and exciting way to get around!
Lanquin’s local transportation leaves from the crossroads in the town center. Their schedule varies, but they run frequently.
3. Private Transfer/Taxi from Lanquin to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 40 minutes
If you want a comfortable trip, get a couple of friends together and an entire vehicle for about USD 18 that will get you from Lanquin to Semuc Champey!
The trip is far more comfortable than public transport, and you will arrive at Semuc Champey in about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
You can organize this vehicle on the main street in Lanquin with any driver or reliable taxi company you choose. If you’re unsure where to look, ask for help at your hotel or hostel for some directions or recommendations.
And also, make sure you negotiate a reasonable price so you don’t get ripped off!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Lanquín to Semuc Champey. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Lanquin to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 40 minutes
If you want independence and a comfortable vehicle, rent a car in Lanquin and drive to Semuc Champey!
Even though the roads in this area are winding and mountainous, the scenery is breathtaking, and you have complete freedom to plan your trip!
However, when renting a car, make sure to pick something appropriate since the road to Semuc Champey is a rough terrain, where you should travel with a 4×4 vehicle.
The trip only takes 40 minutes, and there are numerous vehicles you can choose from, all at very low prices!
5. Hiking from Lanquin to Semuc Champey
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
And finally, the last option is to hike the 10-kilometer trail from Lanquin to Semuc Champey!
You can walk from Lanquin to Semuc Champey if you’re up for it. The walk is magnificent and lasts for about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
If you’re worried about finding your way, you shouldn’t be concerned! Fortunately, the trail is safe and well-marked, making it simple for you to climb up.
You can always take the local bus to get back if you don’t want to walk both ways.
During your visit, ask for details at your hotel or with locals about this since the trail can become dangerous due to weather changes.
And lastly, make sure you come prepared. Bring hiking shoes and appropriate gear so you don’t encounter trouble along the way.
Best day tours in Semuc Champey
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Semuc Champey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Semuc Champey worth it?
There is no doubt that Semuc Champey is a beautiful and unique place to visit in Guatemala. So, yes, it is worth it!
What is the entrance fee to Semuc Champey?
It costs USD 6.50 to enter Semuc Champey for international visitors. For locals, it costs USD 4 for adults and USD 1.30 for children.
What are the Semuc Champey opening hours?
Semuc Champey is open from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM daily.
When is the best time of the day to visit Semuc Champey?
We recommend visiting Semuc Champey first thing in the morning when the gates open at 08:00 AM if you want to avoid crowds and large tour groups. You might be able to enjoy Semuc Champey all by yourself for a few hours!
Can you swim at Semuc Champey?
Yes, swimming in the Semuc Champey pools is allowed.
How long does it take to get from Lanquín to Semuc Champey?
If you’re going from Lanquin to Semuc Champey with a vehicle, it takes around 40 minutes. However, if you decide to take the hike, you will arrive at Semuc Champey in 2 hours and 30 minutes!
What is the cheapest way to get from Lanquín to Semuc Champey?
The cheapest way to travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is by the local pickup truck, which costs USD 4. But if you want to save money, you can take a hike, which is entirely free!
