Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey may be challenging to get to, but it is worth the trek. After a ten hour drive on windy roads through the mountainous country, we arrived in Lanquin. The road from Lanquin to Semuc Champey is cool 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), but it’s a 45 minute journey. We loaded up our gear and ourselves into the bed of a pick-up truck to get to our hostel near the heart of Semuc Champey.
Merritt enjoying our journey through the small town of Lanquin. The driver made several stops through town to pick up supplies for the hostel before we left town, including a lifetime supply of Scott’s toilet paper.
Despite traveling an average of 8 miles per hour, it was a challenging ride to Semuc Champey. We got a core workout as we tried to keep stable on the steel benches.
It was pouring rain and thunder-storming our first night in Semuc Champey. After a good night sleep, we woke up early to go caving with a local guide. After a short walk to the caves, we put on our caving gear which consisted of a (optional) life jacket, water shoes, and a candle.
After lighting our candles, we entered the cave. Less than a minute after entering, it was pitch black and bats were swirling above our heads. With all of the rain the night before, the water in the cave was strong. I needed many words of encouragement along the way. We had to scale steep ladders, go under a massive waterfall, and delicately pass through white water with uneven rocks at our feet. Most of the cave was pitch black, besides the few candles that our guide lit along the way and placed into the cave walls. We brought our Go-Pro to try to capture some of the magic (and fear) of caving, but the video below just doesn’t do justice to the beauty or the terror that the cave invoked at times.
To my amazement, I was able to make it all the way to the end. Before turning back, Merritt took the opportunity to climb up a portion of the cave wall and jump into the deep water below.
Merritt with our guide right after he climbed up the cave walls and jumped into the water below.
After caving, we enjoyed a relaxing float down the river.
Merritt and I enjoying the beautiful river near the caves afterward.
After recovering for a bit, we headed to the pools in Semuc Champey. If you haven't googled it yet, Semuc Champey means “where the river hides under stones.” This small stretch of the Cohabón River is mostly hidden under the earth with a small portion of water floating over limestone rocks. Alternating plateaus and drops create a series of pools perfect for swimming. The water is as clear as can be and the temperature perfect for swimming in the afternoon sun.
The clear water of Semuc Champey.
Me enjoying one of the many pools at Semuc Champey.
Merritt sitting still as all of the small fish pick at his feet.
Lastly, we climbed up to the lookout point over Semuc Champey to see the pools from above. It was a site unlike any other.
The view of the pools from above.
