Natural Monument Semuc Champey

Natural Monument Semuc Champey
Versión Español

Champey is located 11km to the south of Lanquín, in a valley with steep walls, surrounded by tropical humid forest. There is a 300m long limestone bridge, on top of which there are several natural pools of different sizes, filled with crystalline mountain spring water. The pools are 3-14 ft. deep. Underneath the bridge is the Cahabón River. At the end of the bridge, the water from the pools falls rejoining the river, forming a 40ft waterfall. The color of the water changes during the year depending on the season, sun and other natural factors, making for unique picture-taking opportunities. It is a beautiful place, often called idyllic.
Activities including: swimming, hiking on 2 interpretive trails, birdwatching, sharing time with family and friends, meditating, admiring the view from 2 overlooks and getting close to nature.


Semuc Champey has a diversity of flora and fauna, including 90 species of birds, 34 mammals, 25 reptiles and amphibians; and 10 species of fish. There are more than 120 species of trees and shrubs. Bird List.
The Doctor and journalist from Solola, Epaminondas Quintana, said about Semuc Champey: “we are sad to say that there is something better than Lake Atitlán and surprised that there is something better than the gulf of Río Dulce, but there is…Semuc Champey is better, given its uniqueness, than the marvelous Panajachel and the Gulf of Polochic. There are magnificent lakes by the hundreds in the world, and rivers similar to Izabal, there are by the dozens. In contrast, two rivers that meet like in Semuc, there can’t be, not even in unexplored parts of Africa, nor in the Amazon jungle, nor in any part of the world.”
Tourist services at Semuc Champey include: a visior's center with bathrooms and restaurant which serves lunch, latrines, a wooden shelter near the pools with lockers for rent, entrance fee hut, parking area. There are no camping facilities, but you can camp in the heliport area near the entrance. Knowledgeable park guards are available to accompany tourists as needed. Entrance fees are: Q30 (nationals), Q50 (foreigners), Q10 (children), parking (Q10), camping (Q35. per tent). Semuc Champey is open every day of the year from 8am-6pm.
To see more pictures: Gallery




Galería/Gallery