Semuc Champey Pools
Semuc Champey
A natural limestone bridge over an underground stretch of the Cahabón River, with tiered emerald pools you can swim in, often called the 'Little Huanglong' of the Americas.
Semuc Champey means 'where the river hides beneath the stones' in the Q'eqchi' Maya language. The rushing Cahabón River plunges beneath a natural limestone bridge about 300 metres long, while mountain springs on the bridge's surface form dozens of stepped pools in brilliant turquoise. You can swim in the pools and slide down the smooth stone steps into the next one. Trails and wooden walkways lead to El Sumidero, where you can watch the river roar into the underground. Entry for foreigners is about 50 quetzales, and the park is open roughly 08:00 to 17:00. There are changing rooms and simple food stalls, but no lockers, so leave valuables behind. From Lanquín town it's about 40 minutes by 4WD pickup. Go up to the viewpoint first in the morning and swim afterward to avoid the afternoon crowds.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00