Semuc Champey is… simply unique and beautiful. It’s one of those places where photos don’t even begin to do the place itself justice. And one of the reasons why I say Guatemala is by far the most beautiful country in Central America in terms of nature. And yes, I’ve been to Costa Rica – the country that many say has the most beautiful nature in Central America. Believe me, it’s Guatemala😊

You can get to Semuc Champey either by tourist shuttle OR, much cheaper, by microbus. However, as it’s really in the middle of nowhere, you have to change buses a few times, get up early and, admittedly, arrive late. So in this case, it’s a real hassle. But that’s simply how public transport sometimes is 😀 As it’s quite some stops you’ll find the exact ‘route’ in the basic information part 😊
As I took the public transportation route and therefore arrived pretty late to Semuc Champey, I couldn’t see any of the paradise I had landed in until the next day.

Semuc Champey is an absolute natural paradise in the middle of the jungle that I don’t think people from certain parts of the world would believe that it actually exists. Widely untouched, raw and beautiful nature on all sides with a few hotels and hostels in between to accommodate backpackers and other tourists. And apart from the main attraction you can just go and explore nature freely.
The path to the viewpoint and “Semuc Champey” itself is relatively moderate, leading through the jungle. It first goes up to the viewpoint and then down to the pools. As a heads-up: you will sweat a lot because Semuc Champey is quite humid. Meaning the hike seems harder while hiking than it actually is. Just so you know 😀
The view of the natural pools is… honestly just beautiful. Period. And down below you can then sit in the pools or pozas, where slowly but for sure these little fishes, that eat dead skin and calluses, will start nibbeling on all parts of your body 😀 For people who haven’t experienced this before, it feels really strange at first and can really tickle 😀 But hey, it’s a free peeling and you get something for free that elsewhere costs a fortune.

As a quick note on the background of Semuc Champey: it is so special and unique because the river has carved its way down through the riverbed and later flows above ground again. And instead of a waterfall forming, the pozas formed above the part that flows underground. And yes that’s a very brief and simplified explanation, but hey 😀

Go or not? There are few natural phenomena in Central America that are so beautiful and unique. So definitely yes 😀 😊