Lanquin and Semuc Champey holidays
Lanquin and Semuc Champey holidays at a glance
The crinkled mountains of Verapaz form an almost Alpine transition zone between Guatemala’s chilly western highlands and the steamy lowland jungles of the Petén to the north. It’s a damp, fertile region well suited to coffee, and large fincas cover much of the countryside around Cobán, the area’s main town – this is Verapaz Guatemala at its most textured, somewhere between highland and jungle.
Maya influence is less visible here than in other parts of the country, and the region remains fairly off the beaten track. It’s well worth the detour: this is Lanquín Guatemala at its sleepiest, a dozy Q’eqchi’ village that serves as the gateway to the surrounding caves, forests and limestone formations.
At the heart of the region lies Semuc Champey Guatemala calls one of its finest natural monuments, a cascade of turquoise pools nestled between jungle-covered hills and among the most beautiful natural attractions in the country.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Lanquin and Semuc Champey
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
With turquoise pools, tropical caves and lush mountain scenery, Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
When to visit Lanquin and Semuc Champey
The region enjoys a warm climate shaped by its position between the highlands and the tropical lowlands, so there’s rarely a bad time to visit – it’s more a question of how much rain you’re willing to accept. Cooler than the Petén lowlands thanks to its elevation, the region can still reach around 30°C, with warm, humid days typical throughout the year. May, June, October and December are the wettest months, often bringing persistent drizzle rather than heavy downpours – the trade-off for the lush vegetation and vivid green landscapes the region’s known for.
Officially the dry season but warm sunny days can be punctuated with short downpours making it feel humid.
From May onwards increased rainfall gives rise to higher temperatures and increased humidity.
Top Things to do in Lanquin and Semuc Champey
This region’s attractions centre on some of Guatemala’s most spectacular natural scenery, combining swimming, hiking, cave exploration and rainforest landscapes.
Swim in cascading turquoise pools surrounded by lush jungle scenery.
FAQs about visiting Lanquin and Semuc Champey
Lanquin and Semuc Champey is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
The relatively high altitude of Lanquín means that temperatures are cooler than in the Petén lowlands, though sometimes reach 30°C. The region does receive copious rainfall, often in the form of drizzle, with the wettest months being May, Jun, Oct and Dec.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish.
- Getting Local Currency
Quetzal. Acquire local currency in a larger town before you head into this region. You may have ask your bank to authorise ATM withdrawals before you leave the UK and each transaction is limited to about £100.
- Time Difference
GMT -6 hours.
- Combines With
Flores (for visit to Tikal ruins), 4.5 hours by road from Lanquín.
- Getting There
It’s a 4 hour drive or 30mins flight from Guatemala City to Cobán. From Cobán it’s a 1 hour drive to Lanquín (45 km).
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Papagaio
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