From the outside in: Semuc Champey, Guatemala

By: Helena Prentis

Coming from Antigua, which serves as a natural stop off point for this beautiful valley, the Semuc Champey hype is unavoidable and it’s completely understand why. Considered by many as the most beautiful natural place in Guatemala, Semuc Champey is a river which flows under a series of waterfalls which are perfect for swimming.

Although there is literally nothing to do apart from the caving and swimming available in Semuc Champey, and the fact that the journey there is painfully slow and uncomfortable, the day spent at the site will be unforgettable. It provides tourists with the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the outside world- quite literally as there are no cash machines (plan ahead!), and no wifi, or those that say they have wifi have the faultiest connection you will ever find.

For some this may seem quite daunting, but the greeny-blue of the water surrounded on all sides

by sloping green canyon walls will immediately make the hassle worthwhile. If you’re staying in Semuc Champey, as I was, a ten minute walk will bring you to the entrance of the park but if you’re in Lanquin an hour long bumpy road will lead you to the entrance, and upon arrival you will begging for the soothing waters of the canyon. The waterfalls are like no other natural site I have ever seen, with each level of water trickling downwards and creating a sort of natural water slide into the next pool of water. The thirty minute hike up to the mirador- though steep, sweaty and difficult- is so rewarding once you see the site from above; the unmistakeable formation of Semuc Champed will be something you will always treasure.

Though an amazing site, there is little else that Semuc Champey has to offer so one day suffices in this beautiful place, then for me I moved on to the incredible Río Dulce.