And the Lake District is no exception! Recommended Fly to Guatemala City, shuttle Fly from Antigua (ANU) to Guatemala City (GUA) Chicken Bus: Now taking the chicken bus is for those looking for an adventure, not a relaxing journey. Jennie Wanders is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Yes, indeed! The journey to Semuc Champey from Flores takes near enough a whole day, and if you stay just 1 or 2 nights, you wont have time to see it all! The journey from Semuc Champey to Antigua is a long one, just set your expectations low, take a sleeping pill if you can, and get comfortable. When Visiting Semuc Champey, you must pay an entrance fee of 50Q per day, around $6.50 USD. Always use Hostelworld.com for the cheapest rates, widest availability and most importantly honest reviews from other travellers! Shuttles depart at 8am and collect you directly from your hostel or accommodation. If youre looking for maximum flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is an excellent option for getting from Antigua to Semuc Champey! If you have a set itinerary in Guatemala and know your dates it is best to book these tickets in advance online with GuateGo. Transport plus tour packages can be a bit more expensive than other transportation options, priced between USD 139-USD 406. If you can afford this I want to be your friend! Renting a tube costs Q65 ($8.50 USD). Venture underground to explore the Lanquin Caves; marvel over the stalagmites and stalactites of the Rey . So, there you have it! When would buses leave and arrive? How exciting. NOTE: You need to book a shuttle from Antigua to Lanquin for Semuc Champey. The limestone pools, surrounded by lush greenery will blow your mind. Semuc Champey: Our most recommended tours and activities. They will pick you up in Antigua and drive you until Semuc Champey, the next day you will do Semuc and Kamba caves and on the third day you can choose to go to Flores or return to Antigua. Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content,all written from a personal and realistic point of view. To really understand and admire the magnificence and beauty of Semuc Champey you will need to get to the mirador, the viewpoint, where you can see exactly what you can appreciate in the picture below. Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! Just best not to visit on a weekend. This is Isabella, a serious case of wanderlust! They also have yoga classes. Some hotels and hostels are in Lanquin, so you can get a tuk-tuk from where the shuttle drops you off. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Expect personal travel stories, backpacking tips + the latest travel inspiration! I will also say this was basically the only tourist transport I have ever been on where the drivers actually cared about everyones comfort and organized a second van to split everyone into once we were in Coban. Wi-FI is only available in one spot, a great idea as the concept is a total relaxation. Just long. By far the quickest and easiest way to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua. As soon as you are by the river you still need to walk back for a few meters and you are in a sort of reception where you can find lockers to have your valuable secured while you are enjoying the fresh waters. There is no need to worry about transfers in different cities, and instead, you can just enjoy the pretty damn good views and sleep as much as you would like. Posted on Published: March 22, 2023- Last updated: April 10, 2023, Home Universal Traveller Travel Guides Central America Travel Guide Guatemala Travel Guide Guatemala Transportation. Whether youre a nature lover, adventurer, or history buff, Semuc Champey will captivate your senses and leave you in awe of its pristine beauty! So, lets get started and discuss all the possible ways to travel to Semuc Champey from Antigua. I believe its more fun asyou can decide to makeuse of your own time as you please, and its cheaper. If you want to just do a taxi, make sure you go through a reliable company, and best to book once you are in Semuc Champey, or online if GuateGo is available. Public buses can take much longer than shuttles and are a lot bumpier. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If you are not doing a tourist marathon and rushing around places you will want to add an extra night and enjoy the jungle lodge or hostel wherever you chose to stay. IT IS SLIPPERY! How many days to spend in Antigua? In Guatemala City, two chicks got off that had a flight to catch the following day, and that kind of signaled to everyone that we were close to Antigua and to start waking up. You will enjoy it, if you dont feel sick. Read here Guatemala sim card for tourist and best Guatemala eSim But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You should try for at least a week in advance to be safe. That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van. All buses would take you to n which is the closest village to Semuc Champey and there you would meet the transportation from the hotel that you have booked. If you find yourself in need of medical care you just contact them and they will pre-load your card with the funds to cover your treatment, meaning you wont need to pay out of pocket and then put in a claim later.Safety Wingis great value with monthly cover starting at $39. With a high-end backpacking style, I prefer to glampack across the globe by embracing the best of each destination. Check our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Semuc Champey. Though I will say there was a bit of confusion and waiting around to actually make sure your luggage was loaded onto the roof and then jumping onboard. The first step is to book a shared van shuttle from Antigua to Lanquin, the nearest town to Semuc Champey. Semuc Champey is a not-so-hidden gem because everybody knows about it by now, but its quite secluded. Unless your Spanish is good and you dont mind being crammed on a chickenbus traveling through the Jungle in sweltering heat with some friendly Guatemalans practically sat on you Id give this option a miss. You can book your ticket here for only USD 41! I am not, so I chose the comfort and I find it all worth the price. The fastest way to get from Antigua to Semuc Champey is by car. Its also a bit riskier with your bags and luggage, but not impossible. Rooms start from $40.00 per night and they have awesome last-minute deals. Hidden in the lush mountainous jungle just 11kms of the nearby town, Lanquin, Semuc Champey, is a 300 m long natural forming limestone bridge that has six turquoise blue water pools. Two toilet stops and snack stops were made, which honestly isnt enough if you ask me. The hotel is located one hour walk to the park so you can also walk there or take their shuttle for 15 Quetzales each way. The driver was also a sweetheart, he suggested taking us to eat in another restaurant, much better than Mac Donalds and even stop on a viewpoint with amazing views over the valley. BOOK YOUR SEMUC CHAMPEY JUNGLE STAY HERE! If you look on the map it seems so close, but its not. In my opinion, yes. Recommended option Fly to Guatemala City, shuttle 13h 11m Fly from Antigua (ANU) to Guatemala City (GUA) ANU - GUA How far in advance do I need to book tickets? I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Nestled deep within the lush jungles of Guatemala lies a hidden gem that exudes an air of tranquility and natural beauty Semuc Champey! After that, squeezed in like sardines, we hit the road and travel the hour or so to Coban through the mountains and surrounded by jungle. Happy reading . Yay! For now, lets get into everything you need to know so you are mentally and physically prepared for this super-long journey from Semuc Champey to Antigua. The best and safest way to travel to Semuc Champey from Antigua is via shuttle bus. If you love adventure, you have plenty of time and dont have much baggage with you, go ahead then. When youre planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over onInstagramor in the comments below! The best choice if you want to be close to the park. Youve come to the right place! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Nevertheless, it will for sure be an adventure for travelers looking to get off the beaten track and have meaningful experiences with locals. It takes around 8 hours to travel by car from Antigua to Semuc Champey. Its tough to fork out $42 a month on something you might not need. There are a variety of activities in Semuc Champey that you can do while in the park and you dont need to buy a tour or hire a guide. I disagree. After 2-hours of hiking, a lunch will be served of traditional . The following table outlines all transportation options from Antigua to Semuc Champey: If youre looking for an affordable and convenient way to get from Antigua to Semuc Champey, a shared van shuttle followed by a local pickup truck ride is an excellent option! What is the closest city to Semuc Champey? The bus ride from Antigua or Guatemala City takes about 6 to 7 hours to get to Coban, where you change bus to an additional 2 hours bus ride to Lanqun, where the last 30 minutes is on a very steep, desolate dirt road. The first is from Semuc Champey to Lanquin (1 hour), the second from Lanquin to Coban (1 2 hours), and lastly from Coban to Antigua (9+ hours). Head to the bus terminal by the market and take a chicken bus to Guatemala City. The total journey will be somewhere around 14+ hours. After 7 years of living in Cancun, I have decided to leave my job and explore my beloved Mexico and the rest of this beautiful world, starting from South America, while sharing my travel stories and offering useful travel tips about traveling as a solo female traveler and digital nomad. Luckily, one of the things that I have appreciated the most about Guatemala is the efficient network of tourist busses that connects all the most visited places. No Semuc Champey is not free. Both of these options take you to Lanquin, where you will then need to get either a 44, cattle truck or tuktuk to your accommodation. You could be studying in the morning and exploring in the afternoon. The views are just unbeatable. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. They are actually former American School buses that have been imported here to live out the remainder of their days. The distance from Semuc Champey to Antigua is 200 miles or 322 kilometers. Once in Guatemala City, it is time for your final bus to Antigua. Here I will be talking about connections to Semuc Champey via Tourism buses. The overall journey is basically split into three sections. Born and raised in Italy, I have been living in many different countries for 4 years and in Cancun Mexico for 7 until in 2017 I decided to leave my office job and explore the world, with lots of bags and a camera. If youre the more adventurous type, travelling via chicken bus in Guatemala should be on your bucket list. Transport + Tour from Antigua to Semuc Champey, Best day tours in Semuc Champey, Guatemala. - Next would be Semuc Champey to Tikal: Easiest, fastest way? Super easy! However, you still need to keep in mind that here hostels dont have a kitchen available for the guest use, and the lodges restaurants are a little overpriced for being so isolated. Well yes, unfortunately, the distance from Semuc Champey is super long being between 314 kilometers to 269 kilometers depending on the roads you take, though the later route does take over an hour longer to travel. Go River Tubing. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover.Passport Nomadsprovides the most comprehensive cover for Digital Nomads. COPYRIGHT 2016-2022 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | BACKPACKERS WANDERLUST, Home Guatemala Semuc Champey to Antigua: Surviving The 12 Hour Journey. Once you arrive in Lanquin, youll need to catch a local pickup truck to take you the rest of the way to Semuc Champey. A COMPLETE Guide, How To Get From Flores To Semuc Champey: Guide, Flores to Belize City: Complete Step-By-Step Guide, How To Get From San Ignacio To Flores: Backpacker Guide, 2. The price will come out around Q100 / $12.60 but be aware this can change depending on how long it takes to fill the bus as it doesnt leave until someone is in each seat. This option allows you to customize your travel itinerary and set your own schedule, as you wont have to wait for other passengers or make any additional stops along the way. Book Your Shuttle to Semuc Champey From Antigua Now! 2 nights of accommodation, all entrance fees and ground transportation included. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Day 1: Guatemala City/ Cobn: Depart from Guatemala City or Antigua to Coban. Though this no way means this will be a quick or faster journey, there is no way in getting around the long drive! We passed through towns, cities, and even parts of the country that looked like my home, New Zealand. But what if something DOES happen? I pick up a sandwich I ordered takeaway the night prior as a little breakfast before getting on the road. Other than that, enjoy the refreshing water. By Private Car Duration: 8-10+ hrs P.S. Since I stayed at Utopia I really enjoyed sleeping at the sounds of the jungle and the river and I would really recommend it. If you take this last one, you will find a way up to the Mirador at a certain point. There are four main hostels to choose from when visiting Semuc Champey:Greengos, Utopia Eco Lodge, Chi BocolandZephyr Lodge. Still, they offer a comprehensive and informative travel experience that combines transportation with sightseeing and cultural immersion! I know it would be nice if they did, especially after such a long day of traveling. COBAN AND SEMUC CHAMPEY TRIP 3 days / 2 nights Day One We missed out on so many of the best hostels in Central America as they fill upsoquickly get booking! What is the fastest way to get from Antigua to Semuc Champey? By far the quickest and easiest way to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua. Learn more. (2023), Going Interrailing Alone: Interrailing Solo Tips. Im Jennie, a British digital nomad and travel blogger. Semuc Champey is worth it, especially if you stay in a unique jungle hostel likeGreengos, ZephyrorUtopia Eco Hostel. 4 Comments We had some awesome adventures backpacking in Guatemala; exploring volcanoes, jungles, lakes and colonial cities. Accommodation included: Hostal Oasis is located in Lanqun, 16km of Semuc Champey. That way you can book the best option for your adventures! Just be aware that in a lot of other places, you will easily be able to book a shuttle through a travel agency once you are in the city, though in Semuc Champey things are a lot more secluded. In summary, there are two main ways to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua. Guatemalans have painted and turned these school buses into public party buses. Duration 8h 20m Frequency Once daily Estimated price $40 - $60 . I will talk about accommodations later. Antigua To El Paredon: Tourist Shuttle, Chicken Bus, Or Taxi? Semuc Champey means where the river hides under the earth. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. They will pick you up from your hotel or hostel and drop you in Lanquin. The shuttles hold around 16 people andare full of other backpackers. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Tikal or Flores and drive you through the mountains to your accommodation in Lanqun/Semuc Champey. Seriously I could spend hours exploring this place. Starting from Semuc Champey you will need to head to the main town called Lanquin and make your way to the crossroads in the town center. Prices start from $28.00 per night. But I suggest you should make sure you do it. The shuttle from Antigua to Semuc Champey is around 225 Q (22.50/$26) per person. Dont worry, this is all organised by the hostel, and you dont need to do anything to arrange this. These trucks are the primary mode of transportation in the area and are a fun and adventurous way to experience the rugged terrain of rural Guatemala. When you get at the yellow bridge before the entrance of Semuc Champey you will continue walking straight for 2 minutes and you will see the entrance. Boundless Roads is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, accommodation, or any other online reservation. It isnt easy to reach in fact, its quite the detour which is why so many people question whether it is worth it or not. As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog! Shuttles in Guatemala are full of other backpackers and tourists. For those who want to get the most out of their trip, visiting Semuc Champey from Antigua on a guided tour is the perfect option! From staying, Read More Going Interrailing Alone: Interrailing Solo TipsContinue, Your email address will not be published. Guatemala is known for its chicken buses, which are old school buses donated from the USA. There are daily shuttles that leave at 8 am (9 am by the time you have driven around picking everyone up!). Sorry, just kidding, there isnt a nice way to get here.like I said if you want to see Semuc Champey you are going to have to work for it! How long would it take? When I went back it was a little late and pouring rain so no caves for me. You can visit the park on your own and pay for the single activities separately. There are daily shuttles that leave at 8 am (9 am by the time you have driven around picking everyone up!). Just be aware hostels typically only pick travelers up arriving on the shuttle buses so you may find yourself having to wait around for a ride to your accommodation. The journey from Antigua to Semuc Champey takes around 8 hours, depending on traffic. Day 2: Shared tour to Semuc Champey and K'anba Caves. Well, theyre all off the beaten track, and all have their own pros and cons. Prices start from $42 per night for a dorm and privates from $95.00. How To Get To The Semuc Champey Caves. Experience village life in the alpine town of Cobn, then spot quetzal and rare orchids on a 3-hour hike through the El Biotopto del Quetzal forest. Transportation Options from Semuc Champey to Antigua The following table outlines all transportation options from Semuc Champey to Antigua: Your email address will not be published. But the place is one of a kind. In this article,I am going to explain how to make the most of your visit and all kinds of information that I have wished I had found before getting there: where to stay, what to visit, what to bring and other practical tips on the Natural Monument Semuc Champey. Backpackers Wanderlust showcases how it is possible to explore the world comfortably while on a budget. Between this and the blockade it ended up adding 3+ hours extra to the total travel time. It will make all your efforts worth it. As soon as you jump off and grab your luggage a local guy will come up and direct you onto a shuttle bus. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Shared Van Shuttle + Public Transport from Antigua to Semuc Champey, 2. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); In the above "top tip" you mention a tour package that includes transport, the pools, caves, and hotel which I am almost 100% on booking. One thing to be aware of is that your driver may only speak a little bit of English, or literally nothing at all. And then there's river tubing. These shuttles typically depart early in the morning and take around 9 hours to reach Lanquin. Public transportation is a little cheaper but really uncomfortable and unless you are a hardcore backpacker you will want to opt for the tourist bus. Can I hire a driver to take me from Antigua to Semuc Champey? The following widget shows some of thebest tours in Semuc Champey, Guatemala. This is so everyone can pay the bills that they owe the hostel. Interrailing is one of the best ways to see Europe, and will always be my go-to when I want to explore more of the most diverse continent on the planet. Tubing is one of the most demanded among the Semuc Champey tours. The Insurance companies I personally recommend areHey Mondo,Passport Nomads, Safety Wing, andTravel Insurance MasterHey Mondois great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. Staying far from the busy town of Lanquin, in total immersion with mother nature will definitely add to the experience. Nevertheless, this is definitely the best choice for travelers in Guatemala who simply just want to get from point A to point B. Luckily for travelers these tourist shuttles are crazy easy to book! The cheapest way to travel from Antigua to Semuc Champey (Lanquin) is using public transport. How far is it from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? To learn more about alternative ways to travel the rest of the way to Semuc Champey, check out our detailed guide on how to get from Lanqun to Semuc Champey, Guatemala! Basically, you have two different options for doing this, either online in advance or in Semuc Champey through your accommodation. Perhaps you are like me and ended up traveling from Semuc Champey to Antigua, no doubt one of the most popular routes from this destination. Semuc Champey is not only about the natural pools, which is without of doubt majestic, but you will also be amazed by the devouring nature all around you and you will want to suck it all in and enjoy the vibes. I have never looked back ever since. You will be lucky enough to get a takeaway breakfast, lunch on the road, and then dinner in Antigua well past nightfall. Semuc Champey to Antigua: Surviving The 12 Hour Journey, Tourist Shuttle From Semuc Champey To Antigua, Chicken Bus From Semuc Champey To Antigua, PANAJACHEL TO SAN PEDRO & THE TOWNS BETWEEN: WATER TAXI LAKE ATITLAN. Required fields are marked *. If you are up for a little adventure, you will love this. The Solo Girls Guide To Traveling Without Fear, The Solo Girls Guide To Becoming A Digital Nomad, book a full package: 2 nights and 3 days in Semuc including transport, accommodation and the tour, From Coban, you will need to get a bus to Lanquin. Semuc Champey is well connected with Antigua. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated. I have no specific travel goals if not just to travel because the journey is my destination. About 80% of passengers jump out and line up, luckily enough its still relatively early in the day so we arent sweating too badly in the sun. You may even want to book accommodation in Coban to split the journey into two days. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. What Is The Cheapest Way From Antigua to Lanquin? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Dont even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Begin your hike in the forest of El Biotopo del Quetzal. Eating was a pleasure; living on cheap and delicious tropical fruit, tortillas and amazing local coffee. However, if you dont want to visit the park by yourself and would prefer a guide, tours range from 90 Q (9/$11)booked directly with your hostel,or upwards of 20+ each bypre-booking online. There are 3 ways to get from Antigua Island to Semuc Champey (Station) by plane, shuttle or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. There are affiliate links within this article, which help me travel more often! Though be aware if you are wanting a bit more of an adventure and instead take the chicken bus, this is much MUCH less of a direct route. Afterward, you can just refresh and relax in the pools. There are some activities here that are overnight such as the Acatenango Volcano trek. Its super easy to use and it just renews each month. These tours typically depart early in the morning. A relaxing and beautifully decorated hostel. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. Looking for the best things to do in Melbourne as a solo traveller? Be carefulthat walking on the rocks is super slippery. Lets get into how exactly to do it. You know best as to whether or not this will be an appropriate option for you. You can arrange a private transfer through a local tour operator or transportation company. Here are My Recommended Travel Resources. However, there is only one daily departure, so book your seat in advance. Take that one go up and then go down from the other side. Though this isnt a common transport option for this route so you may have difficulty. There is one bus that leaves from Flores at 8 am and gets you to Lanquin at 4 pm. Trying to make the best of a bad situation I grab the one up the front in the seat behind the driver where I would still have some legroom. Nevertheless, this is why I say make sure you plan a full day for travel because honestly you never actually know when there is going to be a blockade, and you just need to put your trust in the drivers. Luckily time eventually passes fast enough and we all head back to the vans, where a new one has appeared. For the most part, it appears the locals understandably dont want tourists to take these chicken buses due to safety concerns, and being a foreigner you generally become a target. Dont be that person! Locals say the best season to visit is April and May, while normally September and October is the rainy season and its easier to find bad weather. The road is winding but bearable. See all photos Semuc Champey: Discover Its Paradisiacal Turquoise Waters - Full Day From Coban By Guat2do Travel Experiences Cobn 0 reviews Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation Ages 18-80 Duration: 9-10 hours Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket English, Spanish What's included What to expect From Antigua: 3-Day Cobn & Semuc Champey Tour. This is a super safe place and you meet so many people to talk to either in your hotel /hostel or along the way. Transportation Options from Antigua to Semuc Champey The following table outlines all transportation options from Antigua to Semuc Champey: Getting to Semuc Champey from Antigua There are also tiny fish that like to nibble on your skin so be prepared! . Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price. Yes, it might say 6 hours on Google maps, but this is unfortunately incorrect. Again,my biggest piece of advice is to book hostels in advance. Hello there! Though this volcano is nowhere as active so dont expect rushing lava rivers. Limited public transportation is available from Antigua to Semuc Champey, and it can be difficult to navigate for non-Spanish speakers. Imbackpacking Central Americawith my boyfriend (read morehere! They need a minimum of 4 people to do the tour and this is why I didnt do it as I was there in low season and nobody else was there with me at the same time. Travel Time: They will tell you 8 hoursexpect 9-10 hours. . In the following post, Ive written an honest and short review of, Read More Best Indian Restaurants in the Lake District (2023 Review)Continue, So youre planning to spend 2 weeks in Ecuador? However, if youre an experienced driver and comfortable navigating unfamiliar terrain, renting a car can be a great way to see the sights and explore at your leisure! This means you will need to book your tickets through your accommodation where you cant shop around for prices. Related posts: 15 Best Coffee Shops In Antigua Guatemala | 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala | What To Wear In Antigua Guatemala (That Isnt Ugly). You can check out prices and availability on Booking.com. Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala. Though the last part of the drive is quite scenic so you may want to pull over for a couple of photo stops. So 8 am it is. They are: But, its important to note that all shuttles will stop in the town before Semuc Champey which is called Lanquin. Honestly, in a lot of other places, 314 kilometers would take 4 hours or so max, here it is double or triple that. This natural wonder is a series of turquoise pools that cascade gently into one another, framed by towering cliffs and verdant vegetation. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. 1. Nevertheless, if you are just visiting as a tourist to see the main sights I would recommend spending a minimum of 4 nights in Antigua. Its a pretty common route and buses typically leave on the hour throughout the day. Required fields are marked *. Here are the hotels that I would suggest: I have stayed at Utopia and it was the best decision I could have ever made.

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