Semuc Champey is a natural monument in the department of

Alta Verapaz Alta Verapaz () is a department in the north central part of Guatemala. The capital and chief city of the department is Cobán. Verapaz is bordered to the north by El Petén, to the east by Izabal, to the south by Zacapa, El Progreso, and ...

, Guatemala, near the Q'eqchi'

Maya Maya may refer to: Civilizations * Maya peoples, of southern Mexico and northern Central America ** Maya civilization, the historical civilization of the Maya peoples ** Maya language, the languages of the Maya peoples * Maya (Ethiopia), a popul ...

town of Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300 m

limestone Limestone ( calcium carbonate ) is a type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of . Limestone forms whe ...

bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swimming attraction. The name Semuc Champey is from the

Qʼeqchiʼ language The Qʼeqchiʼ language, also spelled Kekchi, Kʼekchiʼ, or Kekchí, is one of the Mayan languages, spoken within Qʼeqchiʼ communities in Guatemala and Belize. Distribution The area where Qʼeqchiʼ is spoken spreads across northern Guatema ...

, meaning ''where the river hides under the earth.'' The best and most popular way to see Semuc Champey is from the "El Mirador" viewpoint. Though it is a roughly 45-minute hot, uphill jungle hike from the parking area, the views into the valley are unparalleled. Although it can be difficult to get to, Semuc is becoming more and more popular with travelers. Pozas de Semuc Champey (4)

References

External links

Taking a Tour to Semuc ChampeySemuc Champey Photos, Videos, and Overview
{{NorthAm-protected-area-stub Protected areas of Guatemala