Semuc Champey is a natural enclave in the
department of
Alta Verapaz,
Guatemala
Guatemala, officially the Republic of Guatemala, is a country in Central America. It is bordered to the north and west by Mexico, to the northeast by Belize, to the east by Honduras, and to the southeast by El Salvador. It is hydrologically b ...
, near the
Q'eqchi' Maya town of
Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300 m
limestone
Limestone is a type of carbonate rock, carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material Lime (material), lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different Polymorphism (materials science) ...
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 from the Quichean languages, Quichean branch, spoken within Qʼeqchiʼ people, Qʼeqchiʼ communities in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.
Distributi ...
, 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.
References
External links
Taking a Tour to Semuc ChampeySemuc Champey Photos, Videos, and Overview
Protected areas of Guatemala
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