Hi! We are Michael and Nikki, two avid travelers with a shared passion for exploring the world, one destination at a time.
From bustling cityscapes to serene natural wonders, we love immersing ourselves in new cultures, cuisines, and experiences.
Join us on our journey as we share stories, tips, and photos from our adventures around the globe. Let’s discover the beauty of the world together!
Our Adventure from Isla Flores to Lanquín
Travelling from Isla Flores to Lanquín was an adventure we’ll never forget. It’s a long journey—10 to 12 hours—but one that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes Guatemala has to offer. We chose a shared shuttle, the most popular option for budget travelers/backpackers, costing around $25-$35 USD/£20-30 GBP (Local-Q200-270) and are accurate as of Dec 2024. Booking was easy as we booked through a popular backpacker Hostel called Los Amigos Hostel who have an in-house Travel Agent which seemed for us to be more reliable and cheaper than any current tour/travel agent in the area. We didn’t stay at the Hostel, but you can just walk in to speak to the agent and meet them there the morning of the Shuttle.
The Journey
The shuttle driver picked us up at 7:50am at the front desk of the hostel and took us to the minibus a short walk away close to the ‘Yo Amo Petén’ sign. It was a spacious minibus with about 12 other travelers on it, each on their own adventure. The first couple of hours were smooth, passing through rolling hills and small villages until we approached Sayaché and came to the ferry crossing the Río de Pásion. After a 10 minute wait, watching the boats casually ferry all manner of cars, bikes and trucks back and forth, we boarded the ferry and before we knew it we were driving off the other side and the journey continued. As the day went on, the roads became slightly less sealed, especially closer to Lanquín, where winding mountain paths tested both the bus’s engine and our stomachs!
We made a few stops along the way for food and bathroom breaks, firstly at a small gas station and café around 3 hours into the journey. The second stop was in the city of Cobán about 1-2 hours away from Lanquín and was at a McDonald’s so we grabbed some food and used the toilets before heading to our final destination. These breaks were much-needed after sitting for hours. Packing snacks, water, and a playlist/book to keep us entertained was a smart move for this journey and something I would definitely recommend. Just be prepared to settle in for the ride.
Arriving in Lanquín felt like stepping into a different world—lush green mountains, a tiny village vibe, and the excitement of knowing Semuc Champey was just a short ride away. Despite the long hours, the journey wasn’t just about getting from one place to another; it was an experience that gave us a glimpse of Guatemala’s raw natural beauty and rural charm. These landscapes have quickly become one of our favourite aspects of this captivating country.
I’m in Lanquin, What now?
Lanquín itself is a charming, laid-back town with dirt roads and a friendly vibe. When the Shuttle arrives at the local Bus Station(Small car park just past the Puma Petrol station) you will see a row of 4×4’s all with different Hostel decals on. Hopefully you managed to book your accommodation before getting to Lanquín and if you did they should have either contacted you via the booking platform or WhatsApp to confirm arrival time and then be waiting for you at the Station ready to whisk you away to your jungle haven. This is the fun part, you then pop yourself on the back of the Hotel/Hostels 4×4 with your luggage in tow and head to the front door of where you are staying.
Lanquín has options for every traveler, from budget-friendly Party hostels like Zephyr Lodge to peaceful eco-lodges nestled deeper in the jungle. We chose a chilled, budget friendly Hostel called Vista Verde Lodge with stunning mountain views and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for recharging after a long journey. The staff were friendly and quick to help us settle in to our double room with bathroom.
This hostel was perfect for us as we were looking for somewhere that had amazing views and a chilled out atmosphere whilst not breaking the bank as we are on a budget afterall. The Hostel was pay at the end of your stay so make sure you have enough cash to cover the stay including extras like food/tours etc. Like most places in Guatemala there is a charge if you want to pay with Credit/Debit Card and at this particular place it was 8% so bear that in mind.
How do I get to Semuc Champey?
Reaching Semuc Champey from Lanquín is an adventure in itself, as the two are separated by 11 kilometers (7 miles) of rugged jungle roads. There are several ways to get there, depending on your budget and sense of adventure.
The most common option is taking a local pickup truck, which acts as a shared taxi. These trucks are open-air, with passengers standing or sitting in the back, and cost around Q25-30 per person each way. While the ride can be bumpy and dusty, it’s an exciting and affordable way to experience the journey like a local. Just make sure you hold on tight!
For a more convenient option, many hostels and tour operators in Lanquín offer all inclusive tours or transport only options to Semuc Champey. This is what we chose – a return journey booked through our hostel for Q100 per person. The package we booked directly through Hostal Vista Verde Lodge included pick up from the hostel, transport to and from the pools, a delicious lunch, and included plenty of time to explore Semuc Champey’s turquoise pools and surrounding trails.
We got picked up from our hostel reception at 8am and was taken straight to Semuc Champey on the back of our obviously modern 4×4 which took around 15-20 mins. As we sped through winding mountain roads with the wind in our hair and uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery, we already knew this would be an experience to remember and took the time to take it all in. Once we arrived our driver provided us our lunch and off we went. The driver confirmed pick up was at 3pm and he would be waiting for us in the car park which went smoothly.
If you prefer complete flexibility, you can also hire a private truck or car for around Q300-400 total, which is great for groups. No matter how you go, the journey is worth it—the sparkling pools of Semuc Champey are an unforgettable reward for the journey endured the day or two previously.
What to do once you’re there?
Upon arriving at the car park of Semuc Champey you will see an Visitor Centre and the entrance to the park. Cost to enter the park was Q50 per person(correct as of Dec 2024) and you just need to fill in and sign a visitor book confirming basic details and in you go.
The Mirador Hike at Semuc Champey was one of the highlights of our visit. It’s a moderate hike that took us about 30-45 minutes to reach the top, but the views along the way and at the summit were absolutely worth it. The trail was a bit steep at times and even more challenging, thanks to a morning rain shower, with the wet rock and muddy trail and the jungle surrounding us, but the closer we got to the top, the more excited we became.
When we finally reached the viewing platform, we were in awe of the panoramic view—turquoise pools below, the river winding through, and the limestone bridges stretching across the landscape. It was the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Semuc Champey before heading back down to explore the pools up close.
Once you are back down on ground level you can head towards the pools and cool off after the hike you have just smashed! The crystal clear pools are so inviting and thankfully with changing rooms and toilets scattered around the park it’s not long until you are floating around or sliding down the rocks in the fresh pools depending on your mood – or should we say adventure levels.
The afternoon was rounded up with a lovely burrito lunch, with veggie options available, provided by our hostel before being picked up and took back to our accommodation.
All in all, a great day and a once in a lifetime opportunity!
While we didn’t do the caving and tubing tour at Semuc Champey, it’s a popular option for many visitors. The tour typically includes a visit to the nearby caves, where you can wade through water and climb by candlelight, followed by tubing down the Cahabón River. It’s a thrilling way to explore the area, offering a mix of adventure and natural beauty.
Haven’t got time to read? See below summary
Our journey from Isla Flores to Lanquín took 10-12 hours by shared shuttle, costing Q200-270 ($25-$35 USD). We booked through Los Amigos Hostel, where the in-house travel agent offered reliable, affordable options. The shuttle was spacious and comfortable, making stops for food and bathroom breaks. Arriving in Lanquín, we chose Vista Verde Lodge, a cozy, budget-friendly spot. To get to Semuc Champey, we booked Q100 tour, which included hostel-exclusive return transport and lunch. The day was filled with hiking, swimming in the crystal-clear pools, and stunning views—an unforgettable adventure!
Overall Cost
Journey: Isla Flores to Lanquín
Journey Time: 10-12 Hours including breaks
Transport type: Shared Shuttle Minibus
Cost: $25-35 USD, £20-30 GBP, Local Q200-270
Worth it? YES! 100% WORTH THE JOURNEY!!
