Where to Stay in Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala. Although it’s hard to reach and off the beaten path, I truly believe it’s worth the effort to visit this unique destination in Guatemala.
I had an amazing time in Semuc Champey, and part of that had to do with where I stayed. The hotels and hostels here contribute very much to your overall experience, so it’s important to pick the right one.
Semuc Champey is a natural monument that is formed by the Cahabon River flowing underneath a limestone bridge. The result is tiered natural pools filled with clear turquoise-blue water. In addition to swimming in the pools, you can go tubing down the river, see several waterfalls, explore a partially submerged cave, and hike up to the El Mirador viewpoint to see Semuc Champey from above.
Getting to Semuc Champey is not easy, though. The nearest town is Lanquin, which is where many of the accommodation options are. You can take a shuttle to Lanquin from Antigua, which takes around 10 hours and costs around $40 USD. If you are coming from northern Guatemala, you can also take a shuttle to Lanquin from Flores, which takes around 8 hours and costs around $35 USD.
You’ll be traveling on bumpy, winding roads that are not in great condition. But if you’re up for the long journey and the adventure, visiting Semuc Champey is well worth the time and effort.
How Long for Semuc Champey? My Opinion
How many nights do you need in Semuc Champey?
I recommend spending at least three nights in Semuc Champey. Since you will arrive in the evening, you will then have two full days for activities before departing on the morning of the third day.
This is what I did when I visited Semuc Champey, and it felt like the perfect amount of time. Some travelers arrive in the evening, spend one full day, and then leave the next morning for their next destination.
In my honest opinion, that is way too rushed. You might as well enjoy Semuc Champey and its surroundings since you spent so much time getting here. There’s also plenty to do to fill two full days here.
Best Places to Stay in Semuc Champey
There are quite a few accommodation options to choose from in Semuc Champey.
Some are in town, while others are near the entrance to Semuc Champey itself, about 30 minutes further on unpaved roads. I stayed in town because it was more convenient. If you stay closer to Semuc Champey, most accommodations will arrange transportation from Lanquin for you.
The accommodation options for Semuc Champey are all on the more rustic side. You won’t find anything approaching “luxury” here, so adjust your expectations accordingly. But you’re out in the middle of the jungle, and you will get to enjoy some truly stunning scenery and adventurous experiences.
Here are my top picks for the best places to stay in Semuc Champey:
- Social hostel in Lanquin: Zephyr River Lodge
- Best value and quality in Lanquin: El Retiro Lodge
- Social hostel in Semuc Champey: Greengo’s Hotel
And here’s a full breakdown of where to stay in Semuc Champey:
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Zephyr River Lodge
While I did not stay at Zephyr River Lodge myself, this is where a lot of the people on my shuttle from Antigua stayed. Me and a girl staying at a different hotel ended up going to Zephyr Lodge two nights in a row to have dinner, enjoy their pool and hot tub, and meet up with everyone we had met.
Zephyr Lodge is known for being the fun backpacker hostel in Lanquin. It has a great infinity pool overlooking the jungle, and like almost all the accommodations in town, arranges tours to Semuc Champey. However, I heard from people staying here that the rooms left a lot to be desired in terms of cleanliness.
But if you aren’t too picky about where you stay, this is a good option with a fun social atmosphere. If I were to return to Semuc Champey, I would definitely stay in a private room here because of the fun vibe.
El Retiro Lodge
I stayed at El Retiro Lodge, and I would definitely recommend it. Also located in Lanquin, El Retiro has beautiful grounds, hammocks to relax in, and an on-site restaurant down by the river.
When I stayed there, it had more of a family atmosphere. I spent a bit more to have a room with air conditioning (this is the only place I could find near Semuc Champey with air-conditioned rooms), but it was still very basic. There are several accommodation options ranging from private rooms to dorms here.
El Retiro also offered the best price on a full-day tour to Semuc Champey compared to other nearby hotels. Overall, I found El Retiro to be a comfortable place to stay and a good value for money.
However, if you’re looking for a social hostel atmosphere, you won’t find it as much here. As I mentioned, me and another girl ended up going to Zephyr Lodge twice to meet up with new travel friends.
Hostal Oasis The Traveler
Hostal Oasis The Traveler is another hotel located in Lanquin that receives good ratings from travelers. You can choose from dorm rooms, private rooms with a shared bathroom, and private rooms with en-suites.
This is another accommodation that’s located right along the river, and it features an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, and organized tours to Semuc Champey as well as other activities.
Utopia Eco Hotel
If you’re looking for somewhere really unique to stay, look no further than Utopia Eco Hotel. This hotel gets great ratings and is located outside of town in the middle of the jungle, closer to Semuc Champey.
They offer free pickup in Lanquin and organize tours to Semuc Champey and a cacao farm. There’s an on-site restaurant that serves all vegan and vegetarian meals, and free yoga classes. Accommodation options range from private “nooks” with shared bathrooms to private cabanas and cabins.
I love the focus on vegan and vegetarian meals (this appeals to me personally as a long-time vegetarian!) and the commitment to sustainability. I think this would be a very cool place to stay.
Hostal Vista Verde Lanquin
Hostal Vista Verde Lanquin is an affordable place to stay in town that receives good ratings from travelers. If you’re on a budget, this hostel offers inexpensive dorm rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms.
There’s also a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a nice garden area along the riverfront. Like most of the other accommodations in town, Hostal Vista Verde organizes tours to Semuc Champey.
Hostal El Portal de Semuc Champey
If you want to stay right by Semuc Champey, you can’t go wrong with Hostel El Portal De Semuc Champey. It’s located just a 10-minute walk from the entrance to Semuc Champey, which makes visiting the pools, waterfalls, and caves on your own a breeze without having to pay for a tour.
You can choose from dorm rooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and private rooms with en-suites here. There’s also an en-suite restaurant, and they offer pickup and dropoff in Lanquin.
Greengo’s Hotel
Finally, another one of the best accommodations that is located close to Semuc Champey is Greengo’s Hotel. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the entrance of Semuc Champey and its cascading pools.
Greengo’s is known for having a fun social atmosphere. You can spend your days exploring Semuc Champey and the surrounding jungle, and nights by the pool or in the hot tub. There’s an on-site restaurant and activities like yoga classes for guests to enjoy. They also offer a free pickup in Lanquin.
Where to Stay in Semuc Champey, Guatemala: My Top Picks
This guide showed you the best hotels in Semuc Champey, Guatemala.
To recap, my top three picks for where to stay are:
- Social hostel in Lanquin: Zephyr River Lodge
- Best value and quality in Lanquin: El Retiro Lodge
- Social hostel in Semuc Champey: Greengo’s Hotel
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Semuc Champey!
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