Semuc Champey From Antigua: Step-By-Step Guide 2023

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Looking for the best ways to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua? You’re in the right place! Both Antigua and Semuc Champey are popular locations when backpacking Guatemala. In fact, Antigua was one of our favourite locations in the whole of Central America!

But how do you travel between Semuc Champey and Antigua? This post outlines everything you need to know about the two locations, from safety concerns, journey times, prices, drop-off points and more. But as always, if you still have a burning question to ask, be sure to drop me a message on Instagram to ask.

So, let’s get started and discuss all the possible ways to travel to Semuc Champey from Antigua.

Other Guatemala posts you may like:

• Is Semuc Champey Worth It? 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

Semuc Champey from Antigua: A Summary

In summary, there are two main ways to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua. They are:

• Shuttle bus (most popular backpacker option)
• Public bus (‘chicken bus’)

But, it’s important to note that all shuttles will stop in the town before Semuc Champey which is called Lanquin. Both of these options take you to Lanquin, where you will then need to get either a 4×4, cattle truck or tuktuk to your accommodation.

If you’re backpacking Guatemala, the most common, safest and easiest way to travel between Semuc Champey and Antigua is by shuttle. The shuttles hold around 16 people and are full of other backpackers.

But, if you’re a little more adventurous than us, you can travel to Semuc Champey from Antigua via public bus. This will take a longer amount of time, but of course, you get the adventure of being mixed in with the locals on a second-hand converted USA school bus.

Related posts: 15 Best Coffee Shops In Antigua Guatemala | 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala

1. Shuttle to Semuc Champey from Antigua

NOTE: You need to book a shuttle from Antigua to Lanquin for Semuc Champey. Skip to the ‘arriving in Lanquin’ section below if you are unsure about what to do from there.

The best and safest way to travel to Semuc Champey from Antigua is via shuttle bus. Shuttles run all over Guatemala and are the most popular way for backpackers to travel around.

Shuttles depart at 8am and collect you directly from your hostel or accommodation.

The shuttle must be pre-booked via your hostel, or a travel agent. It should not cost more than 225 Q (£22.50/$26) per person.

The journey is around 7-8 hours (depending on traffic, road conditions, roadworks and other factors) to Lanquin from Antigua. Yes, it might say 6 hours on Google maps, but this is unfortunately incorrect.

Your luggage will be safely tied to the top of the shuttle. Just remember to keep all valuables with you inside the bus!

Shuttles in Guatemala are full of other backpackers and tourists. They are safe, reliable and easy to use. I highly recommend using shuttles to travel around Guatemala.

2. Public bus to Semuc Champey from Antigua

Guatemala is known for its ‘chicken buses’, which are old school buses donated from the USA. Guatemalans have painted and turned these school buses into public party buses. Yes, they do play loud 80’s music as you travel!

Public buses can take much longer than shuttles and are a lot bumpier. It’s also a bit riskier with your bags and luggage, but not impossible. If you’re the more adventurous type, travelling via chicken bus in Guatemala should be on your bucket list.

Travelling to Semuc Champey from Antigua can be done via public buses, but takes a long time, with three buses and two taxis/tuk-tuks. You may even want to book accommodation in Coban to split the journey into two days.

The journey to Semuc Champey from Antigua would be (accurate as of March 2023):

• BUS: Antigua > Guatemala City (1 hour 30 minutes)
• TAXI: Guatemala City bus station > taxi to Transportes Monja Blanca bus station (10 minutes)
• BUS: Transportes Monja Blanca bus station > Coban (5 hours)
• BUS: Coban > Lanquin (2 hours)
• TUK-TUK/4X4: Lanquin > your hostel or accommodation (from 10 minutes up to an hour)

Total travel time: 8-9 hours.

Important to know:

• The last bus to Lanquin from Coban is at 5pm, unless you arrive on a Sunday, and then it is earlier. If you’re travelling on a Sunday, you may want to book overnight accommodation in Coban.
• The estimated total price for the public bus journey to Semuc Champey from Antigua is 200 Q (£20). The shuttle from Antigua to Semuc Champey is 225 Q (£22.50). There isn’t a huge difference in price!

Arriving in Lanquin (for Semuc Champey) from Flores

When you finally arrive in Lanquin, you will need to board another mode of transport to reach your accommodation. Some hotels and hostels are in Lanquin, so you can get a tuk-tuk from where the shuttle drops you off.

If you are staying in a jungle lodge like Greengo’s or Zephyr, you will need to get either a cattle truck or 4×4. Don’t worry, this is all organised by the hostel, and you don’t need to do anything to arrange this. All of the tourist shuttles arrive around the same time, so they will be there waiting for you when you arrive in Lanquin.

More Guatemala posts:

• Antigua To Lake Atitlan Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide
• BEST Hostels In Flores Guatemala For Backpackers
• Is Flores Guatemala Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice

Where to stay in Semuc Champey

There are four main hostels to choose from when visiting Semuc Champey: Greengo’s, Utopia Eco Lodge, Ch’i Bocol and Zephyr Lodge. So, which is better? Well, they’re all off the beaten track, and all have their own pros and cons. 

• Greengo’s Hostel is just 400m from the Semuc Champey entrance, meaning you can visit the site without a guide. It has its own onsite bar and restaurant (with reasonable prices), with nightly backpacker activities such as trivia, bonfires and drinking games. Views of the surrounding mountains are unbeatable. Greengo’s tends to be booked up at least 3-4 weeks in advance, so get booking! ⮕ BOOK GREENGO’S HOSTEL NOW!

• Utopia Eco Lodge: A unique natural lodge-style accommodation around 3.5km from the Semuc Champey entrance. ⮕ BOOK UTOPIA NOW!

• Ch’i Bocol: This is the most ‘off-the-beaten-track’ hostel, which requires a 30 minute uphill hike to reach even after the shuttles have dropped you off. Stay here if you want a true, authentic experience amongst Guatemalan nature! ⮕ BOOK CH’I BOCOL NOW!

• Zephyr Lodge is another popular hostel near Semuc Champey. To reach the Semuc Champey waterfalls, you will need to take a 4×4 for around 45 minutes which can be arranged by the hostel. From other backpackers, I’ve heard it’s another great choice, and the jungle views from the dorm rooms are incredible. ⮕ BOOK ZEPHYR LODGE NOW!

Overall, they’re all great choices when it comes to staying in Semuc Champey. I’m biased because we stayed at Greengo’s and had such an epic time there, but I’m sure both hostels will give you an incredible experience. But things change quickly when it comes to hostels, so make sure you always read the reviews first.

Again, my biggest piece of advice is to book hostels in advance. We missed out on so many of the best hostels in Central America as they fill up so quickly – get booking!

How much is the shuttle from Antigua to Semuc Champey?

The shuttle from Antigua to Semuc Champey is around 225 Q (£22.50/$26) per person. The shuttles can be booked via your hostel or travel agents in Antigua and should be organised at least 24 hours in advance.

Related posts: 15 Best Coffee Shops In Antigua Guatemala | 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala

Is Semuc Champey worth it?

In my opinion, yes. Semuc Champey is worth it, especially if you stay in a unique jungle hostel like Greengo’s, Zephyr or Utopia Eco Hostel. Semuc Champey is an off-the-beaten-track natural monument near Lanquin, Guatemala. It isn’t easy to reach – in fact, it’s quite the detour – which is why so many people question whether it is worth it or not.

If you do make the trip, you can spend your time at Semuc Champey cliff jumping into natural waterfalls and pools, hiking through caves, tubing down lazy rivers, meeting some of the locals in the nearby villages and swimming amongst some of the best views in Guatemala. To make your trip even more special, make sure to stay in one of the jungle hostels located in the mountains. The views are just unbeatable.

⮕ BOOK YOUR SEMUC CHAMPEY JUNGLE STAY HERE!

How long should I stay in Semuc Champey?

If you are visiting Semuc Champey for the first time, I highly recommend at least 3 nights. The journey to Semuc Champey from Flores takes near enough a whole day, and if you stay just 1 or 2 nights, you won’t have time to see it all!

We stayed for 4 nights at Greengo’s hostel, and found this was perfect to enjoy the hostel views, pool and atmosphere and explore Semuc Champey without rushing.

How far is it from Antigua to Lake Atitlan?

Antigua is around 2.5 hours away from Lake Atitlan. There are daily shuttles that run to and from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. The shuttles can be booked via your hostel or travel agents in Antigua, and should be organised at least 24 hours in advance.

Related posts: 15 Best Coffee Shops In Antigua Guatemala | 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala | What To Wear In Antigua Guatemala (That Isn’t Ugly)

Can you swim in Semuc Champey?

Yes! You can swim in the pools at Semuc Champey. On a sunny day, the pools are clear and turquoise. However, on a rainy day, they can get quite muddy and murky (not ideal for swimming). There are also tiny fish that like to nibble on your skin – so be prepared! They’re harmless (but can be very annoying).

How much does it cost to go to Semuc Champey?

Actually visiting Semuc Champey itself is budget friendly – the park entrance is just 100 Q (£10/$12) per person. However, if you don’t 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 by pre-booking online.

Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America

If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

How to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about getting to Semuc Champey from Antigua when you’re backpacking Guatemala!

When you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m backpacking Central America with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Other Guatemala posts:

• Is Semuc Champey Worth It? A COMPLETE Guide
• How To Get From Flores To Semuc Champey
• Flores to Belize City: Complete Step-By-Step Guide
• How To Get From San Ignacio To Flores: Backpacker Guide
• What To Wear In Antigua Guatemala (That Isn’t Ugly)