Region in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Semuc Champey
Turquoise limestone pools and caves in Guatemala's Alta Verapaz highlands, with travelers based in Lanquín. Remote, cheap and beautiful; roads are rough, trips are slow and rainy season makes access harder.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$458–720Comfortable, one person · Q3,500–5,500Details
- Value for money95/100Better value than 94% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, NovWarmest: Apr, 34°CDetails
- Internet100 MbpsFixed broadband, Guatemala medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water; most hostels have refill jugs.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–39Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTourist shuttle from Antigua or FloresYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyBring quetzales from Cobán, Antigua or Guatemala City: Lanquín has one unreliable ATM, and cards are rarely accepted outside some hostels.Details
Where to stay in Semuc Champey
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lanquín | Closest town, hostels, tours and the Lanquín Caves |
| El Retiro | Riverside area close to the park entrance |
Apps that work in Semuc Champey
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Tuk-tuks and shared pickups are standard; agree the fare before starting.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Guatemala.
- Cash only Bring quetzales from Cobán, Antigua or Guatemala City: Lanquín has one unreliable ATM, and cards are rarely accepted outside some hostels.
- Currency: Quetzal (GTQ). US$1 ≈ Q7.64 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use 5B (Banco Industrial) or BAC ATMs inside banks or malls; expect a local fee per withdrawal and occasional skimming.
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida'; otherwise leave about 10%. Tip guides and shuttle drivers; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in chains and upscale places; local wallets need a Guatemalan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the online traveller declaration before arrival and before departure and keep the QR code; airport terminals for it are slower.
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Check your passport is stamped on entry; a missing stamp means a fine and delays when you leave.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 122 · Tourist police 1500
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tigo or Claro SIMs from their stores, malls and airport kiosks with your passport; prepaid monthly data bundles are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Guatemala
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.