Semuc Champey

After leaving Monterrico we made our way to the far north end of the country to visit the Mayan ruins of Tikal. While it is possible to get there in a day with a very long bus ride from Guatemala City, it is best to break this journey up with a stopover in Semuc Champey which is located, almost literally, in Guatemala's middle of nowhere.

Consisting of a series of fresh water pools, what is not immediately apparent is that they sit above a massive limestone bridge, almost 1,000' in length. Beneath the picturesque cascading pools and landbridge flows the Cahabón River.

Offering a great place to hike around, swim and relax, this stop is well worth the detour.  For more photos, click the play button below to see a slideshow which can be viewed in fullscreen. If the slideshow does not show up on your screen, click here for direct link to the photo album.

Here is a video of the fun to be had, including an underwater cave: