Lanquín, Guatemala: travel guide
Highland base for Semuc Champey's turquoise pools and river caves
Small highland town in Alta Verapaz, the base for the turquoise limestone pools of Semuc Champey and the Lanquín caves.
About Lanquín
Lanquín is a small town in the green hills of Alta Verapaz, and it is best known as the base for Semuc Champey, one of Guatemala's most striking natural sights. The road in is rough and winding, which keeps the area feeling remote.
At Semuc Champey a series of turquoise limestone pools steps down above a river that vanishes underground. Walk up to the El Mirador viewpoint for the best view of the terraces, then swim in the pools below. Back near town, the Grutas de Lanquín and the K'anba caves are explored by candlelight, and the Río Cahabón offers river tubing.
Lanquín suits adventurous travellers happy with simple accommodation. The area is green and wet for much of the year, and the drier months from roughly February to May are generally the easiest time to go.
- Country
- Guatemala
- Currency
- GTQ
- Time zone
- America/Guatemala
Last updated
Top places to visit in Lanquín
Semuc Champey
natural-pools · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A 300 m limestone bridge over the Cahabón river topped by a staircase of turquoise natural pools for swimming; Guatemala's signature natural wonder.
El Mirador Semuc Champey
hike · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Steep jungle trail to a lookout high above the turquoise pools, giving the classic aerial view of Semuc Champey.
Grutas de Lanquín
cave · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Large river cave near Lanquín with dramatic formations; at dusk thousands of bats stream out of the entrance.
K'anba Caves
cave · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Candle-lit river cave adventure near Semuc Champey, waded and swum through by candlelight, often paired with river tubing.
Río Cahabón
river · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Fast highland river running through jungle gorges near Lanquín, popular for tubing and white-water rafting.
Things to do
- Semuc Champey Full-Day Adventure Adventure · 9 h · from GTQ 300 per person
- Lanquín Caves & Bat Sunset Caving · 2 h · from GTQ 90 per person
- Río Cahabón Rafting Water Sports · 4 h · from GTQ 260 per person
Day trips and tours
- Semuc Champey & K'anba Caves 9 h · from GTQ 300
Where to stay in Lanquín
- Lanquín Town about GTQ 220 per night
Base with hostels and shuttle connections near the Lanquín caves.
- Semuc Champey Road about GTQ 300 per night
Riverside eco-lodges closer to the pools for early access.
Hotels
- Zephyr Lodge 2-star
- Utopia Eco Hotel 3-star
Where to eat
- Zephyr Lodge Restaurant International · about GTQ 75 per person
- Comedor Shalom Guatemalan · about GTQ 45 per person
Getting to Lanquín
Nearest airport: Guatemala City (GUA), about 125 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Minibus
- Shuttle
- Walking
More in Guatemala
Frequently asked questions about Lanquín
- What are the main places to visit in Lanquín?
- Places covered in our Lanquín guide include Semuc Champey, El Mirador Semuc Champey, Grutas de Lanquín, K'anba Caves, Río Cahabón.
- Where should I stay in Lanquín?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Lanquín: Lanquín Town, Semuc Champey Road.
- How do I get around Lanquín?
- Ways to get around Lanquín covered in our guide: Minibus, Shuttle, Walking.