Location: Alta Verapaz Department Map
Area: 17.14 km2 (7 sq mi)
Semuc Champey Natural monument is situated in Alta Verapaz
Department in Guatemala. It is famous for its cascades of
colorful water. This nature reserve covers an area of
approximately 17.14 km2 (7 sq mi). Semuc Champey is often called
one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala. Its name is
derive from the local dialect of Kekchi natives tribes. It can
be translated as "the place where the river goes underground".
Kahabon river eroded the soft limestone layer located under the
more solid rock. The river passes under this natural bridge that
extends for three hundred meters in length. Only a small branch
of a river is visible on the surface. Geologic erosion creates
its unique turquoise slow moving stream. At the end you can see
the Cahabón River as it enters a limestone cavern, a very
dangerous area to approach within the river by the force of
water, only allowing this natural geographical phenomenon to be
observed at a distance.
Semuc Champey was declared a
Natural Monument in 1999 by the then president of the Republic
of Guatemala, Álvaro Arzú Irigoyen and is very close
geographically to the Grutas de Lanquín National Park with which
it shares a visitors center to cover the tourist.
Due to
the subtropical forest that surrounds the place, it has an
enormous ecological wealth, among which more than 100 species of
birds have been identified; 34 of mammals, 25 of reptiles and
amphibians; and 10 fish plus more than 120 different species of
trees. It has a viewpoint 700 m high to observe the 350 m long
natural pools that make up "Semuc Champey", with waterfalls up
to 40 feet high and all the pools fed by local streams.
To
get to this place, you must travel from Guatemala City by the
Atlantic Road, reach the town of Rancho, km 81, turn off in
search of the city of Cobán, km 216, and from there to Lanquín,
then tackle a pick up that will take you to Semuc Champey.
The best time to visit Semuc Champey and its waterfalls is in
the early morning. There are three major paths that follow Semuc
Champey valley. Among these three, El Mirador is the hardest to
climb, however it offers the best view of the mountains and
river below.