San Agustin Lanquin, Guatemala | Spring 2023
In May 2023, a journey to the small town of San Agustin Lanquín, Guatemala led to one of the most breathtaking natural wonders imaginable. Semuc Champey, tucked deep in the jungle, is a glowing turquoise paradise that feels like something out of a dream. Untouched, surreal and unforgettable.
Arriving in San Agustin Lanquin
Nestled among Guatemala’s green hills, the town of Lanquín moved at a peaceful, unhurried rhythm. After hours on the road with a bus full of chatty travelers, the quiet was a welcome change.
At the guesthouse, the front desk staff wasted no time helping arrange a ride to Semuc Champey for the next morning. A local driver was already nearby. When he arrived, he mentioned that a few other solo travelers had signed up as well. Just like that, the plan was set.
With the logistics sorted, the evening turned into a slow stroll through town in search of dinner. Most places had already closed for the night. Eventually, a plate of pasta and a handful of snacks would do the trick. Nothing fancy, but somehow just right.
There hadn’t been much thought put into what the next day might involve. The goal was to see the pools from the top. How difficult that would be wasn’t part of the equation. Sometimes travel looks like that.
An idea takes hold, and everything else gets figured out along the way.
The Hike to Semuc Champey: A Test of Endurance
The next morning brought a choice. Follow the easy riverside path straight to the pools, or take the steep hike up to the mountain lookout for the best view. The decision was easy. When a view like that is on offer, you go for it.
What came next felt like one long, vertical test of willpower.
The trail climbs nearly 700 meters and takes about 45 minutes, winding through thick jungle terrain with what felt like at least a thousand steps. The humidity was high, the air thick and heavy. Within minutes, every layer of clothing was soaked. Shirts clung to skin. Sweat poured down my back. Legs burned. The higher the climb, the heavier the body felt.
About halfway up, a local vendor appeared with a pile of fresh coconuts. Cold and refreshing.
The incline didn’t let up. At times, it felt like being stuck on a StairMaster that had no mercy. Giving up started to sound reasonable. No one really warns you how intense it is until you’re in the thick of it, legs trembling, heart pounding, wondering why you didn’t just take the riverside path.
Reaching the Top: A View That Took My Breath Away
Eventually, the trees parted and the jungle gave way to sky. Then came the view.
Semuc Champey revealed itself like a secret too beautiful to keep. Tiered turquoise pools carved into golden limestone flowed gently into one another, each one catching the sunlight like a gem. The surrounding jungle framed the scene in deep greens, wrapping the entire landscape in wild perfection.
Far below, tiny figures moved slowly through the water, offering scale to the vastness of it all. From this height, the full layout of the pools came into focus. It was something no ground-level view could possibly deliver.
It didn’t just look beautiful. It felt otherworldly. The kind of place that makes you forget how hard the climb was. The kind of view that makes silence feel sacred.
Some views impress. Others imprint. This was the latter.
The Descent: Cooling Off in the Crystal-Clear Pools
After taking in the view, the descent began. It was easier than the climb, but legs were still shaky and the only thought was getting into the water. At the bottom, my shoes came off and my feet met the cool, clear pools. Relief was instant.
The heat faded, and so did the ache. Floating there, surrounded by jungle, everything slowed. It wasn’t just refreshing. The kind of stillness that stays with you long after you leave.
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Paradise Worth Every Effort
If the road ever takes you to San Agustín Lanquín, don’t miss the chance to experience this place. Whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking nature or just craving a place that feels untouched, Semuc Champey delivers.
What made it unforgettable wasn’t just arriving. It was the climb, the effort and the reward of stepping into a view that felt pulled straight from the pages of National Geographic. No detailed plan. Just a clear goal and the choice to keep going until it was in view.
Sometimes, that’s all it takes to find something extraordinary.
