Lanquín serves as a quiet base for exploring Guatemala's natural wonders, most notably the tiered turquoise pools of Semuc Champey and the expansive Lanquín Caves. Visitors engage in activities such as swimming in natural pools, exploring water-filled caves by candlelight, hiking to scenic viewpoints, and tubing or rafting on the Río Cahabón.
While Lanquín itself is a small, quiet village, many hostels, like Zephyr Lodge, offer a social atmosphere, especially for backpackers. These accommodations often provide shared facilities such as bars and pools, serving as hubs for meeting other travelers and organizing tours to local attractions.
Top 4 Things to do in Lanquín
Exploring Lanquín offers a blend of adventurous caving, refreshing swims in natural pools, scenic hikes to viewpoints, and relaxed river tubing.
1. Semuc Champey Pools and El Mirador
Semuc Champey features a series of stunning turquoise limestone pools where visitors can swim and relax. A hike to the El Mirador viewpoint provides panoramic aerial views of these tiered pools cascading through the dense jungle. The hike is steep and can be slippery, taking 30-45 minutes. It is recommended to wear shoes with good grip.
Cost: The entry fee for foreigners is 50Q (approximately $7 USD). This fee covers access to the pools and the Mirador.
Transport: From Lanquín, shared pickup trucks (camionetas) can transport visitors to Semuc Champey for approximately 20Q per person. Some accommodations closer to Semuc Champey are within walking distance (15-45 minutes).
2. K'an Ba Cave Exploration
This adventurous activity involves navigating through a water-filled cave system using only a candle for light. Participants walk, swim, climb, and sometimes squeeze through narrow passages. This activity can be physically demanding and is often part of combined tours with Semuc Champey. Water shoes are highly recommended.
Cost: The cost is approximately 60Q-75Q (around $8-$10 USD), which includes a mandatory local guide and a candle.
Transport: K'an Ba Cave is situated near the entrance to Semuc Champey Natural Monument, making it easily accessible as part of a visit to the pools, or independently by walking a short distance from the park's entry point.
3. Tubing on the Río Cahabón/Lanquín River
Experience the local rivers by floating downstream on an inner tube. Depending on the section, the river offers both calm stretches and some exciting rapids. This activity provides a unique perspective of the surrounding jungle and local life along the riverbanks. Bringing a dry bag for personal items is advisable.
Cost: Tubing typically costs between 50Q and 100Q (approximately $7-$13 USD). It can be arranged independently or as part of a tour package.
Transport: Tubes can be rented near the entrance of Semuc Champey or directly from various accommodations. Some tours include transportation to the starting point near the yellow bridge before Semuc Champey or the Grutas de Lanquín.
4. Lanquín Caves (Grutas de Lanquín)
Explore this extensive limestone cave system located just outside Lanquín town. Visitors can walk through illuminated sections and observe impressive rock formations. A significant highlight is witnessing thousands of bats exit the cave at dusk, creating a natural spectacle. These caves are considered sacred by the Mayan people, and spiritual rituals are still performed here.
Cost: The entry fee is 30Q (approximately $4 USD). While it is possible to visit the initial sections independently with a personal torch, hiring an additional local guide costs around 20Q (approximately $3 USD).
Transport: The Lanquín Caves are conveniently located approximately a 20-minute walk from Lanquín town.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
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