Semuc Champey & Kamba Caves: 3-Day Adventure with Hotel

Summary

Swim Semuc Champey pools climb Kamba caves rope with local guide

You’ll swim through Semuc Champey’s surreal pools and brave the candle-lit Kamba Caves with a Q’eqchi guide at your side. Expect hands-on moments — climbing ropes under waterfalls, sharing simple meals outdoors, feeling both nervous and amazed by what you can do. This tour includes hotel pickup from Antigua or Guatemala City, all entrance fees, breakfast and lunch — so you can focus on just being there.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we almost missed our shuttle in Antigua because I couldn’t find my other shoe (classic me). The drive to Lanquín was long — bumpy in parts, but the mountains out the window kept changing color as the sun moved. We stopped somewhere for snacks; I grabbed a tamal from a woman who smiled but didn’t say much. I remember her hands were dusted with masa. By the time we reached Oasis Hostal, it was dark and the air felt heavy and sweet, almost like rain but not quite.

The next morning started slow — breakfast was simple but filling. Our guide, Mario (he’s Q’eqchi), greeted us with this quiet patience. He handed out candles before we entered Kamba Caves. It’s hard to describe how it feels wading chest-deep through cold water with just a flickering flame in your hand. At one point I slipped on a rock and Mario caught my elbow, steadying me without making a big deal of it. There’s this moment where you climb up by rope right under a waterfall — the water slams into your shoulders so hard you can barely hear yourself think. I’m still not sure how I managed to hold on.

After that, daylight felt unreal when we got out. Semuc Champey was quieter than I expected — just the sound of kids laughing and birds somewhere in the trees. The pools are all these impossible shades of blue-green; I floated for ages watching sunlight flicker on the surface. Lunch was included (rice and chicken, nothing fancy), eaten sitting on rocks while our hair dried in the breeze.

It’s funny what sticks with you — for me it’s that candle wax running down my fingers in the cave, or Mario laughing gently when I tried to pronounce “Semuc” properly (I never got it right). If you want something polished or easy, maybe skip this day trip from Antigua or Guatemala City to Semuc Champey and Kamba Caves. But if you’re okay with mud on your shoes and being a little scared sometimes… well, you’ll remember it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Lanquin and hotel check-in

• Depart Antigua or Guatemala City to Lanquin
• Stop for food or drink break
• Stop for toilet or relax break
• Arrive Lanquin and transfer to hotel

Day 2 — Tour Semuc Champey and Kamba Caves

• Tour Semuc Champey and Kamba Caves all day

Day 3 — Return or continue to Flores

• Return to Guatemala City or continue to Flores

Top questions

How do you get to Semuc Champey from Antigua?

The tour includes collective transport from Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City directly to Lanquín.

Is accommodation included in this Semuc Champey tour?

Yes, two nights at Oasis Hostal are included in Lanquín.

What is special about Kamba Caves?

Kamba Caves are mostly filled with water; visitors explore by candlelight with a local Q’eqchi guide and climb by rope under a waterfall inside.

Are meals included during the trip?

Breakfast and lunch are included during your stay.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult; some physical fitness is required due to cave exploration and swimming.

Can travelers continue to Flores or Tikal after this tour?

Yes, after finishing in Lanquín you can return to Guatemala City or continue onward to Flores for Tikal tours.

What kind of transportation is used?

The tour uses 4-wheel drive vehicles for transfers between locations.

Is there a local guide during activities?

Yes, a local Q’eqchi guide leads both Semuc Champey and Kamba Caves visits.

What’s included

Your journey covers roundtrip 4x4 transport from Antigua or Guatemala City to Lanquín, two nights’ stay at Oasis Hostal with breakfast each morning, entry fees for both Semuc Champey pools and Kamba Caves (with all taxes covered), guided tours led by locals from the Q’eqchi community, plus lunch during your adventure so you don’t have to worry about logistics along the way.