Semuc Champey, Guatemala.
Is a natural monument in the departament of Alta Verapaz, near the Q´eqchi´ Maya town of Lanquín(Municipality in the Guatemalan departament of Alta Verapaz). It consist of a natural 300 meters limenstone bridge, under which passes the Cahabon River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swwiming attraction. Although it can be difficult to get to, semuc is very popular with travelers.
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| Semuc Champey, Guatemala |
In there is a wealth of flora and fauna, including over 100 species of birds recognized, plus 34 mammals, 25 reptiles and amphibians and 10 species of fish. Also have been identified about 120 species of trees and vines in the area.
Geological system of Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey Natural Monument is found within a natural canyon, probably formed by monumental rock slides that gave life to the limestone bridge. For thousands of years under the strength of the Cahabon River, this ridge was shaped resulting in the impressive geological system of Semuc Champey. During this process water acted like an acid on the limestone, eroding it as it filtered through small cracks; it then continued its way througth fractures in the karstic solid and, with time, it formed the cave call "El Sumidero" where the Cahabon River now enters. Finally, water sought its natural causeway, and it created the mouth where now comes out with great pressure to continue its extensive course.
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| Geological proccess Semuc Champey |
Located above the rock bridge, the pools formed through a similar erosion process. They are currently fed by water springs found on the sides and above the structure. Eventually, the botton of one of the pools will give way to erosion, filtration and the water´s weigth; this will form a hole in a superior part of the tunnel opening a access to the cave where the Cahabon Rives passes.
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| Botton falls in the Cahabon River, Semuc Champey. |
The water color in the pools as different tones of turquoise, and it changes depending on the time of year, which brings a spectacular beauty to this landscape.
Semuc Champey Principal Attractions
Cahabon River in Semuch Champey
It´s water begin their journey in the "Sierra de las Minas" mountains, fed by more than 50 Creeks along the departament of Alta Verapaz. From the time of the Ancient Mayas, this river has very important for community development, as it has been used for people´s subsistence.
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| Rafting in Cahabon River |
The Cahabon River is 196 km long river in eastern Guatemala. From it´s sources in the "Sierra de las Minas" range in Baja Verapaz it turns north and then east into Alta Verapaz, running through Santa Cruz Verapaz, Tactic, Cobán, San Pedro Carchá, Lanquín, Santa María Cahabón and Panzós, where it joins the Polochic River. It´s whitewater reaches, with Class III and IV rapids(intermediate to challenging) are favoured spots for touristic Rafting.
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| Rapids in Cahabon River |
"El sumidero" in Semuc Champey.
It is the entrance to a series of underground caves formed in limestone; is is the place where the volume of water from the Cahabon River powerfully "hides underneath the earth", full of mystery and danger.
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| "El Sumidero" |
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| "El Sumidero" Cahabon River |
Semuc Champey pools
They are 1-3 meters deep (3-10 feet) their turquoise green coloration is a unique feature of Semuc Champey´s landscape. The Blue greenish tones change with variations in climatic factors along the year.
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| Jumping to the pool. |
Semuc Champey Hotels
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| Dormitory |
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| Coffe cabanas |
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| Hammock |
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