How to Get to Semuc Champey Guatemala

You must work for it if you need to get from Lanquin, Guatemala City, or Antigua to Semuc Champey! Most people stop at Semuc Champey Guatemala on the way to Tikal from Antigua, or vice versa. Planning travel from Semuc Champey to Guatemala City and back is challenging. This guide to how to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua, Lanquin, and Guatemala City is here to help.

The Cheap Way to Travel From Antigua to Semuc Champey Guatemala (Like a Local)

Do you want to travel cheaply to Semuc Champey from Antigua, like a local? Head to the bus terminal by the market and take a chicken bus to Guatemala City.

Note: These are not easy changes—you’ll need to ask the locals for help finding the next bus, and you may need to walk a few blocks to find the stop.

Cost: Around 100Q

Unless your Spanish is good and you don’t mind being crammed on a chicken bus traveling through the jungle in sweltering heat with some friendly Guatemalans practically sitting on you…I’d skip this option.

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?

The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

The Typical Way to Get From Antigua to Semuc Champey Guatemala (Like a Tourist)

The quickest and easiest way to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua is the daily shuttle that departs at 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. by the time you’ve picked everyone up). Any travel agent in town can organize this for you, or you can ask the front desk at your hotel/hostel. If you prefer to be organized and reserve your travel in advance, book your transportation and tours through GuateGo. You can even book your tour from Antigua to Semuc Champey through them!

They will pick you up from your hotel or hostel and drop you off in Lanquin. You can take a free hotel shuttle to your accommodations and travel from Lanquin to Semuc Champey.

Travel Time: They will tell you eight hours, but expect nine to ten.

Cost: 260-325Q

Another good option is to book a full package: two nights and three days in Semuc, including transportation, accommodations, and the tour. They will drive you from Antigua to Semuc Champey. The next day, you will do the Semuc and Kamba caves, On the third day, you can go to Flores or return to Antigua. If you return to Antigua, read this post I wrote about the Best Restaurants in Antigua.

Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 
Best Guatemala Tours: Click here to check out the top Guatemala tours
Best Guatemala Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Guatemala
Best Guatemala Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Guatemala

The Luxury 5-Star Way to Get From Semuc Champey to Guatemala City

Sorry, just kidding, there isn’t a luxury way to get here…as I said, if you want to see Semuc Champey, you must work for it!

P.S. Don’t forget to read my guide to Semuc Champey here.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Guatemala? Check out these options!
Wyndham Garden Guatemala City
Barceló Guatemala City
AC Hotels by Marriott Guatemala City

How to Get to Semuc Champey: FAQs

Can you travel directly from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey?

No, you must take a bus to Coban from Guatemala City and another to Lanquin before heading to Semuc.

What’s the cheapest way to get from Lanquin to Semuc Champey?

The cheapest option is to take a chicken bus.

Is there a luxury option to travel to Semuc Champey Guatemala?

Unfortunately, there are no luxury transportation methods to Semuc Champey. You’ll have to take chicken buses or shuttles!

Quick Tip: View my full Guatemala packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Guatemala Essentials shopping list here.

Guatemala Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Guatemala?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Guatemala which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Guatemala on Amazon here.

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Guatemala?

I strongly recommend using GottoGo. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Guatemala?

I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack. 

How to Get to Semuc Champey Guatemala: Final Thoughts

There are only two options to travel from Antigua, Lanquin, or Guatemala City to Semuc Champey. The first is taking a chicken bus, which is cheap but uncomfortable. The second is to book a shuttle—the extra expense is worth it. Unfortunately, there are no luxury transportation methods from Antigua to Semuc Champey. However, that makes the experience more rewarding!

This post was proofread by Grammarly.