Need to get from Antigua to Semuc Champey? If you want to get to the natural wonder that is Semuc Champey you are going to have to work for it! Most people stop at Semuc on route to Tikal from Antigua, or vice versa.
So here’s my guide to getting from Antigua to Semuc Champey in Guatemala.
The cheap way to get Antigua to Semuc Champey (like a local)
Head to the bus terminal by the market and take a chicken bus to Guatemala City
- From Guatemala City, you will need to get a bus to Coban
- From Coban, you will need to get a bus to Lanquin
Note: These are not easy changes, you will have to ask the locals for help finding the next bus you need 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 sat on you I’d give this option a miss.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything! Travel insurance has always been high my list of things to get before I travel but now more than ever its at the top of my list.
I’m pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. So when looking for travel insurance it’s important to check it covers travel disruption due to COVID-19, Hey Mondo, Passport Nomads, Safety Wing, and Travel Insurance Master all provide cover for this.
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. You even have the option to start the cover when you are already on your trip, although you won’t be covered for the first 72 hours. For me my favourite feature is their app which offers you a 24/7 Dr chat and the ability to file a claim direct in the app.
Passport Nomads provides the most comprehensive cover for Digital Nomads. The game changer with them is that you have a red card and if you find yourself in need of medical care you just contact them and they will pre load your card with the funds to cover your treatment, meaning you won’t need to pay out of pocket and then put in a claim later.
Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. They have an excess of $250 and it’s simple to make a claim through their website. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy and I like that it renews on a monthly basis, so I don’t have to pay out a big lump sum up front.
I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips.
If you are doing shorter trips or an extended backpacking trip then Hey Mondo or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for Passport Nomads or SafetyWing.
The “normal” way to get from Antigua to Semuc Champey
By far the quickest and easiest way to get to Semuc Champey from Antigua. There are daily shuttles that leave at 8 am (9 am by the time you have driven around picking everyone up!). Any of the travel agents in town can organize this for you or ask at the reception of your hotel/ hostel. If you prefer to be organized and book online then book your transport and tours through GuateGo. You can even book your tour to Semuc through them.
They will pick you up from your hotel or hostel and drop you in Lanquin. From there will be a free pickup waiting to take you to one of the hotels either in Lanquin or Semuc.
Travel Time: They will tell you 8 hours…expect 9-10 hours
Cost: 260-325Q
Top Tip: Another good option is to book a full package: 2 nights and 3 days in Semuc including transport, accommodation and the tour. They will pick you up in Antigua and drive you until Semuc Champey, the next day you will do Semuc and Kamba caves and on the third day you can choose to go to Flores or return to Antigua. If you return to Antigua, take a look at this post I wrote about the Best Restaurants In Antigua.
The luxury 5* way
Sorry, just kidding, there isn’t a nice way to get here….like I said if you want to see Semuc Champey you are going to have to work for it!
P.S. Don’t forget to read my guide to Semuc Champey here.
This post was proofread by Grammarly
Megan
Thursday 19th of September 2019
In the above "top tip" you mention a tour package that includes transport, the pools, caves, and hotel which I am almost 100% on booking. My question is about the buses for each leg of that trip. Do you know if they will have AC?