Where to Stay in Semuc Champey - Accommodation Guide
Semuc Champey is a destination on every traveller’s bucket list. Located in the lush and tropical heart of Guatemala, Semuc Champey is famous for its stunning natural beauty of turquoise pools and cascading waterfalls.
When deciding where to stay in Semuc Champey, you need to decide if you want to be in the nearby town of Lanquin, or very close to Semuc Champey, in the jungle, away from civilisation.
To find out more about visiting Semuc Champey read this article: Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Semuc Champey.
And to find out how to get to Semuc Champey read this article: How to get to Semuc Champey – The Best Routes
Option 1 - Stay in Lanquin - The Gateway to Semuc Champey
Lanquin is a small and picturesque town located in the heart of Guatemala. It is situated in the Alta Verapaz region of the country and is surrounded by towering mountains and dense rainforests.
Despite its small size, Lanquin serves as a popular destination for adventure-seekers and nature lovers. The town itself is surrounded by lush vegetation and boasts a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of busier towns.
Staying in Lanquin - Pros and Cons
Pros of staying in Lanquin
- All buses and shuttles finish their journey in Lanquin. The trip would have been a long one, so it’s great to then have only a short walk or drive to your accommodation
- Lanquin is small but it does have a few restaurants and markets you can visit. There is also a bank and local travel agency to potentially book onward travel
Cons of staying in Lanquin
- The only downside to staying in Lanquin is it’s still a 30-40 minute drive to the entrance of Semuc Champey.
- This means that you miss the opportunity to be the ‘first people to arrive in the morning, but you can still arrive fairly early and it’s very easy to arrange transportation from your hotel or hostel.
Option 2 - Staying Closer To Semuc champey
When I say staying in Semuc Champey, I mean staying a lot closer to the entrance of Semuc Champey than the town of Lanquin. From these suggestions you can walk to Semuc Champey but will need transport to arrive at them from Lanquin.
Pros of staying in Semuc Champey
- The main pro to staying in Semuc Champey is its proximity to the entrance to the national park. Depending exactly where you stay, you could be within walking distance. If not, it could be a short 5-10 minute drive.
- If you get up early you can arrive as soon as the park opens at 8am and have the park almost to yourself for an hour or so.
- The accommodation closer to Semuc Champey is in the middle of the jungle, so the setting and scenery can be amazing, and you feel completely off the grid
Cons of staying in Semuc Champey
- As you will be dropped off in Lanquin, you still have another 30-40 minute journey to your accommodation. Most hostels and hotels offer free pickup from Lanquin, but check at the time of booking.
- Once you are in the hotel or hostel you have limited dining options. You’ll be too far away from any shops so you will have to eat their menu or bring your food with you.
- You will need to rely on their transport to pick you up and take you back to Lanquin, so you don’t have so much freedom.
Best Deals for Accommodation
Wherever I am travelling to I always consider two options to book my accommodation.
I have undertaken my own research and found HostelWorld and Booking.com to be very competetive.
During my research I found that Hostelworld was cheaper than booking.com 85% of the time when comparing the same accommodations.
Booking.com has many more options available, so I suggest price checking against each other to get the best deal.
I have included links to both sites so you can compare based on your selected dates. If one platform doesn’t offer accommodation, of course, there is only one option.
The best places to stay in Lanquin
Hostal Vista Verde Lanquin – *Walkabout Wes TOP Choice
Top Features:
- Infinity Swimming Pool
- Large Communal area to socialise with other travellers
- Own Transport to Semuc Champey
This is my top choice of where to stay in Semuc Champey. Enjoy magnificent views, cozy rooms and within Lanquin allowing exploration of the area.
Hostal Vista Verde Lanquin provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush vegetation from the infinity pool. The hostel provides visitors with a peaceful and serene escape.
The hostel offers a variety of rooms, each designed to meet the needs of different types of travellers. Whether you are looking for a private room for a solo adventure, a spacious room for a family or group, or a budget-friendly option for backpackers, Hostal Vista Verde Lanquin has something for everyone. Each room is in one of the stilted wooden cabins, making you feel like you are in the tree tops.
In addition to its comfortable rooms, Hostal Vista Verde Lanquin also features a range of communal spaces, including a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, a bar serving refreshing drinks and cocktails, and a common area where visitors can relax and socialize with other guests.
Zephyr River Lodge
Top Features:
- Infinity Swimming Pool
- Best Social/Party Vibe
- Onsite Restaurant
Zephyr River Lodge is a more expensive, slightly better-looking version of Hostal Vista Verde. They have an infinity pool with a poolside bar as well as a good lounging area to appreciate the surrounding wilderness.
The lodge offers a big communal space with its onsite restaurant catering to all tastes. As well as the swimming pool, there is a pool table to help meet new friends. The lodge tends to appeal to a younger crowd and is a great place to meet fellow travellers.
Casa “MARY”
Top Features:
- Private garden
- Located in the heart of Lanquin
- 24-hour front desk
Casa Mary is a charming, rustic and cozy bed and breakfast located in the heart of Lanquin, Guatemala. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, this bed and breakfast provides visitors with a comfortable and homely escape.
Casa Mary also features a range of communal spaces, including a private garden and terrace. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to help with any questions or needs, and eager to share their local tips and recommendations.
The best places to stay at closer to Semuc Champey
Greengos Hotel
Top Features:
- 500m to Semuc Champey entrance
- Swimming Pool
- Garden & Bar in a jungle setting
Greengos is one of the closest hostels to the entrance of Semuc Champey, only a 10-minute walk. This means you can arrive nice and early and beat the crowds without having to rely on transportation.
Set against a backdrop of lush green jungle and mountains, with a river flowing through the property, you couldn’t ask for a dramatic setting.
Greengos offers every type of room from dorms to king suites with a balcony, so they cater to everyone. Free transportation is included if you book for a minimum of two nights (which you should!)
One of the main attractions is the saltwater swimming pool and whirlpool with jets. Enjoy the onsite restaurant and bar as well as the communal garden and balcony areas.
El Portal De Champey
Key Features:
- Swimming Pool
- Free Parking
- Walking distance to Semuc Champey Entrance
El Portal De Champey is the final choice close to the entrance of Semuc Champey. Slightly further walk than Greengos but still within walking distance.
El Portal De Champey is located in a quiet location in the middle of the jungle with the river passing next to it.
Dorms, doubles and quadruple rooms are available. There is a mixture of stone buildings and wooden huts, and some with river views, so if you have a preference, mention this when you make your booking.
Dorms are a little basic with little privacy, private rooms are much more comfortable.
How to get to Semuc Champey
All buses and shuttles start and stop in Lanquin, which is about 30-40 minutes away by truck to the entrance of Semuc Champey.
Read my other article “How to get to Semuc Champey” for detailed instructions from various other locations within Guatemala.
Full Guide to Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a top destination within Guatemala. As you can see when it comes to where to stay in Semuc Chamepy there are some excellent options to choose from.
Read my Semuc Champey Guatemala: Everything You Need To Know article to find out the best things to; where to eat; and how best to plan your trip