Semuc Champey is a natural monument in the

department Department may refer to: * Departmentalization, division of a larger organization into parts with specific responsibility Government and military *Department (administrative division), a geographical and administrative division within a country, ...

Alta Verapaz Alta Verapaz () is a Departments of Guatemala, department in the north central part of Guatemala. The capital and chief city of the department is Cobán. Verapaz is bordered to the north by Petén (department), El Petén, to the east by Izabal ...

, Guatemala, near the Q'eqchi' Maya town of Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300 m limestone bridge, under which passes the

Cahabón River The Río Cahabón (Cahabón River) is a river in eastern Guatemala. From its 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 Ca ...

. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swimming attraction. The name Semuc Champey is from the Qʼeqchiʼ language, meaning ''where the river hides under the earth.'' The best and most popular way to see Semuc Champey is from the "El Mirador" viewpoint. Though it is a roughly 45-minute hot, uphill jungle hike from the parking area, the views into the valley are unparalleled. Although it can be difficult to get to, Semuc is becoming more and more popular with travelers. Pozas de Semuc Champey (4)

References

External links

Taking a Tour to Semuc ChampeySemuc Champey Photos, Videos, and Overview
{{NorthAm-protected-area-stub Protected areas of Guatemala