Hidden paradise deep in a Guatemalan jungle

LYING deep within the Guatemalan jungle lies a slice of paradise so beautiful you’d never expect to find it here.

Looking down on the hidden Semuc Champey. Picture: Christopher Crouzet.

DEEP within the Guatemalan jungle lies a hidden paradise you’d never expect to find. Sitting high up in the densely forested hills sits Semuc Champey — a spectacular oasis of cascading pools, caves, waterfalls and incredible views.

Hard to reach, the closest town to this slice of paradise is Lanquin, a four hour journey from Guatemala City. From Lanquin, brave visitors must traverse the country’s infamously dangerous roads with the last few kilometres steep, muddy and filled with rocks. Famous for its 300 metre natural limestone bridge which forms the backbone for the series of pools and waterfalls that make up Semuc Champey, it lies so far off the beaten tourist path you’ll feel like you’ve found your own secret paradise. Perfect for swimming, visitors can also take candlelit journeys through half submerged underwater caves. The spot also provides incredible lookouts making it one of the most unspoilt hidden beauties of Guatemala.