3-Day Tour of Cobán and Semuc Champey from Antigua

Mirko was our driver and guide for three days. Mirko was a very good driver on dangerous roads. He also has a relaxed personality that made for enjoyable conversations in English. Just so you know, it is a 6 hr drive from Antigua to the ParkHotel. Most of your time will be spent getting to your destinations. Once you leave the hustle and bustle of Guatemala City, you are in for a visual treat as the central highlands are stunning and diverse. Lanquin Cave is a national park, but it is poorly maintained and quite dangerous because you are walking on very slippery wet rocks or wooden stairs. Enjoy it but be very careful because a bad slip will quickly end your vacation. On day two you have the option to visit another wet, slippery cave or visit an orchid private reserve. I highly recommend the orchid private reserve. It’s run by three generations of a single-family who saw the clearcutting deforestation around them and decided to protect these little fragile flowers that grow on the trunks. Guatemala’s central mountains boast 800 species of orchid, but they are threatened by the same destruction that is putting Semuc Champy at risk. The jungle and karst pools of Semuc are incredibly beautiful and worth the journey. Sadly, developers are clearing the jungle to make way for a new paved road to this small and fragile site. Once the road is complete expect uncontrolled development that will absolutely destroy the environment. Monkeys, Quetzals, toucans and wild mammals are already gone. The government of Guatemala clearly does not value their environmental resources, so enjoy them while you can. Do stop for traditional candies made from cardamom.

Our guide DAVIS a great person . We enjoyed our time and received full professional explanation of the sightseeing and the culture of Guatemala

Semuc Champey alone was worth it. Very convenient to be driven around. Tour guide was excellent! Park Hotel was also very nice and the food was good. Breakfast was also nice, coffee was good. Pick up was right at hotel so also great. ????????