Have questions? We're here.
Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Semuc Champey and Rio Dulce

Example 5 Day Tour
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Guatemala trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Prolong your vacation with this 5-day Guatemala extension! Explore the ancient Maya site of Quirigua, famous for its monumental stone sculptures, and learn about the traditions and cultures of the Maya. Cross one of the largest bridges in Central America in Rio Dulce and grab a headlamp and flashlight to explore the mysterious caves of Laquin. Making your way back to Guatemala City, stop in Semuc Champey and relax in its clear, turquoise waters - the perfect addition to your Guatemala adventure.
Bats flying in Lanquin Cave, GuatemalaSunrise around Lanquin Village near Semuc ChampeyCastillo de San Felipe de Lara on the water of the Rio DulceSemuc Champey, Guatemala
Highlights
  • Visit Quirigua, and ancient Maya archaeological site
  • Explore Lanquin and it's mysterious limestone cave
  • Discover Semuc Champey & a natural limestone bridge that crosses the river
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Puerto Barrios | Livingston

Today, from either Guatemala City or Antigua, meet your guide for your transfer to Livingston. Along the way, visit the ruins of Quirigua. An ancient Maya archaeological site, Quirigua covers approximately 1.2 square miles and is quite modest compared with some of the larger archeological sites in Guatemala. The site's importance and unique draw lies in its wealth of sculptures, including the tallest stone monumental sculpture ever erected in the New World. 

Continue to Puerto Barrios, where you will board a boat to Livingston, a unique Garifuna town accessible only by water. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Livingston | Rio Dulce Area

Spend a relaxed morning exploring Livingston’s streets and Garifuna culture. Then, board a boat to travel along the Rio Dulce, a lake and river system known for its scenic beauty and vibrant wildlife. The Rio Dulce is famously spanned by one of the largest bridges in all of Central America. 

Glide past towering canyon walls, hidden hot springs, floating villages and Castillo de San Felipe, a Spanish colonial fortress built to defend against pirate attacks. Cruise by Bird Island, a haven for egrets, herons, and cormorants, before reaching your hotel.
 

Day 3: Lanquin Cave

In the morning, set out with your guide to Lanquin and visit its mysterious cave system. On the way, make a stop to visit the Castillo de San Felipe to explore the fortress before leaving Rio Dulce. Continue through scenic landscapes before reaching Grutas de Lanquín, a 62-mile limestone cave system featuring unusual rock formations. Declared a National Park in 1955, the caves are also home to thousands of bats that emerge dramatically at sunset.

In the evening, arrive in Lanquin and unwind in the relaxing ambiance of the hotel, lounging in hammocks, enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool, or savoring delicious meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Day 4: Semuc Champey | Coban

Today, set out with your guide to Semuc Champey. A natural monument, Semuc Champey, famed for it's natural limestone bridge that passes over the Cahabon River. This bride is over 300 meters long (just under 100ft) and is home to a series of picture perfect natural pools. Hike to the viewpoint for breathtaking views of the stepped, turquoise pools below. Then, descend to the pools for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

For more adventure, explore the Kan’Ba Caves by candlelight and float down the river in an inner tube.

In the evening, transfer to Cobán for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Coban | Guatemala City

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide for today's adventures. First up, visit a local coffee farm and learn about the coffee bean picking, drying, and roasting processes, finish off the tour with a coffee tasting before loading up for your next stop. Continue on to a tour of an orchid farm before returning to Guatemala City. From here, continue your journey independently or begin your return trip home.

Accommodations

Hotel Villa Caribe

Pool
Hotel Villa Caribe
Hotel Villa Caribe

Hotel Catamaran

Swimming Pool
Hotel Catamaran
Hotel Catamaran

El Recreo

El Recreo
El Recreo
El Recreo

Hotel Casa Duranta

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Aug 5, 2025from $14,990Exploration from Greenland to Canada via Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  • Sep 17, 2025from $10,570A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys
  • Oct 1, 2025from $17,100Fall Foliage on the St. Lawrence: Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys
  • Nov 26, 2025from $4,840Natural Sanctuaries & Heritage of the Caribbean
  • Feb 19, 2026from $6,420Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
  • Feb 26, 2026from $6,420Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys
  • Mar 5, 2026from $9,230Secrets of Central America
  • Mar 25, 2026from $8,490Panama, Colombia & Caribbean Islands
  • Jun 21, 2026from $7,550Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys
  • Jun 28, 2026from $10,540The Legendary Fjords of Norway
  • Jul 16, 2026from $8,400Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
  • Aug 3, 2026from $9,780Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea - with Smithsonian Journeys
  • Aug 10, 2026from $8,400Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
  • Aug 18, 2026from $8,400Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
  • Sep 5, 2026from $7,190London to Lisbon: Cruising Europe's Western Shores – with Smithsonian Journeys
  • Sep 23, 2026from $7,990Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
Deal available

Deals

Complimentary Pre- or Post - Programs 28175
Book your Panama and Costa Rica cruise with Smithsonian Journeys aboard Le Champlain by July 11, 2025, and enjoy a complimentary 2-night pre- or post-cruise program in Panama on select February 2026 departures. Offer is valid on new bookings only and subject to availability at the time of booking. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Click for departure dates

Per person starting at
$4,840

Notes

Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 1 Box Lunch
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • 5 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

Guatemala Travel Guide

Favorite Guatemala Guatemala All Trips

Top Guatemala Travel Destinations

Guatemala Trips by Departure Date

Guatemala Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By