Guatemala · Waterfall Tours

3-Day Tour in Nature: Semuc Champey, Caves, El Quetzal, & more

3 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Guatemala City. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Ram Tzul Natural Reserve with rivers, waterfalls, natural pools, and bamboo forest
  • 02 Visit Rey Marcos Caves with safety equipment and expert guidance
  • 03 Swim and relax in the turquoise natural pools of Semuc Champey
  • 04 Hike to the Semuc Champey lookout point for panoramic views
  • 05 Experience the adventure of Kanba Caves
  • 06 Go birdwatching at El Quetzal Sanctuary in the cloud forest
  • 07 Trek to Chilasco Waterfall and enjoy scenic viewpoints along the way
  • 08 Includes private transportation and hotel pickup in Guatemala City or Antigua

Discover some of Guatemala’s most spectacular natural landscapes on this 3-day journey through Las Verapaces. From forest trails, waterfalls, and caves to the famous turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, this experience combines hiking, nature, and adventure with the comfort of private transportation and guided visits.

Along the way, explore Ram Tzul Natural Reserve, Rey Marcos Caves, and Kanba Caves, spend time in historic Cobán, and head into the cloud forest in search of the Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird. With birdwatching, trekking, scenic viewpoints, and refreshing natural pools, this tour is ideal for travellers who want to experience Guatemala’s wild beauty up close.

This natural paradise feels like heaven on earth.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cobán, Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Hotel Pick-Up

We will start the day by picking you up at your hotel in Guatemala City or Antigua. We will head to the country's north, to one of Guatemala's greenest and most nature-filled regions. We will leave early in the morning to take advantage of the day and the sunlight in all our activities. 

El Rancho

We will make a comfort stop to have breakfast use the necessary services and buy what you need such as snacks and water.

Ram Tzul Natural Reserve

Ram Tzul is a natural reserve in Guatemala's highlands, more precisely in the Baja Verapaz department. In Mayan, "Ram Tzul" signifies the Heart and Spirit of the Mountain. The local indigenous population holds that, like Mother Nature, the "Heart and Spirit of the Mountain" is the source of life. 

We'll witness rivers, natural pools, impressive waterfalls, and a bamboo forest.

This will be a hike in nature, we advise a moderate physical condition is required and also bring hiking boots.

Rey Marcos Caves

We will return to our bus and in a 90-minute trip we will arrive at the King Marcos Caves. This place is full of mysticism that will make you connect extraordinarily with nature. We will take a tour of the caves. 

Depending on the season of the year there can be 3 levels of water inside the grotto: low, medium, and high. You will always have boots, a helmet, and an expert guide with you at all times. 

Let yourself be carried away by the local stories and this magical place.

Upon our arrival, we´ll have lunch and then start the tour. 

Coban

At the end of the day we will head to the city of Cobán with more than 400 years of history. We will take a city tour of the most emblematic parts of the city and then check into your hotel so you can rest. You will have the night free and you can get ready for our adventure on day 2. 

2
Day 02

Semuc Champey

This natural paradise feels like heaven on earth. You have to see it to believe that this place is real. It was declared a natural monument in 2005. The 500-m long stone bridge forms multiple turquoise-colored natural pools. Drench in the enchanted fresh water while enjoying the humid subtropical weather. The Mayan people from the Q´eqchi´ ethnicity named the place “Semuc Champey” which means “Where the river hides” since the Cahabón River runs below the natural bridge with the pools. Vacations are meant for discovery and relaxation and the second day of our tour will not be the exception, so make sure to bring your swimsuit and your camera as this extraordinary paradise is waiting for you!

It´ll take us 2.5 hours to get to the Semuc Champey area, we´ll have breakfast and then start with this mesmerizing tour.

Semuc Champey

Walk through trails full of nature, climb to the lookout point to be impressed by the view of the pools and the abundant vegetation. Then enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pools and spend an impressively relaxing and fun day. 

Later, your guide will take you to the Kanba Caves. Caves with plenty of water accessible with a candle. Mysticism and adventure will be present. Please do not forget your water shoes or sandals with good traction to avoid accidents as the ground is often slippery.

Coban

We will return to our hotel in the city of Coban so you can rest and have the night off. 

3
Day 03

El Quetzal Sanctuary

Our last day will start at 5:00 am so you have a big chance to see El Quetzal. It is more convenient to see it in the early morning. Please don´t wear perfume or brightly colored clothing to have more chances to see it.

After our birdwatching activity have a tasty breakfast.

On this day get ready to discover the cloud forest of Baja Verapaz, where the Quetzal, Guatemala´s national bird lives. This day will be dedicated to birdwatching and a close encounter with the forest. You´ll have the opportunity to walk in the natural paths of the forest and witness different plants, birds, amphibians, and insects. If you´re lucky enough you´ll have the chance to see El Quetzal.

Note:

-Transportation time from Cobán to El Quetzal Sanctuary: 1 hr

-Tour through the sanctuary: 2 hrs

-Breakfast time: 1 hr

Chilasco Waterfalls

After a 1 hour drive to reach the entrance to Chilasco Waterfall, we'll begin our trekking surrounded by nature.

This place is a cloud forest. A part of the territory is occupied for the plantation of broccoli which is exported for its high quality.

It will take us approximately 2 hours to reach the waterfall and on the way we will find several viewpoints. Enjoy free time at the waterfall and a delicious packed lunch with the spectacular views you will have. Remember to stay hydrated at all times and to bring snacks if necessary.

Note:

-Transfer to get to the entrance of Chilasco Waterfall: 1 hr.

-Trekking to get to the waterfall: 2 hr.

-Free time at the waterfall and lunch: 1 hr.

-Return to the bus: 1 hr.

Lunch Time

We will stop for lunch and continue our tour until we arrive at your hotel in Guatemala City or Antigua.

Hotel Drop-Off

We will arrive safe and sound to your hotel in Guatemala City or Antigua so you can rest and enjoy your memories of this extraordinary 3-day adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Guatemala City. 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Private transportation
  • Certified tour guide
  • Entrnace Fee to Ram Tzul Natural Reserve, Rey Marcos Caves, Semuc Champey, and Kanba Caves
  • Entrance fee to El Quetzal Sanctuary, and the Chilasco Waterfall
  • Security equipment for the visit to Rey Marcos Caves and Kanba Caves
  • Local tour guide at El Quetzal Sanctuary

What's Not Included

  • Hotel Accommodation
  • Foods and drinks except for the box lunch on day 3
  • Gratuities and personal expenses

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Don't forget to bring water shoes or sandals with good traction
  • Bring environmentally friendly sun protection and mosquito repellent
  • Cash to buy snacks or souvenirs (in most tourist attractions don't accept credit cards)
  • Wear hiking boots
  • We pick up all travelers at the lobby of their hotel in Guatemala City

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Guatemala City.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Guatemala City.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Guatemala City..

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