When travelling to Guatemala, there’s no way on earth you can skip the beautiful natural pools of Semuc Champey. There’s no discussion about that. But then, when visiting, you will need a nice place to rest your head in the area. We listed the very best hostels in Semuc Champey and the surrounding area, like Lanquin and Coban.
Keep reading to find how where to sleep for your trip to Semuc Champey and how to select the accommodation to best fit your travel style.
Where to stay when visiting Semuc Champey?
So, first things first!
When going to Semuc Champey, you’ll have to decide where you want to stay to plan your visit. It depends, more or less, from your own timing and how much time you have to spend in the area.
We had a lot of time and we spend over a week in our hostel. During that week, we booked a trip to Semuc Champey. The other days, we did a few fun activities from the hostel.
In conclusion, it’s not so important if your hostel is located exactly on top of Semuc Champey or not. The entire area is beautiful and you can be lodged in the jungle near the beautiful pools or a little further away. It doesn’t really matter that much! These are a few reasons so validate your hostel selection:
Hostels at Semuc Champey: As near as possible!
If you’re staying almost on top of the pools, you will have a few advantages and a few disadvantages. Keep in mind that you might expect to be located walking distance to Semuc itself, but that’s definitely not always the case. Distance in the jungle can be deceiving and a short walk on the map might be a long and tedious hike.
Pro's
- Amazing area to stay
- Very peaceful
- Jungle Setting
- Might be walking distance to Semuc
Cons
- Difficult to get to when arriving
- Difficult to get to when leaving
- Nothing to do nearby
- Not many food options
Let’s start our quest for the best hostels in Semuc Champey as near to the natural pools as possible. After that, we venture out a little bit further each time.
Make sure to check the guest happiness to make sure if it’s a match or not. And also, check the guest rating before you book in the booking platform.
El Portal De Champey is literally located at the entrance of Semuc Champey. That’s one of the main reason for the popularity of this hostel. If you stay here, you don’t have to book a tour to get to the pools, you’re already there. The hostel has a simple yet charming look with traditional Guatemalan decoration. The property is clean and comfortable with excellent facilities that make for a pleasant stay.
The hostel offers a variety of affordable room options including single, double, and family rooms. You can also get a dorm bed, which is obviously the cheapest option. Furthermore, you get the usual amenities, shared bathrooms and showers, a shared kitchen area. As a fun extra, there’s a pool.
This hostel gets ok reviews. The most praise goes out to the excellent location and the pool. Keep in mind that this hostel, as many lodges in this area, has a jungle location. There’s no wifi and there not always elektricity. It’s a great place to get away from it all and disconnect. But, if you have a digital nomad job to maintain, you might not get the reception you need here.
Address
Entrada de Semuc Champey
Price range
Mid-Range
Location
At the entrance of Semuc Champey
Happiness
Good
El Portal De Champey, a hostel near Semuc Champey, offers direct pool access without a tour. Its simple, charming design includes traditional Guatemalan decor and clean, comfortable rooms. With affordable options from single to family rooms and dorm beds, it features shared bathrooms, showers, a kitchen, and a bonus pool.
Greengo’s Hostel is situated just a short distance from Semuc Champey, providing a peaceful retreat from the sometimes touristy towns. The hostel boasts a laid-back and sociable atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded travelers.
The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, from dormitories to private rooms, with prices varying depending on the level of comfort. Travelers can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool during the hot afternoons or relax in one of the many communal areas, including a chill-out space and a bar.
Guests have raved about the hostel’s incredible location and top-notch amenities, particularly the stunning pool and swim-up bar. Ooverall, Greengo’s Hostel provides a comfortable and enjoyable stay for those visiting Semuc Champey.
Also important: this hostel offers top-notch wifi and connectivity. For digital nomads, it’s a very popular place to reside for a while.
Address
Near park entrance
Price range
High-End
Location
500m from Semuc Champey Entrance
Happiness
Fabulous
Greengo's Hostel offers a peaceful and sociable environment ideal for meeting fellow travelers. With various accommodation options from dorms to private rooms and amenities like a pool and communal spaces, it's perfect for those looking to relax and connect.
Hostal El Nawal is a charming hostel located in Lanquín, Guatemala. The hostel is set in the middle of the jungle. Guests appreciate the friendly and welcoming staff who are happy to provide them with all the information they need. The hostel has a restaurant that serves good food at reasonable prices. This hostel offers all the usual things you can expect from a hostel in the Guatemalan jungle. There are also common spaces where guests can relax, such as a garden and a terrace. There’s no kitchen you can use, so you can only get what the restaurant serves.
Keep in mind that this hostel is 40 minutes walking to the pools and even further to Lanquin, so it’s a bit isolated. If you want to go out or have a drink in town, this is not the place. On top of that, internet reception and elektricity both are as you can expect from a jungle lodge. Sometimes it’s there, but mostly, it’s not. So, even though this place is magical, it might not be for everyone. It is, however, the perfect place to escape into the Guatemalan jungle for a few days!
El Nawal is a guest favourite in this area. It gets really good reviews. The combination of being quite cheap, having a great on-site restaurant, and the beautiful location in the jungle, contribute to the excellent score. Many guests also comment on the hostel’s cleanliness, comfortable beds, and overall value for money.
Address
Ruta Lanquín-Semuc Champey, 16011 Lanquín
Price range
Budget-Friendly
Location
1,8 km from the entrance
Happiness
Very Good
Hostal El Nawal is a cozy jungle hostel in Lanquín, Guatemala, celebrated for its welcoming staff and affordable on-site restaurant. While it boasts standard hostel amenities, a garden, and a terrace, it does not have a guest kitchen. Located a 40-minute walk from pools and further from Lanquín, its secluded setting and unreliable internet and electricity offer a magical but not always convenient jungle retreat.
Located in the middle of the jungle, around 1.5 km from Semuc Champey, Ch’i Bocól Community Hostel offers a tranquil atmosphere and a chance to connect with the local community. The hostel’s style and vibe reflect a rustic setting surrounded by greenery. This lodge has the very best views of them all. If you like looking out over the lush green jungle, then this might be the perfect place for you!
The hostel offers a variety of room types to suit different budgets, including private rooms and dormitories. The price range is very reasonable. You can hang out in the communal areas, such as the gardens, hammocks, and shared kitchen. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. One of the very best things about this hostel: it’s a community hostel, which means it’s one of the best places to leave your hard earned money behind and support the local community.
Travellers are particularly happy with the hostel’s excellent location, as it is close to Semuc Champey and offers tours with local guides. The served food is also quite amazing. This is one of the places where you do get quite decent, free wifi. So, if you’re a digital nomad who wants to spend some time in the jungle, this place will do you good!
Address
Unnamed Road, Lanquín
Price range
Budget-Friendly
Location
1,5 km from the entrance
Happiness
Good
Located 1.5 km from Semuc Champey in the jungle, Ch'i Bocól Community Hostel offers a tranquil, rustic atmosphere with stunning jungle views, catering to various budgets with private and dormitory rooms. It features communal gardens, hammocks, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi. As a community hostel, it's an ideal place to support the local community while enjoying a unique stay.
Mountain Nest is not a hostel to begin with. It’s a stunning lodge in the mountains surrounding Semuc Champey, a mountain cabin. So, if you’re on a romantic trip with your partner, it’s perfect! If you’re on a party sabbatical, it’s not. Just, so you know before you read on!
Mountain Nest Lodge is located a few km from the pools. The hostel offers a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful retreat in nature. The lodge has a rustic charm with a touch of modern amenities, making it a unique and comfortable place to stay.
This stunning logde gets nothing but praise. It has a 9.9 review score, which is almost impossible! So, rest assured: you will probably love it! But make sure to read all the specifics before you book this lodge. It is stunning, but it has a few perks.
Address
Road of Seseb, 16001 Lanquín
Price range
High-End
Location
In the jungle, 45 mins to Semuc
Happiness
Exceptional
Mountain Nest Lodge, nestled in the mountains near Semuc Champey, is a peaceful retreat perfect for couples or anyone seeking tranquility. With rustic charm and modern amenities, it offers a unique stay near the famous pools. Ideal for those looking for a quiet escape.
Lodging In Lanquin
Lanquin is the nearest village to Semuc and it’s a very popular option among travellers. We stayed in Lanquin for visiting the pools and we liked our choice a lot.
Yes, we had to book a jeep to actually visit the pools. That’s true, but it was not an issue. We did a lot of fun things the other days and we didn’t need to book a jeep to do any of those things.
The jeep ride to Semuc from our hostel in Lanquin took around one hour. With heavy rain or mud, expect this to take a little longer.
Pro's
- Easier to reach from destinations within Guatemala
- Village setting
- Bars and restaurants nearby
- Wider tour selection
- Wider transportation selection
Cons
- Have to book transportation to get to Semuc
While half of the travellers wants to be near the beautiful pools of Semuc Champey and the Cahabon River, the other half flocks to the hostels in Lanquin, which is another very valid option.
We stayed in Lanquin to visit Semuc Champey and we were very happy with this option. There’s a variety of hostels and lodges to choose from and the day trip to the pools was very much worth the effort.
From our hostel in Lanquin, the day trip to Semuc was about a one hour drive through the jungle over muddy roads. The trip itself was fun and adventurous.
El Retiro Lanquin is a hostel located around 10 km away from Semuc Champey in Lanquin, Guatemala. The hostel has a chilled-out and rustic vibe, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and backpackers who want to explore the nearby natural attractions. We stayed in El Retiro Lodge during our visit and we were very happy about our stay and about the range of tours and transportation options they provided.
El Retiro Lanquin offers a variety of room types suited for couples, families, and solo travelers. The hostel has private and shared rooms. The prices for the rooms are budget-friendly, making it a popular choice among backpackers. The hostel also has common spaces like a bar, restaurant, and terrace where guests can socialize and relax after a long day of exploring. The food in the restaurant is good and reasonably priced. There is no common kitchen you can use.
Guests who have stayed at El Retiro Lanquin have praised the hostel for its beautiful views, comfortable beds, delicious food, and accommodating staff, as did we. We have really enjoyed a relaxed and fun stay in this river lodge. Travellers particularly appreciate the friendly and fun atmosphere and the hostel’s commitment to cleanliness and safety measures.
Address
Lanquín
Price range
Mid-Range
Location
River Edge
Happiness
Very Good
El Retiro Lanquin, located 10 km from Semuc Champey in Lanquin, Guatemala, offers a chilled-out, rustic vibe ideal for nature lovers and backpackers. It features amenities like a bar, restaurant, and terrace for relaxation and socializing, with good and reasonably priced food, although there's no common kitchen available. You can also book tours and transportation here.
Zephyr Lodge is located about 40 minutes away from the popular Semuc Champey in Lanquin, Guatemala. This party hostel is a great spot for travelers who are looking to mingle and have a good time with other like-minded individuals. The overall vibe of the hostel is social and lively, thanks to the licensed bar and restaurant that is situated on the premises.
The hostel has a variety of room types, ranging from dormitory rooms that sleep up to 10 people to deluxe rooms that come with their own private balconies and hammocks. Prices are generally reasonable, and there are also camping options for those who really want to save money. In addition to the sleeping quarters, there are plenty of common spaces available for guests to hang out in, including an infinity pool with bar and hammocks scattered throughout the property.
Guests tend to rave about the comfortable accommodations, particularly in the deluxe rooms with their spacious and comfy beds. The pool area and views are also a huge draw, with many guests commenting on how beautiful and relaxing they are. While there have been some complaints about the food and Wi-Fi, overall guests seem to have a great time at Zephyr Lodge and appreciate the fun and social atmosphere.
Address
Lanquín
Price range
Mid-Range
Location
Jungle
Happiness
Fabulous
Zephyr Lodge in Lanquin, Guatemala, near Semuc Champey, offers a social and lively atmosphere for travelers. This party hostel features a licensed bar, restaurant, and an infinity pool.
Viñas Hotel is located in the outskirts of Lanquin, already en route to Semuc Champey, making it an ideal place to stay for those who want easy access to the beautiful attraction. The hostel has a relaxed vibe with a rustic charm, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views of the mountains.
The rooms at Viñas Hotel range from basic dorms to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, catering to different types of travellers and budgets. The prices are affordable, making it a great option for backpackers. The hostel also has a restaurant and bar, a spacious lounge area, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Guests at Viñas Hotel are particularly happy with the location and the views from the pool. They also appreciate the helpfulness of the staff in organizing tours and transfers. Vegetarian options in the restaurant are also highly praised. Overall, Viñas Hotel is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and relaxing stay near Semuc Champey.
Address
Lanquín
Price range
Budget - Mid-Range
Location
Route to Semuc
Happiness
Good
Viñas Hotel, near Semuc Champey in Lanquin, offers a relaxed, rustic stay with lush greenery and mountain views. The hostel includes a restaurant, bar, lounge, and outdoor pool, making it a great pick for backpackers.
Casa “MARY” in located in Lanquin, about 40 minutes away from Semuc Champey. This place is rather a homestay than a hostel and it has a cozy and authentic Guatemalan feel, making it the perfect place for travelers looking for an immersive local experience. It’s actually quite popular among backpackers for 2 main reasons: the perfect price range and the fact that you’re staying with a local family.
Casa “MARY” offers private rooms for an unbeatable price. This accommodation offers the very best value for money. The hostel also boasts communal spaces like the outdoor seating area, providing opportunities for socializing and relaxing. You can join the table for all meals, cooked by the family. Food here is affordable and delicious.
Travellers and backpackers absolutely love the warm hospitality from the hosts and the great food prepared by Mary and her family. Travellers really enjoy the authenticity of the place, making it the perfect place to experience the local culture. Additionally, the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, as well as the location near to Semuc Champey, are also highly praised by guests in their reviews.
Address
Lanquín
Price range
Budget-Friendly
Location
Village Centre
Happiness
Superb
Casa "MARY" in Lanquin, close to Semuc Champey, offers travelers an authentic Guatemalan experience. Ideal for backpackers, it offers private rooms at great prices, communal areas for socializing, and the opportunity to enjoy affordable, tasty meals prepared by the hosting local family.
Hotels or hostels In Coban
Coban is further away from Semuc. It is quite easy to reach as it isn’t set in the middle of the jungle like Lanquin. For many travellers, this city is a good starting hub to explore more of the country than just Semuc.
In fact, Semuc Champey is one of these places that attract a lot of tourists, but the area is specked with beautiful nature and things to see and do. From Coban, you can easily make shorter trips or day trips to explore more of the country.
It’s easily accessible by public transportation and is offers a few interesting accommodation options.
Ons disadvantage: the journey from Coban to Semuc lasts a long time. The road is windy and jungly. Expect to drive for longer than 2 hours to get to Semuc.
Pro's
- Easy to reach
- Loads of things to see and do
- Many dining options
- Great hub for other activities
Cons
- Far from Semuc
Coban is located further away from Semuc Champey, about 2 hours or more. Most travellers won’t select their accommodation in Coban for that reason. Don’t let that stop you! Coban is till a great option to find more quiet and beautiful accommodation. It’s still very easy to plan a day trip to Semuc. In fact, it’s not any more difficult than planning the trip from Lanquin.
Plus, if you want to travel by using public transportation instead of tourist shuttles, this will be the easiest place to reach from anywhere else in the country.
From Coban, you can find a collectivo to get to Lanquin. From Lanquin you will have to get a jeep to go to Semuc. Or book a jeep tour straight t Semuc.
Read more about getting the right transportation in Guatemala.
Estancia del Monje is located in the outskirts of Coban. This charming hostel offers a relaxed and laid-back vibe, perfect for those who want to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The accommodation offers private accommodation for a reasonable price. All rooms are well-maintained, clean, and spacious, featuring comfortable mattresses and linens. You can enjoy common areas such as a covered outdoor patio, well-manicured gardens, and a water filter.
For digital nomads, this is a great choice, as there is decent reception and free wifi available.
These lodges are quite popular and get amazing reviews from travellers. This is not your average party hostel for visiting the Semuc Champey pools. This is more of a peaceful and eco-friendly getaway in the Guatemalan jungle. You can book your trip to Semuc right from this hotel.
Address
Km. 213.5 zona 8, Cobán
Price range
Mid-Range
Location
Coban Jungle
Happiness
Superb
Estancia del Monje, just outside Coban, offers a charming, relaxed atmosphere perfect for escaping city life. It has clean, spacious rooms at good prices, with comfy amenities. You can enjoy common areas like a patio and gardens, plus benefits like good reception and free wifi, making it ideal for digital nomads.
Matalbatz Hostal is located in the centre of Coban. It offers a serene and peaceful escape from the bustling outside world. The hostel has a laid-back and friendly vibe, perfect for travelers who seek a relaxing getaway. In this hostal, you get to experience life as it is for Guatemalan travellers, away from the party vibe in some of the other lodges in this list.
The hostel offers private rooms with a private bathroom and garden view. The hostal itself is set in a typical Guatemala building with a patio. The common areas are cozy and comfortable, with a spacious living room and a small cafe that offers local delicacies.
Guests have raved about the warm hospitality of the staff, but they also loved the comfortable beds, the tasty breakfast, and the great location. The hostel is situated in a prime location, highly rated by recent guests for its easy access to local attractions and amenities in Coban.
Address
3 calle 1-46, zona 1, 01001 Cobán
Price range
Mid-Range
Location
City Centre
Happiness
Fabulous
Matalbatz Hostal in Coban offers a peaceful, laid-back retreat perfect for those seeking relaxation. It has private rooms overlooking the garden, set in a traditional Guatemalan building with a patio. Cozy common spaces, a large living room, and a cafe with local treats offer a unique, authentic Guatemalan experience.
How to choose the best hostel in Semuc Champey?
There are quite a few options when it comes to lodges and hostels in Semuc Champey. How to choose what, where, and things like that. We will give you a few things to think about before making your choice.
Room types
Rooms or bunk beds. Sleeping options are plenty and they offer a range of possibilities according to your travel budget.
In recent years, prices for hostels in Semuc Champey have risen through the roof, so it’s an ok choice to go for a bunk bed in a dorm in order to stick to your budget.
However, a dorm bed in some places can be equally expensive as a private room in another place. If you want to be in the middle of the action of, say a party hostel, then you will probably pay more just for being there. Agreed, it is more fun than being all alone in a cheap hotel!
In any case, selecting the right room type can make or break your stay, and your budget!
Trips and tours
Unless you’re staying at the entrance of the nature park, you will be in need of a tour operator to get you to Semuc. This will, in most cases, not be a problem, as everyone in Guatemala is a tour operator or a jeep driver.
You’ll see that most hostels and lodges offer tours to the pools or work with a tour agency that will pick you up at the front door of the lodge.
What we tought interesting during our stay, was the abundance of other tours we could do. Well, maybe not so much tours, but rather activities.
Aside from visiting the Semuc Champey pools, we also went river tubing, hiking, swimming, caving, … Make sure to check out the options for things to do aside from Semuc, especially if you fancy staying longer than a day or two.
Guest reviews
Things can change really fast in the hostel world, like a new owner or a bed bug invasion. Make sure to always check recent guest reviews to find out what the hostel situation is at this moment.
We were so happy with our stay in El Retiro river lodge. And I have seen that guest reviews are still perfect at this time, but that can change over time. So, always check that quickly!
Wifi and cellular reception
When we were travelling in Guatemala, we didn’t need wifi, as we had a year long holiday. But for our travels now, wifi is quite important for us to support ourself. So, this might also be different for you.
If you’re a digital nomad, like we are now, then checking the cellular and wifi connection is a no-brainer. We shouldn’t even be telling you this. But we do.
That’s because Semuc, Champey and Lanquin are both located in the Guatemalan jungle. A good internet connection is not the most logical thing to have here and hostels must make an effort to provide quick and decent internet. So, even if the introduction says that there is wifi, always check guest review to see if the wifi is any good!
What else to see and do in the area?
There are tons of things to see and do in Guatemala. It is actually one of our favourite countries we visited and we wrote loads of interesting blog posts and information about it!
So, keep clicking through this website in order to find detailed information about your trip to Guatemala.
First of all, after finding out where to stay in Semuc Champey, read our complete guide to Semuc Champey and the other things you can do in this location.
Then, find out if you haven’t missed a spot in your Guatemala itinerary and learn all there is to know about backpacking Guatemala!
Chances are good that you’ll find a few other fun things to do in the area!
Conclusion - Best lodges and hostels in Semuc Champey
We hope you found the perfect hostel in Semuc Champey to make you trip into an amazing adventure. Because it’s true, the places you stay are things you will remember forever. Moreover, the people you meet in these places and during adventurous travels like these, are contacts that you will cherish for years to come.
From that point of view, selecting the right accommodation in Semuc Champey might be the key to meeting your best travel buddies in the future! In any case: have fun!