The hottest new stop for backpackers in Guatemala is Cobán.

We celebrated surviving a LONG travel day from Belize: van, van, ferry, van. When I say van, I mean 25 people! in an underpowered Toyota.

On a tip from some volunteers, we headed out to a good new hostel called El Sapote near Semuc Champey. One of the many taking advantage of the surge in popularity in this “backpacker’s paradise” destination. We squashed a scorpion and relocated big spiders.

This is the jumping off point for the striking karst limestone mountains of Alta Verapaz. A bizarre landscape is reminiscent of Laos and the adventure tourism activities are the same: underground river walking and swimming (holding a candle!), spelunking, tire tube floating, … We lucked into one of the few sunny days and tried everything.

Adventure 1 -jump off bridge

Adventure 2 – 90 minute cave walk near Lanquin.

Adventure 4 – hike up to view point far above the Semuc Champey pools.

Adventure 3 – float down the river. Ahhh.

Adventure 4 – hike up to view point far above the Semuc Champey pools.

 

Adventure 5 – snorkel the pools. Until the irate security guard caught up to me. Seems snorkelling is illegal here.Adventure 5 – snorkel the pools. Until the irate security guard caught up to me. Seems snorkelling is illegal here.

When the roads are improved, this spot will be swarming with suitcase tourists off tour buses. I am glad we saw it first.