Flores to Semuc Champey
- Jack Thompson
- Aug 16, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 27
Flores to Semuc Champey or Semuc Champey to Flores, which ever way round you are going here is how to do it and what you need to know.
Semuc Champey whats the deal?
The town of San Agustín Lanquín is a fantastic stop of point between Flores and Lake Atitlan. Most backpackers add it to the itinerary (and rightly so) not just to divide up the journey to the insanely cool Lake Atitlan, but as an opportunity to discover the magnificent Semuc Champey, a natural water bridge of limestone on the Rio Cahabon. Here you can tube, explore caves cliff jump, rope swing, hike and finally relax in natural pools. After that the hostels give similar vibes but with the added bonus of a party in the evenings!
The 'star hostels' are Zypher lodge and El Retiro, I have linked them both below on Hostel world. (Book Zephyr in advance as it gets booked out fast ((and by advance I mean a couple of weeks!)) But having stayed in El Retiro, I can say, its a pretty fantastic hostel also!
On the Flores Side the hostel of choice is Los Amigos Hostel, (check on Hostel World below), which is a great hostel, the reviews speak to themselves, it really is the hub of travel in the heart of Flores. We met some super cool people there, it has a good sized kitchen space, good sized dorms and a cool interior. Speak to the reception desk, they will take your details book you onto a shuttle and then you enjoy the rest of your stay in Flores. But if you are on a shoe string, there is a second option (below).
Shuttles Flores to Semuc Champey
The shuttle costs Q230 (£20/ $27 - 2025) sets off around 8am takes 10 hours+ so prepare for a long journey. The scenery is truly beautiful and you even cross a river by barge so pop your headphone in and put on your favourite tunes. Alternatively download a couple of films for the road as it will most likely be dark for the last few hours of your trip.
In reverse, if you are at Lake Atitlan then Panajachel is your jump point, and places like Dream boat hostel (a good stay if you want to party the night away)
Flores is extremely small and not accessible by bus, so your driver will walk to your hostel to meet you at around 7am. Walking down to the bus you will collect other backpackers along the way from various hostels before walking to where the bus is parked (near the access bridge of Flores).
Option 02 Flores to Semuc Champey
We picked up a number during our time in Guatemala for a company called, TransPaiz. Most of the hostels will be booking you to a company like this, so a message may save you a bit of money, but you will be on your own logistically so communication will be key! I have linked their facebook below, their watts app is 5346-6543.
I checked recently (May 2025) and they are still up and running and going strong so they must be doing something right!
Safety tips for Guatemala shuttles and chicken buses
In Guatemala your larger luggage is put on the roof of the vehicle you are in. If you have valuables and tech KEEP THEM ON YOU, if you think you will need a jacket take it with you, your main back will not really be accessible until your final stop.
Generally on travel days I take the following in my daypack:
Laptop
Camera
Passport
Phone
Wallet
Cash
Even when we do bathroom breaks take your backpack! This may seem a bit overly protective, however to date I have had nothing stolen nor lost anything during a backpacking trip (other than a tree house hostel vest which I am still very disappointed about).
Clothes all go into the bag that will be 'thrown' onto the roof and covered by a waterproof sheet (if you are lucky). Its a good idea to lock your zips together so they do not come loose and put your waterproof cover over your bag.
I have heard stories of people on chicken buses getting to their destination and their bag simply not being there. Hopefully this will never happen to you but if it does, shrug it off as an inconvenience tell yourself it will be a good story and carry on traveller. Remember a bag full of clothes can be replaced, a laptop is a whole different ball game especially if you are a digital nomad.
Shuttles are generally a lot safer than the chicken buses. BUT, the chicken buses are a lot more fun and cheaper. As a backpacker they make you feel as though you are getting 'in amongst the locals' in a way taking a shuttle does not ... However ... they also do not have AC in the way that a shuttles usually does!
One final though - The chicken buses in Nicaragua are a lot easier to navigate as there is one main road up and down the country, so if you are wanting to experience the chicken buses, but feel Guatemala is just to complicated then hold on until Nicaragua.
Make sure to check out my backpackers guide page for exploring Guatemala and get in touch if you have any questions. Also make sure to find me on YouTube @backpackersblueprint
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