Land of Eternal Spring
You damn right it is. One thing I enjoy about Latin America is that their proximity to the equator, along with high altitudes, delivers the best climate. It's not always hot and sweaty and you can still use a sweatshirt at night. Unless you work your way to the coasts then the fiery pits of hell open and then my white pastey ass hides under refuge.
)Semuc Champey sat between Spring and the fiery pits of hell
After leaving Lake Atitlan, I took the long ride to Semuc Champey. The journey to Semuc Champey was long and tiring. However after taking my concoction of Imodium and Tramadol, I at least didn't have to worry about my sensitive 3rd world bowels. I now passed down my secret to you.
Semuc Champey is worth the stop even though it may take some time to get there. The small town, Lanquin, is nestled deep down between the mountains and only several miles from Semuc Champey. You could tell tourism has recently started there but it has not taken over yet, which was cool to see.
The accommodations there, especially the hostels, are somewhat resort style and they are away from the town itself. I stayed at the Zephyr Lodge which is a party place but worth the experience. If you don't like loud corny music playing until 1am, then definitely don't stay there.
The day trip into Semuc Champey held a number of activities such as spelunking(just cause I like to say it), river tubing, a full on lunch made by the locals, and swimming in those emerald pools as you see in one of the pics posted above. Going inside the caves was definitely the solid activity there but holding a close second was interacting with those hustler children selling chocolate and beer. No idea how they perfected the English language but they were official. They took names down and remembered you by name after your activity. I bought 5 chocolates just because I loved their commitment to the hustle.
If you have the chance to visit while in Guatemala, do not hesitate. If you run into little Maria, tell her I said, "Keep on stackin' that paper."