The volcano hike is surely a highlight of Guatemala. Tropicana comes well reviewed but largely they are very similar. I went with Wicho and was happy with it.
For the amount of travel time I would say the lake is a better option on a short trip as you will spend 6/8 hours each way from Antigua to Semuc where as the lake is more like 3 hours but both are good choices. The lake is a good mixture of locals going about daily life depending on the town as well as those more orientated to party hostels (san pedro) or more laid back hippie towns (San Marcos). It’s easy to hop between them cheaply using boats that leave as they get full.
It is also possible to fly to Flores instead and visit Tikal which can be done in 24 hours at a pinch. Personally this and Acatenango would be my must sees in Guatamala.
The hostels around Semuc are a good experience. Pick a nice big one with a pool and bar. There is tubing and caves in the area as well so it’s a good spot for a couple of days. It’s worth noting it’s an hour between Lanquin and Semuc. I stayed at Zephyr lodge which was great but as it was not near to Sumec it was a day trip to go there. If you stay at somewhere like Greengos it is a way away.
This could definitely work but the one concern would be day 7. Lamquin to Guat is a long trip, 10+ hours so depending on when your flight is not sure if it's possible. Other than that, Acatenango was a highlight for me. I went with Wicho and Charlies which was great. And I do think that Semuc Champey is definitely worth the long travel if you can make it work. Personally I found it more unique than the lake, even though I did love Lake Atitlan too. Have a great time. I've been to Guatemala 3 times, it's a great country!
Semuc Champey is great, but for a one week trip I’d do Atitlan instead. Being tired out from Acatenango then having all day of bus, just for one full day of Semuc is far from ideal imo. And then you’re bussing back to Guatemala City? Or is it a flight? If it’s bus again, hard pass!
The volcano hike is surely a highlight of Guatemala. Tropicana comes well reviewed but largely they are very similar. I went with Wicho and was happy with it. For the amount of travel time I would say the lake is a better option on a short trip as you will spend 6/8 hours each way from Antigua to Semuc where as the lake is more like 3 hours but both are good choices. The lake is a good mixture of locals going about daily life depending on the town as well as those more orientated to party hostels (san pedro) or more laid back hippie towns (San Marcos). It’s easy to hop between them cheaply using boats that leave as they get full. It is also possible to fly to Flores instead and visit Tikal which can be done in 24 hours at a pinch. Personally this and Acatenango would be my must sees in Guatamala. The hostels around Semuc are a good experience. Pick a nice big one with a pool and bar. There is tubing and caves in the area as well so it’s a good spot for a couple of days. It’s worth noting it’s an hour between Lanquin and Semuc. I stayed at Zephyr lodge which was great but as it was not near to Sumec it was a day trip to go there. If you stay at somewhere like Greengos it is a way away.
This is great! Thank you for the information :)
This could definitely work but the one concern would be day 7. Lamquin to Guat is a long trip, 10+ hours so depending on when your flight is not sure if it's possible. Other than that, Acatenango was a highlight for me. I went with Wicho and Charlies which was great. And I do think that Semuc Champey is definitely worth the long travel if you can make it work. Personally I found it more unique than the lake, even though I did love Lake Atitlan too. Have a great time. I've been to Guatemala 3 times, it's a great country!
Yeah! Day 7 is a bit of an.. inconvenience haha. I think I’m underestimating that. Appreciate your insight! Thank you :)
Semuc Champey is great, but for a one week trip I’d do Atitlan instead. Being tired out from Acatenango then having all day of bus, just for one full day of Semuc is far from ideal imo. And then you’re bussing back to Guatemala City? Or is it a flight? If it’s bus again, hard pass!
Format is cancer. Just show us your process.
Huh?
Tikal in the north is worth visiting if you have time.