Semuc Champey Cave Tour: An Epic Candlelight Cavern Experience

This was honestly our favorite part of Semuc Champey, and is certainly one for the adventurous travelers out there. The Semuc Champey cave tour is one of the most unique excursions we've ever done, and are excited to share it with you.

We read several blogs that mentioned the caves of Semuc Champey, but their descriptions were pretty lame, and it was clear that they didn't actually do the activity. We almost skipped this, but are SO happy we didn't!

In this guide we're going to cover everything you need to know to experience the epic Semuc Champey cave tour, and hopefully inspire you to get a bit outside of your comfort zone.

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📍 Where is the Semuc Champey Cave?

K'anba Caves are located on the private property just opposite of Semuc Champey, which is on the other side of the yellow bridge.

Price & Timetable: Getting Your Tickets for the Semuc Champey Cave Tour

In order to visit the Semuc Champey caves you'll need a local guide to take you, which is assigned to you when you pay your ticket. (It's no extra charge).

⏳ What are the Hours of the Semuc Champey Cave Tours?

We read that tours go every half hour and you need to find a guide. Honestly, this makes us feel like people are just copying and pasting from a random site, and they have no idea what's going on.

The reality is that things are much less official here, and you'll likely have many people who will offer to take you there and be your guide. Show up anytime before 3:00 (maybe even 4:00), and you'll pay for your entrance and be given a guide included with your ticket.

Semuc Champey opens at 8:00 AM, so you'll probably be able to find someone around the Semuc Champey Caves around the same time.

💸 How Much Does the Semuc Champey Cave Tour Cost?

As of June 2024, the price was 60Q/person, which comes out to a little under $8 each, or you can pay 70Q to have tubing included.

We had just two of us and had to the tour to ourselves, although it's actually much more fun getting put in a larger group. (The price doesn't change unless you have a very large organized group).

Don't forget to bring cash, as they don't accept credit cards!

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The Semuc Champey Cave Experience

Now it's time for the fun part! The Semuc Champey cave adventure will begin by a short walk up the stairs to the cave.

Your guide will give you a candle to carry with you as he brings you through the cave. No, it's not a simple walk, it's a full-on adventure (and definitely would not pass safety tests in many countries).

Expect climbing slippery stairs, wading through waterfalls, and shimmying along a rope to stay afloat, all while having hot wax drip on you, and trying not to set yourself on fire at the same time.

Despite us being just two people, our guide wasn't planning on staying with us apparently, so don't hang back too much! Many tour guides in Guatemala very literally just guide you, and barely talk or even check in on you. Don't take it personally, they may just need some hospitality courses.

It doesn't sound fun, but we honestly couldn't stop laughing, and had the best time doing this candlelight cave tour. We went with just the two of us, but if you go with a group it's even cooler as there will be more candles lighting up the cave.

You'll spend about 20-25 minutes going through the cave, and then you'll actually have the chance to jump from the top of the cave into a natural pool at the end of the cave. We thought our guide was insane when he did it, but we had a lot of fun joining him afterwards. 

We spent a few minutes jumping in the water and taking some pictures before heading back. The entire activity took about 45 minutes.

💦 Other Things to Do at the Semuc Champey Caves

Other than going on the candlelight cave tour, there are also a few other ways to enjoy the K'anba Caves.

At the end of the path inside the park you'll find a set of waterfalls, and the property also has a swing and a small pool to relax in right on the water. 

Tips for Visiting the Semuc Champey Cave

So are you ready to wild excursion at the Semuc Champey Cave in Guatemala? This is definitely one for the bucket list, and one thrill-seekers will love.

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