Semuc Champey

The main attraction in the area is Semuc Champey which features both caves (not for me) and these amazing rock pools suspended over the river. One of the most tranquil places you could imagine but at the entry there are young guards holding large shotguns. Guards and shotguns are just everywhere in Central America – even with nature (take that nature!).

The pools are a limestone bridge formation that is about 300 metres long and you get in one pool and climb or slide your way down to the last pool. The walk up to the mirador is both steep and slippery but well worth the effort, and it makes the swim at the bottom just that bit nicer.

The river runs with fury into a hole going underground, then coming out the other side in some beautiful waterfalls. Apparently a few tourists fell into the hole a few years ago with body parts emerging out the other side up to 40 days later. The area is now roped of with a guard to make sure no-one gets too close.

The water is fresh and crystal clear and you can even see little fish swimming about. The photos tell you just how gorgeous this place is. The 9km ride there took one hour in the back of a truck along a very bumpy and in parts, steep, road.