Lanquin is a tiny town with only dirt roads and a few little shops. Generally you don’t stay there but at the various AMAZING hostels in the mountains.
How to get there: bus
Using the same bus company from Belize to Flores we booked our tickets to Lanquin. The bus ride generally takes about 8-10 hours depending on various circumstances however ours ended up taking 12 due to a fatal accident on the only road through this town. The towns traditional way when someone is killed is to wait for authorities and to sort out burial etc. this was legit sorted out in the middle of the road and cars were backed up for miles. We were stuck there for about 2-3 hours. One we we’re through that the ride was fine until you start to approach Lanquin. Due to there being only dirt roads, it was the rockiest bumpy trip you could imagine, but all apart of the fun of Central America. You stop for lunch at some random pitstop and due to being stuck at that town, we stopped in Coban for an early dinner as its quiet a developed area (for Guatemala). Bus is the only way to Lanquin so if you don’t enjoy long bus Rudes… You should probably reconsider going.
Accommodation: zephyr lodge
This place is absolutely beautiful. I’ve had a few friends stay here so this was one of the top things that I wanted to do. It is up the mountain so it’s a little cooler and has a great view of surrounding mountains and the Lanquin river. You basically spend your entire time at the hostel because there is nothing to do in town so they have breakfast lunch dinner and snack and lots of drinks to keep you full and entertained. The staff are really cool here and will help you with whatever you can. The only thing with Zephyr is that they only take reservations for private rooms about 2 weeks in advance… Otherwise you basically have to rock up and hope for the best. I was told that you could book like a day or 2 in advance but they must change depending on the time of year. We booked a private as we didn’t want to risk getting there and being told SORRY we are full. I guess it’s really up to you with what you want to do.
What to do:
Semuc Champey: this is one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen in my whole life. The water is a stunning light green and so warm! You can book this tour at Zephyr and it’s pretty cheap considering what you get. So in the tour you go into these caves first… I’m seriously claustrophobic so this was a challenge for me but I decided to face my fears and it ended up being so much fun and really cool. You also get to swing into the river and jump into it from a really high bridge. You then hike up s huge mountain (not mandatory but totally worth it) to see the view of the lakes/pools. You the. Hike back down and get to go in them. Such a great day.
Tubing the Lanquin river: another tour offered by the hostel. Unfortunately we went too large the nights before and didn’t end up making it… But we heard good things about it.
Travel Guide 