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Well, there has been a change in plans. I spoke with Joann Dwyer Sunday evening after arriving in Panajachel and she informed me that the work in Chi Chi had been cancelled and that she would not have anything for me to do until Saturday. I was left with an entire week to find something to do, so I decided to head North to Semuc Champey to enjoy it's emerald pools, waterfalls, and caves.

A Change In Plans

Jeremy Curl
2006-08-28 16:48:32

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I tried anyway. I got one arm through the hole but then I got my shoulders wedged. I was stuck underwater for a few seconds but frantically kicked
off the floor until I finally popped through the hole (I am alive and very stupid). We all swam our way out of the cave, but before leaving the guide painted our faces with black resin from the cave wall. The cool thing about the tour was that you would never find one like this in the states because it would never be a allowed due to the risk involved.

Following the spelunking, we all grabbed a tube and followed the guide down the river toward the hostel. Along the way we exited the river and climbed up onto a 10m+ (30-35ft) bridge and jumped off into the water. Climbing back on our tubes, we all just kicked back and floated our way back home. Arriving back at the hostel, we all took turns launching off of a rope swing that was tied to a tree along the river shore. I give the Kaban Cave tour two thumbs up!

After lunch, we hiked (1k) our way up to the emerald green pools, waterfalls, cascades, and jungle setting of Semuc Champey. This little piece of paradise was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. The pools
had a tranquil green glow and cascades that feed them. There were many different sections of pools spread throughout the area which allowed privacy if desired. Further up stream were gushing rapids that poured down and made their way through a natural limestone bridge. The waters throughout the area were full of various types of vegetation and butterflies hovering above. There were sheer rock walls covered with moss, fern, and vines. The only thing able to pull my attention away from the beauty of the landscape was a topless European girl bathing in the pools. Soon, we were all swimming about the pools and jumping from the rocks. The pools were warm and soothing and we didn't want to leave, but we had to hurry back in order to catch the 3pm shuttle to Lanquin.

In Lanquin we stayed at El Retiro hostel, which was made up of straw huts called Palapas and was alongside the river that flows through the Lanquin caves. We were just in time to take the Grutas (caves) de Laquin tour. The cave system we made our way through was massive, but I still found that mornings tour much more exciting. Although, there was
a group of young Israeli girls that had no business being in the caves but did make it interesting. They required my help (b/c the guide could have cared less) the entire tour to climb up and down the slippery rocks, and would not stop whining about every little thing (Oh my goodness it's muddy in here, etc., etc.). As we made our way out of the cave, there were more and more bats swooping all around us (just imagine the girls). We made it out through the mouth of the cave just as the sunset and watched as hundreds of bats flew out into the night. Later, I went with a young gentlemen from Israel (Philip) to finally get a good meal (MEAT!!). We ate Schnitzel and discussed the possibility of taking a trip together through the Western Highlands and around to the lake; hitting some towns along the way. That night we all slept in hammocks (15Q) and wrapped ourselves in blankets to keep warm.

Well, that about wraps it up for Semuc Champey and the Grutas de Lanquin. I highly recommend this area to travelers. It is quite an experience and beautiful site to see. Although, you don't have to go as fast as we did. One would probably want at least two days minimum. Well, goodbye and it has been great hearing from all of you back home. Take Care!