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Published: February 19th 2012
View from our room
Lanquin, Guatemala, a jungle town.Hola amigos!
We made a stop in Lanquin to see some really cool caves. The lights were not functional that day (nor were they functional for the last few months, we reckon), so we relied on our head lamps for light. Slowly, but surely, we clambered over slippery rocks and a couple of dodgy ladders in the total darkness, viewing some amazing rock formations inside. The caves are relatively unexplored and continue for several miles in a maze of caverns and tunnels, although we only made it in a few hundred yards. We waited by the cave entrance until sunset and watched bats fly out of the cave by the thousands. Against the twightlight sky, we could make out their flight patterns of swooping and darting everywhere. Such amazing creatures.
Only a few miles from Lanquin are the spectacular waterfalls and pools of Semuc Champey. To get there, just hop onto the back of a pick up truck and hold on tight, because it's a bumpy ride! A lady got on our truck, her technique was flawless as she held on to the bar with one hand and held on to her baby and purse with the other as
the 4x4 rocked back and forth on the rocky (not even gravel) road. Meanwhile, we were both grasping bars with both hands, legs, spread eagled as if our life depended on it (well, it did).
After a hot hike up to the viewpoint, a swim in the clear pools was a welcomed refreshment. The word, "paradise" came to mind a few times while we enjoyed the clear blue waters... Semuc Champey is a series of falls and pools that sit on top of a natural limestone tunnel, and most of the water from the river flows under the formation, leaving a tranquil and beautiful formation.
Hasta la proxima
T and D
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Ursy!
non-member comment
Wonderful!
Hey travellers. It's so wonderful to see these pictures and your journey. If you like caving, and make your way to Costa Rica, I worked in Barra Honda, a National Park (West Costa Rica) with caves that were "increyible" (about a 75 ft rap into the centre of the cave). They have fantastic trails running through a dry tropical rain forest, and it was teaming with life when I was there.... super amazing place. Here's a link if you're in that area: http://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=196&Itemid=364