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Back to internet so time for an update on whats been happening.
Leaving Flores our 5 hour directo bus turned out to be anything but. After 5 hours we pulled into a larger than expected town but were pleased to finally be there. You can imagine our surprise when we suddenly realized we had sailed 1.5hrs past our turn off in order to drop half the collectivo (minibus) off.
Just to add to our smiles and head shaking the driver dropped us in a car park outside a shopping mall while we waited for him to pop home for lunch his wife had cooked. Finally after 9 hours we arrived in Lanquin just in time for the evening down pour. Unfortunately our bags rode on the roof and so our room resembled a Chinese laundry as we attempted to dry our things in the humid heat.
The next day we organised a trip out to Semuc Champey which is 9km along a very slow bumpy road from Lanquin and is described by many as the most beautiful place in Guatemala. No need to set the alarm as it was Sunday and we had chosen the hotel right across
Mirador
Swim Time! the road from the church. People don´t sleep in around here because at 6am our room was filled with some beautiful songs but not so beautiful singing. Why are those blessed with the least ability to sing also blessed with the largest lungs!
Upon arriving to Semuc Champey we trekked the 1.5hr loop up to the mirador looking down upon the amazing natural features of Semuc Champey.
Set amongst the lush green tropical vegetation of bananas, coffee, pines and jungle. The Rio Cahabon has carved a tunnel under the limestone to form a huge 300m bridge. This bridge is covered in a series of cascading terraces which form colours ranging from turquoise to emerald green rock pools. At the entrance to the bridge we carefully stood on very slippery rocks watching in amazement as the swollen river disappeared beneath our feet. The limestone bridge that we stood on was fed separately from the surrounding slopes and we joined the local Guatemalan weekenders in taking a very pleasurable and refreshing swim. Following our guide we then made our way down from terrace to terrace by jumping and sliding until we got to the other end of the bridge where
the river reappears back into daylight. Our guide then swung a rope ladder around the nearest boulder and over the edge down the side of a waterfall. There was no need to go first as there were plenty of willing candidates and when we did go it was quite an experience climbing the short distance down the rope ladder. On the climb down you were blinded by water pounding you from above and as you felt your way down it was nice to reach the bottom ladder where the guide was waiting and trying to hold the ladder. From here you literally walked under the waterfall from the pools and into the cave where the river was roaring past you from under the limestone bridge.
With the water dripping from the stalactites above it was freezing so we didn´t stay too long and before we knew it we were swinging on the rope ladder battering against the falls. Another quick dip in the pools and then we headed for lunch.
With our stomachs full you generally don´t head back into the water but with the afternoon down pour starting we had one last river tubing trip. We all picked
up a tyre inner tube just big enough to fit our bum into, then slipped our way down the mud in the pouring rain to the river. Rainy season means a lot of water so a very swift river but also no rocks so we floated out to the middle and happily sped down stream spinning around in our tubes. Quite a short trip but lots of fun.
So after a great day we head back along the bumpy road to Lanquin and although it was almost dark our guide assured us that the Grutas de Lanquin (caves) would still be open. The rain had stopped so we headed on the 20minute walk and arrived to the caves on dusk with the clap of thunder in the distance.
The caves sure were open but we were the last in a were told to be quick as the lights would be turned off when we exited (We hoped not before!!). The cave was amazing and you can walk about 15-20mins with lights that have been wired up. The caves go for Kms back and most of it unexplored let alone mapped.
The ground was wet and sticky under foot
from the dripping ceiling of stalactites and stalagmites and as you walk along in the airy darkness you get the feeling you are not alone. Perhaps this is because you are not as this is also home to thousands of bats nesting in the cave.
We exited the caves to find the cave warden waiting patiently for us and with the flick of a switch, the lights went out and thousands of Bats were given the signal to head out for the night. It was a little unnerving sitting in the entrance and hearing a swarm of flying bats around you. (Great experience but not one we wound do every day).
Tomorrow we head to Antigua (Tourist Capital of Guatemala)
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Did it remind you of tube riding that waterfall in Gisborne, CP?