semuc champey, guatemala

We heard about this little place while in Mexico, and we are so glad that we did because it's one that travellers often miss. The little town of Lanquin isn't much to look at, but the national park of Semuc Chempey is just stunning.

To sum up our two days in this awesome little spot:

• We hiked/swam/walked/climbed/jumped through a cave via candlelight. Yes, your candle will go out all the time and yes, it's annoying but when you have a waterfall smashing down on your head, you don't care if your stupid candle goes out. 
• We wore sneakers with our swimsuits and nothing else (pictured in this post, with Kassandra feeling very fashionable). It feels weird but is totally necessary so your feet don't get cut open by the cave rocks.
• We enjoyed river-tubing while little eight-year-old kids ran alongside the river pelting beers at us. Note: When the little Guatemalan kids ask you if you want to buy a beer when you get out of the car upon arrival, and you reply "No", and then they say, "Maybe later....", this is what they mean. They will run, they will run fast, and they have a good arm. 
• We swam in clear blue natural pools, which were surrounded by waterfalls. 
• We ate a huge buffet meal every night for 50 quetzals at El Retiro hostel. The phrase, "Dinner is in half an hour, let's go to the restaurant for a quick drink beforehand," always ended with table dancing, body shots, and night-swims in the river.