Semuc Champey

 We continue on in our bus to Semuc Champey. 8 hours later we’ve crossed a “river ferry” been starred down by the police, but not arrived.

 After getting some cash in cash out we board what we are told is a short transfer to our hostel. It turned out to be an hour of what felt like Mario Kart driving along poorly paved roads and dirt tracks hundreds of feet up.

After arriving we are greeted by what looks to be a pretty swanky hostel. 

However, we are then informed that there is only power for 14 hours a day meaning no fan at night.

Day 2

With our new acquaintance, Darrios, from Switzerland we decide what to do that day, he remained neutral. So the view point it was. A quick 30 minute hike up 500 meters sounds pretty mellow but 5 steps in we knew a mistake had been made. But we couldn’t turn back as there were old Guatemalan grandmothers and their young grandchildren surpassing us carrying cooler boxes of supplies, so we pressed on and how glad we were.

Went back down for a dip and a trail side taco then back to the hostel.

Day 3

We booked the cave tour the night before but after waking up the next morning feeling less than well (definitely the taco) I campaigned to postpone until the next day. So we sat by the pool and made the most of happy hour, 2 litres of beer for £3.7! What could go wrong? 

After dying my hair purple we had Greengos (name of the hostel) game night. It began with the manager asking what is special about the name. Most of us here would quickly make the connection between gringo and being a green hostel. She thought not a spent what felt like half an hour explaining and laughing to herself. We felt better than the game night so rallied a separatist movement consisting of Dutch, Swiss, Italian and of course English which was far superior.

Day 3

Up and ready to 🪨. We began the cave tour which I was very unhappy about as swimming in a dark cave doesn’t sound like something fun, more like a punishment. However, Charlie told me to stop being a baby and go. We were equipped with a candle and a guide who didn’t seem to care about our personal safety, perfect. Surprisingly I enjoyed it, apart from the ladders held with fraying ropes and the slide down a very narrow waterfall. Headed back form some volleyball paired with a happy hour swim up bar. 4 rum punches please.

Unfortunately I made a mistake and got my freshly died hair wet with pool water…

Day 4

My hair is ginger again. And we hit the road to Antigua…

D