Beyond Words: Semuc Champey

"Beyond Words" is a post that is mainly a collection of photos. A short description is provided but the visual experience is the main purpose. Enjoy!

If I had to sum up my day in Semuc Champey, I'd say that it was like doing an obstacle course through the most unbelievable scenery I have ever seen. Full disclosure: I am in no way an athlete or in top physical condition. I knew my day spent at Semuc Champey would be extremely physical, but during some of the toughest parts of the day, I would just pause to look around me and stand in disbelief of the incredible beauty surrounding me. To start our day, our group was gathered together to get into the back of a pickup truck for the rocky and winding 30-minute ride from our hostel to Semuc Champey. Once we got to the river, we began with a rope swing into the river, followed by a candlelight tour of a cave river (it sounds romantic but it was more like climbing through a cave by candlelight – tough but super fun), and then we had the opportunity to jump from a bridge into the river. After a lunch buffet cooked by local women, we did an arduous 25-minute hike up to the top of the mountain for a spectacular view of the natural pools in the valley below, and then a hike down the mountain to spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, diving, and exploring the natural pools and waterfalls. At the end of the day, I was in complete awe of both myself and the extraordinary day I had just experienced.

I belly flopped into the water, so this is Sian gracefully flying off the swing.

The river that we had been swimming in earlier in the day flows UNDER (rather than into) the pools that we swam in. Super cool to see!

But we made it! Cheers to unforgettable day!

Beyond Words: Tikal

"Beyond Words" is a post that is mainly a collection of photos. A short description is provided but the visual experience is the main purpose. Enjoy!

During my pre-trip planning, Tikal was the first “attraction” that I knew I HAD to experience. When it came to booking my tour, I discovered there was the option to watch the sunrise over the jungle and temples of Tikal. I have never seen a sunrise before and decided this was the perfect opportunity to witness my first one. So I got up at 3 am, traveled by bus to the Tikal National Park, hiked 30 minutes into the jungle, and climbed 196 steps to the top of the highest of the ancient temples. There, I sat in complete silence to watch the sun bloom over the horizon as the sound of howler monkeys awakening in the trees below provided the most surreal background music. It was a breathtaking and awe-inspiring moment. One that I will never forget.

Pathway leading to one of the dwelling areas.

The panoramic view of the main center from the dwelling area.