The 9 hour drive from Flores to Lanquin on a cramped minibus isn’t so bad when you are surrounded by jungle, rivers and colourful churches in nearby towns. Arriving at the Zephr Lodge in San Agustín Lanquín, it was surreal knowing that these panorama views of jungle and mountains are in front of my bedroom window. This felt like backpacker luxury with a pool, restaurant and jacuzzi but it costs around 120Q a night (£12). We relaxed, got to know the new guests who also arrived that day and got an early night ready for pure adventure the next day. And let me tell you, it was indeed an adventure.
The next day….
We were picked up in a truck, 15 of us stood in the back for almost an hour, it was uncomfortable, authentic and the best start to the day. When I was 11 I went caving and oh my today knowing I would cave, I was scared. But there was around 25 of us from the hostel and we all bonded, I knew I’d be all good and would be proud of myself at the end. We each lit our candle sticks and emerged into the water filled cave, swimming through holes, sliding down cedimentary slides and jumping into blackness. It was great. After the adrenaline from caving, we hiked to the mirador to see Semuc Champay, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life. We took some piccys with one another and headed down into the small pools. After swimming in the pools for a few hours in the rain, we stood again in the back of a truck meant for livestock and headed back to the hostel for some soup and happy hour drinks. This excursion that lasted the entire day, with 3 activities and lunch cost me around £20.
On my second full day in Lanquin…
A group of us headed out early to drink beer sat in a rubber dingy as we rolled down river rapids. It was much more chilled than the day before, we were on the river for around one and a half hours, stopping at a hostel for a group volleyball game and more drinks. We of course travelled in true Guatemalan style back to the hostel, this time sat on the roof of the truck- an upgrade. Back in Zephr Lodge some friends went into the hot tub and went on a mad one, some friends played dare Jenga but I had a relaxed night playing pool and eating pizza.
If you come to Guatemala you cannot miss this place- the town has such a sense of community to wonder around. The locals are lovely and enjoy having you around. Although my bunk bed at the Zephr Lodge wasn’t that nice and full of bugs from the 360* surrounding jungle, and it’s hard to get food anywhere but the restaurant I had a great time. I met great people, party people and got to be with my two favourite girls Lizzie and Abie for a few days. One of the cleaners who was only about 13 came up onto my top bunk and we chatted and exchanged stories in the best Spanish I could give her. This made me even more motivated to get to my language school and live with a Guatemalan family (coming soon!).
Now to Antigua for a night or two before heading to stay with my new family!
Bevs Backpacking📍 
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