Semuc Champey

Meaning sacred water, Semuc Champey is the Indiana Jones-destination of Guatemala. Waterfalls of turquoise cascade from pool to pool along the Cahabon River. Orange butterflies gracefully survey from above, and the sun`s reflection places a golden sheen on everything below.

A part of a van of tourists, our guide invited us to bathe and basque on the wet rocks while he secured the rope. What rope!? We canyoned down a 15 foot water-fall on rope ladder, the water flushing us in the face. Then, we jumped off a 30-foot ledge, my legs cycling in fright as I screamed in exhilaration. We toured some caves as water percolated onto my shoulders. Finally, we climbed vines and roots, sprouted from the side of the canyon, to make our way back up for a riverside lunch.

In the afternoon, we trekked up to El Mirador for a view of the entire area. Meditatively, I observed every breathe: pacing, relaxed, active. Narrow tree trunks aided me in the ascent and gentle ferns brushed my legs with encouragement. At the top, I overlooked the sparkling pools, the gushing falls, the shadows of the caves, the forested mountains, and the glorious sky. Mother Nature held me in her arms and rocked me in her canyon breeze. In this moment of peace, I felt as if I were El Mirador, the seer of truth.