Las Conchas Waterfalls

Las Conchas is a stretch of river in eastern Alta Verapaz where the water runs over a series of limestone terraces, forming wide shallow pools separated by low falls, coloured a strong turquoise by the dissolved carbonate the way the pools at Semuc Champey are but on a broader and gentler scale. The pools are deep enough to swim in and shallow enough to wade between, with forest on both banks and rope swings hung from the trees. It is far less visited than Semuc Champey because it is further from anywhere, which is much of the point: on a weekday there may be almost nobody else there.

The landscape

• Terraced turquoise pools - wide shallow basins in the limestone.
• Low falls between the terraces - the steps the river drops over.
• Forest on both banks - the trees closing in over the water.
• Far fewer visitors than Semuc - the advantage of being remote.

When to go

January to April in the dry season, when the water is clearest and lowest. Half a day. Weekdays are quiet; weekends bring local families.

What to expect

It is a long way from the usual routes and getting there takes most of a day from Coban or Rio Dulce. Facilities are basic. Water levels after rain turn the pools brown and can make swimming unsafe. There is little shade at midday.

Nearby

Chahal is north; Semuc Champey lies west.