Hello,

Does anyone know the best/shortest route to take (by bus) from the Lago Izabal area to Semuc Sampey. If I have a look at the map that is in the Rough Guide, there is a road north of the lake from Rio Dulce to Tactic (passing El Estor), that branches of in Panzos, north to Cahabon and Lanquin. This road is not on the maps in my Lonely Planet though. Can anyone confirm that this road is there?

Thank you!

My Rough Guide shows something similar from Uaxactun to Rio Azul, but I doubt that there is much of a road or any bus service there. I wonder if what you see is wishful thinking on someone's part.

Your best bet will be to ask around when you get there. Otherwise, to get to Semuc Champey, you would probably do best to head into Guate and hop a bus to Coban.

Guatemala author here

There is a road from Cahabon to El Estor, one of the most spectacular journeys in Guatemala, but there were no longer any buses using this route in early 2004 when I was last in the region. You will be able to travel by pick up if you don't mind hitching, or perhaps on market days. Check in El Estor with Oscar at the Hotel Vista del Lago.

In addition there is a track to Rio Azul which can be taken by 4WD outside the rainy season (best Feb to April). Try Martsam travel in Flores or El Chiclero in Uaxactun.

Iain