We just got back from Guatemala, and the first place I need to tell you about is the tiny, blue-washed pueblo of Santa Catarina Palopó.
Not only is it the prettiest village on Lake Atitlán, but it’s artistic, low-key, and packed with genuinely interesting things to do.
Read on and I think you’ll agree it belongs on every Guatemala itinerary.
First Impressions
Getting to Lake Atitlán isn’t for the faint of heart. Guatemala City’s gridlock and mountain switchbacks will make you rethink that big breakfast you ate or even Guatemala overall.
But when when we rounded the final bend from Panajachel after an 8-hour drive from Zacapa, there it was.
Violet, teal and turquoise homes cascading toward the water like Positano’s artsy cousin who’d swapped Amalfi for volcano views. I actually caught my breath at the sight.
Minutes later, we were easing into a steaming pool of thermal water, watching the sky slide to indigo behind a volcano framed in silhouette — my faith in Guatemala fully restored.
By morning, strong local coffee in hand, I’d come back to earth (a bit). But a week later, I’m still calling Santa Catarina Palopó my favourite of Lake Atitlán’s 12 villages.
Even though it’s just a 15 minute drive from Panajachel (the main tourist hub), it’s long been overlooked, even by me.
I’m married to a Guatemalan, have stayed in every major village on the lake, and, aside from quick stops at posh Casa Palopó while writing for magazines like LUXE, Hola Latinos, and others, I’d never spent much time in Santa Catarina.
This time we stayed several days, and I’m glad we did. Here’s what to experience and the top things to do in Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala’s magical blue town.
1. Marvel at the Blue Houses of the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó Project
The community-led Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó project, launched in 2017, was designed to revitalize this formerly economically-depressed community by attracting more visitors.
It was the brainchild of Harris Whitbeck (now Director of INGUAT – Guatemala’s tourism authority) and, according to staff at the Pintando office, as of November 2025 there are now 850 homes painted, along with other buildings, staircases and public spaces.
Homes that opt into the program are co-designed with local artists using huipil-inspired blue palettes and symbols, then painted with eco-friendly, lime-based paint.
So your first stop to learn more should be the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó office (Google Map) in the town square. You can learn about Kaqchikel Maya symbolism, purchase hand-made products such as note cards and jewellery or sign up to volunteer.
🌟 Pro Tip: For a stress-free experience getting to Lake Atitlan, we recommend taking a private shuttle from Guatemala City airport or Antigua.
2. Browse the Artisan Stalls on the Pedestrian Path
Just west of the town square is the Calle del Embarcadero, a cobblestone pedestrian path strung with a canopy of dangling woven baskets and muñecas (dolls) leading to the waterfront dock.
Along the way you’ll see the Quetzal Coop shop (proceeds go to support the school next door), a waterfront restaurant (it wasn’t open when we were there) and several artisan stalls.
There’s also an entrance to Hotel Villa Santa Catarina Palopo (where we stayed) and its restaurant/bar. Open to the public, it offers fantastic views of the volcanos.
On the pedestrian path, also known as the Ruta Textil-Artesanias, you’ll see Maya women in traditional attire, the colours reflecting their villages and the season, tending stalls filled with woven textiles.
Because Santa Catarina Palopó isn’t a hub for ferry arrivals (and day-trippers) you won’t get the hard sell you’ll find at busier villages. Browsing here feels very relaxed.
🌟Pro Tip: Some haggling is expected at stalls. As a rule of thumb, you’ll often land the item at about 60–70% of the first asking price. Counter in small steps, and be ready to walk away politely. Skip the bargaining if the price already feels fair or you’re at a cooperative where prices are set. Handy phrase: ¿Me puede dar mejor precio?” (Can you give me a better price?)
3. Stroll the Malecon (Lakefront Boardwalk)
Walk to the end of the Calle del Embarcadero and you’ll get a sense of lake life between the bobbing lanchas (wooden boats), fishermen’s dugout canoes and the occasional dog stretched out in the sun.
Near the boat dock you’ll also find a large map of Santa Catarina Palopó. Snap a photo and use it to plan your next few days.
The lookout offers panoramic views of Tolimán, Atitlán, and San Pedro volcanoes. It’s a popular spot for Instagram shots.
The malecón itself is an easy, level walk that works for sunrise, an afternoon coffee at Punto Café or sunset.
I was impressed by the overall organization at the waterfront. Clear signage, thoughtful landscaping, ample shade for picnicking, well-placed recycling bins, and good illumination after dark.
It felt very safe and welcoming.
4. Soak in the Aguas Termales (Natural Hot Springs)
At the end of the boardwalk you’ll find stone stairs leading down to the water. These lead to small shallow pools where steaming thermal hot springs mix with the water of Lake Atitlan.
It’s uncrowded and absolutely blissful. We only ever saw locals bathing here. To make it even more magical, the views of the village are fantastic.
There’s no cost to bathe in these thermal pools and it’s one of the best (of several) free things to do in Santa Catarina Palopó.
Note: Scientific studies have reported Cryptosporidium infections due to swimming in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Swim at your own risk and if you do, take precautions such as showering, avoiding swimming with open wounds or submerging your head.
Bring water shoes as the rocks are slippery.
🌟 Pro Tip: If you do as we did and stay at Hotel Villa Catarina Palopo, you can enjoy private thermal waters piped into one of the outdoor pools.
5. Go Kayaking on Lake Atitlan
Kayaking on Lake Atitlán is one of the most peaceful ways to experience the lake’s beauty up close.
Glide past fishermen, watch the sunlight shift across the surrounding volcanoes, and feel the rhythm of village life unfold along the shore.
Many tour operators rent kayaks by the hour or day (or go direct to the Eco-Cabañas on the malecon). The calm waters around Santa Catarina are ideal for beginners.
Unlike other shorelines around Lake Atitlan, it’s not very weedy or polluted.
Afternoon winds can pick up, so it’s best to head out early and stay close to shore for safety.
🌟 Related: If you like kayaking, check out our Travel Guide to Honduras.
7. Take a Boat Tour to Other Villages on Lake Atitlan
While there’s no regular boat service (that keeps crowds of day trippers away), you can take a private or group tour to Panajachel, San Pedro or San Juan.
For one stop, it’s 30 Quetzals (Q) or around $4 USD per person to join a group tour. Or pay 600 Q or $75 USD for two people for a private boat tour.
🌟 Insider Tip: Book your Lake Atitlan tour for early morning. In the afternoon, the Xocomil winds, said to be the lake’s spirit cleansing the water, pick up and create rough conditions.
While fisherman and boat operators are familiar with this daily occurrence, the waves make for a very rough ride. I swear I’ve lost a filling or two over the years on this lake.
8. Soak Up Some History at the Casa Museo
Finding the Casa Museo takes some doing. (Credit: Michele Peterson)
Another free thing to do in Santa Catarina Palopó is to make a stop at the very interesting (and well hidden) Casa Museo & Artesanias museum (Google Map).
In my opinion, this family-run museum is a must-see.
To find it, look for the Casa Museo sign to the left of the church. Climb up a series of steep steps and the museum is on the left.
On the first floor you can trace the history of the pueblo through photographs, pottery, wooden carvings and other household artifacts.
The extensive signage is in English which is especially helpful.
A family member acts as a guide to show you around and will even teach you to play a traditional Kaqchikel Maya game that uses 5 numbered beans, stones and a bottle cap.
It’s both a game of chance and a way of teaching counting, its roots tracing back to ancient Maya board games like patolli.
Climb the final flight of stairs and you’ll arrive at a humble restaurant where you can have a traditional lunch and soak up the panoramic views from the terrace.
Cash donations are welcome.
🌟 Insider Tip: There’s second, family-run museum (also free) on the main street across from the Internet Cafe that’s also worth a peek inside.
9. Visit the Catholic Church of Santa Catarina Palopó
This whitewashed church, said to be more than two centuries old, anchors the village’s town square.
Its “Earthquake” Baroque architecture features thick walls, clean lines, and minimal ornamentation, built for stability in this seismic region.
During our visit, we were fortunate to find the church filled with music from a live band and draped in banners in liturgical colours.
The altar is flanked by wooden carved saints, many dressed in Mayan attire.
🌟 Insider Tip: The Feast Day for the patron saint, Santa Catarina de Alejandría (Saint Catherine of Alexandria), is celebrated on November 25th. We just missed it during our visit but the village is said to really come alive with processions, fireworks, and traditional festivities during the days preceding the feast day.
10. Soak Up the Views at a Mirador or Two
There are actually three (maybe more) miradors in Santa Catarina Palopo.
- The most convenient — Mirador Santa Catarina — was closed in December 2024 by authorities (due to garbage, vandalism and “immoral acts” by visitors).
- A new mirador is under construction (there’s a rough walking trail to the white sign on the hill).
- The third, Mirador Mario Mendez Montenegro is open and well worth the rather gruelling uphill trek.
This Lake Atitlan landmark is named to honour the contributions of prominent Guatemalan politician, lawyer, and presidential candidate to Guatemala’s democratic period in the 1960s following years of military rule.
There are washrooms (for a fee) or you can take in the views from any one of the cliffside perches.
🌟 Insider Tip: Make a stop at the vendors’ stalls at the Mirador Mario Méndez Montenegro, where you can find everything from bric brac such as fridge magnets to beautifully hand-carved spoons, bowls, and cups crafted from palo blanco wood.
11. Sip Artisanal Atitlan Coffee at Café Tuk
Café Tuk quickly became one of our favourite stops in Santa Catarina Palopó.
It opens early (6 a.m.) pouring rich, aromatic bourbon-variety coffee, one of Guatemala’s finest beans.
Grown in the volcanic soils surrounding Lake Atitlán, this heirloom Arabica is prized for its smooth body, low acidity, and notes of chocolate and spice.
Pair it with a champurrada (Guatemala’s biscotti-like cookie) in the morning, or return in the afternoon for a cup of cardamom-scented hot chocolate on the terrace facing the town’s historic church.
Between the friendly staff, locally-made beaded jewelry for sale, and unbeatable people-watching from the tables overlooking the town square, it’s well worth a stop.
Fun Fact: “Tuq” means violet in Kaqchikel Mayan.
12. Sample Local Traditional Food and Drink
For culinary travellers, one of the main attractions in the Sololá Department (the name of province where Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopó are located) is that you’re at the heart of Mayan culture.
And a big part of that is cuisine. It’s authentic, abundant, and truly delicious.
Mornings are time for a desayuno chapin (typical Guatemalan breakfast), shopping in the Mercado Municipal in Panajachel or in the street market in Santa Catarina Palopó (located behind the church).
Afternoons are time for the midday meal which will feature one of the region’s famous chicken stews and soups such as pepian, gallo en chicha and caldo de gallina.
These traditional Maya dishes come served with rice, avocado/guacamole and handmade tortillas de maize fresh off the comal (griddle).
I first learned how to make pulique in Sololá (and it’s still the best place to try it) so it’s always on my must-eat list. Take a cooking class with local women to master a few dishes if you can fit it into your schedule.
In the evenings it’s time for street food such as shucos, pupusas, tacos and mixtas. And don’t overlook local Guatemalan drinks.
🌟 Insider Tip: There’s a bar cart at the entrance to Calle del Embarcado serving picositas (the spicy Michelada-style beer cocktail), Ron de Zacapa and cocktails to go.
13. Learn About Pottery in Nearby San Antonio Polopó
About 15 minutes from Santa Catarina Palopó by tuk tuk or car, San Antonio Palopó is a small village known for its hand-made pottery.
The original Mayan pottery tradition was refined in the 1990s by renowned American ceramics artist Ken Edwards, whose teardrop silhouettes became a local signature.
Today, artisans have pushed the look forward with hand-painted motifs of hummingbirds, Day of the Dead skulls, volcanoes and other natural elements. I love the teardrop forms in green, indigo, and gray, as they blend beautifully with neutral tableware.
You can find the pottery sold in shops from Antigua to Panajachel but it’s worth going to San Antonio Palopó to watch the pieces shaped, fired, and hand-painted in the small workshops.
We visited two of the four ceramic factories, Ceramica Mayan (Google Map) at the entrance to the village and Mayan-Ke closer to the beach, and recommend both. Profits go back to the artisans.
🌟 Insider Tip: Look for the shelf of seconds. Tiny flaws can mean big savings.
14. Experience a Shaman Ceremony in the Sacred Caves of San Jorge
If you’re looking for a unique experience that’s different than the shopping-heavy vibe of Chichicastenango (still one of my top things to do in Guatemala), San Jorge’s caves offers a powerful alternative.
This 2-hour Mayan ceremony with a shaman experience takes place in the caves high above Lake Atitlan in a town known for its many elders.
A few years ago I spent a fair bit of time as a volunteer in this special community and it’s the perfect backdrop for a spiritually immersive journey.
Witnessing a traditional Mayan ceremony led by a local shaman in a sacred cave is truly moving experience. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with Mayan traditions and spiritual beliefs.
Check prices and availability of a Shaman Cave Ceremony on Viator.com.
15. Soak Up the Artistic Vibe at a Gallery
Santa Catarina Palopó has a quiet little art scene. It’s not nearly as extensive as San Juan La Laguna, but there’s enough here to feel creativity bubbling just under the surface.
You’ll find a small gallery on the town square and pieces tucked into Café Tuk, plus the artistry of the local huipils. Their blue-turquoise palette and motifs are the village’s living gallery.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to set up an easel or write a book.
Final Thoughts
As you can probably tell, Santa Catarina Palopó gets my vote as the prettiest village on Lake Atitlan. But what stays with you here is a feeling: a magical, low-key calm. The malecon is vendor-free, the greetings are genuine, and the rhythm is unrushed.
With volcanoes on the horizon and blue-washed homes at every turn, it’s a place you want to return to and hope that it doesn’t change too much in the interval.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range – Hotel Villa Santa Catarina Polopó
We stayed here and I’d happily do it again. Hotel Villa Santa Catarina is a low-rise hotel right in the heart of town, has two swimming pools (one fed by steaming thermal waters), a shower with loads of hot water, balconies or terraces and verdant gardens.
The volcano views are the kind you can’t stop taking photos of.
Rooms often come in under $100 USD, which feels like a win. There’s no AC or screens on the windows so it can get stuffy in the rooms on hot days. But we requested a portable fan from the front desk and that really helped.
The restaurant is on the pricey side given the portion size, but free parking and easy lakeshore access make up for it.
Budget – Eco-Cabañas
If you’re watching your budget, the Eco-Cabañas (Phone 3055-3442) on the waterfront are surrounded by greenery, secure, and put you steps from the lake.
For big views without a big bill, breezy Hotel Mirador sits at the top of the hill and delivers a postcard panorama. They’re new but look promising.
Luxury – Casa Palopó Relais & Chateaux
For a splurge, book Casa Palopó . It’s a Relais & Châteaux boutique hideaway just outside town, with an infinity pool poised for maximum lake and volcano views.
The decor in the 15 guest rooms mixes modern conveniences with artisan touches in a way that’s genuinely inspiring, more artful home than hotel.
Service is attentive, the vibe is romantic (children must be 10 or older), and it’s my pick for fine dining.
Where to Eat
Santa Catarina Palopó’s restaurant scene has not quite caught up with its other charms. Most nights you will either eat at a hotel restaurant, slip into a simple comedor for local plates, or pop over to Panajachel for more choice.
Here’s what we liked and recommend:
- Deli Jasmin (Panajachel (Google Map): Fresh, healthy breakfasts and lunches in a garden setting.
- Villa Catarina (Santa Catarina Palopó): Terrace with views; cocktails, portions run small.
- Crossroads Cafe (Panajachel Google Map): Popular coffee roaster; great for a caffeine run.
- Limoncello Cafe (Panajachel Google Map): Great coffee, breakfasts and fancy pastries in a garden setting.
- Cafe Tuk (Santa Catarina Palopó): Local coffee and light breakfasts.
- Casa Palopó (Santa Catarina Palopó): Fine dining with local ingredients; book ahead.
- Bonanza (Tecpan, on the highway Google Map): Reliable stop if you’re driving. Guatemalan fare in a “Ponderosa” setting inspired by the TV series.
- Pupuseria Cheros (Panajachel): Casual, tasty pupusas.
- Casa San Juan (Chichicastenango Google Map): Artsy setting with a terrace in the market.
It’s also possible to get a day pass at Tzampoc Resort and enjoy the infinity pool. Lovely but on the pricier side.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Palo” in Spanish is tree and “Poj” on Kakchikel Maya is the amate (ficus) tree, which was once abundant in the area.
Santa Catarina Palopó is a 15 minute drive by car or tuk tuk from Panajachel. It costs 50-70 Quetzals ($6.50 USD) one-way. Or you can travel by private boat for 150Q ($13).
There is a small sandy beach near the malecon but it’s a bit weedy. The best place to swim is at the aguas termales (natural hot springs) at the north end of the waterfront. Rustic stairs lead into the clear water although water shoes are recommended. Check water conditions for contamination before swimming anywhere in Lake Atitlan.
