Santa Catarina Palopó
The small and traditional village of Santa Catalina Palopó lies 3 miles (5 km) east of Panajachel. The town borders Lake Atitlán and has some of the best hotels in the area.
Santa Catalina Palopó (pop. 5,000) is a quaint little town whose residents are indigenous descendants of the Kaqchikel Maya. Some townspeople still wear traditional clothing, the most noticeable of which is the huipil, a blue blouse worn by the women in the community. The Kaqchikel language is spoken here as well.
The village itself is primarily made up of adobe houses that ascend from the lakeshore and into the surrounding hillsides. The handicrafts and textiles made here are good quality and can be purchased along one of the town’s main roads.
Much of the shoreline has been developed into private villas and upscale hotels. These hotels are some of the best in all of Lake Atitlán.
Experiences in Santa Catarina Palopó
Explore hand-picked Santa Catarina Palopó tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Panajachel
Incredible Lake Tour
Tour
Panajachel
Enchanting Walk - Maya Sunrise
Tour
Panajachel
Chichicastenango Local Market
Tour
Panajachel
Bike Tour Palopo Adventure - Colective
Tour
Where to stay in Santa Catarina Palopó
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Santa Catarina Palopó accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Villa Santa Catarina
The hotel is located along the shores of Lake Atitlán in the small town of Santa Catarina Palopó. It has a great location and an attractive swimming pool.
Casa Palopo
This hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel in Santa Catarina Palopó. It has beautiful rooms and stunning views of Lake Atitlán.
