Headed to Lake Atitlan and looking for info on Santa Catarina Palopo in Guatemala? Here’s everything you need to know about this charming blue village on the lake.
Imagine wandering a local village full of brightly painted blue buildings. Watching local women dressed in their rich purple headdresses making gorgeous textiles on traditional backstrap looms. Admiring all the geometric patterns known to lure in visitors. In this traditional Kaqchikel Mayan village, you’ll see it all!
In my opinion, Santa Catarina Palopo is one of the most colorful and prettiest villages surrounding Lake Atitlan. Plus, it’s super instagrammable (with all those colorfully-painted houses and all), so perfect for those of us who love taking photos.
The moment our tuk-tuk arrived in Santa Catarina Palopo, I knew I’d love this charming little town in Lake Atitlan. And I was right – it ended up being one of my favorites! And it’s not hard to see why! Santa Catarina Palopo is known as the Blue Town, for all its brightly painted blue buildings and geometric patterns throughout. I was in rainbow heaven!
But Santa Catarina Palopo wasn’t always like this.
A few years ago, a local organization called Pintando el Cambio (Painting the Change), painted over 850 buildings and homes throughout the town in varying shades of blue, purple, and green hues. Why? To make the town more appealing and aesthetic with the hopes to increase tourism! Pretty colors and patterns bring people, right?!
I’m such a sucker for cheerful colors – I have to admit the brightly colored buildings and fun textile patterns were the main reason I wanted to visit. Yup, they got me! Their efforts surely paid off (and I’m almost positive I’m not the only one).
Regardless, Santa Catarina Palopo felt much more local and authentic than nearby Panajachel, and way less busy and chaotic. I loved the fact that we didn’t see a ton of tourists (possibly because we were there earlier than most though), and we got to see the locals milling about, getting on with their day.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Santa Catarina Palopo!
Read Next: 10 Epic Towns in Lake Atitlan You Need to Visit
Visiting Santa Catarina Palopo
Where is Santa Catarina Palopo and How to Get There
Santa Catarina Palopo is located on the northeastern shores of Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan highlands, nestled between Panajachel (the main tourist hub) and San Antonio Palopo (the pottery village).
To get there, you’ll need to first get yourself to Lake Atitlan of course, which is about 3-4 hours from Guatemala City, and 2-3 hours from Antigua via tourist shuttle, depending on traffic of course. Most international visitors arrive in La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.
From either Antigua or Guatemala City, you’ll most likely arrive in Panajachel (the main village in Lake Atitlan and where most of the shuttles/private transports end). You can then make your way over to Santa Catarina Palopo quite easily!
If you’re already in Lake Atitlan, get yourself over to Panajachel. You can simply hop in a public lancha to Pana for 15-25Q depending on what part of the lake you’re coming from.
- Tuk-tuk from Pana: There’s plenty of tuk-tuks along the main drag in Panajachel, and they’re very affordable. We took a tuk-tuk between Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopo, and it was only a few quetzales each. Plus, our driver didn’t mind making a stop at a lookout on the way for free (we tipped him extra).
- Taxi from Pana: You won’t find tons of taxis in Pana, and regardless, tuk-tuks are way more fun anyways!
- Pick-Up Truck from Pana: I heard that you can also ride in the back of a pick-up truck with locals (known as “carros”) to get to Santa Catarina, but I honestly didn’t see any in Pana, nor was I looking too hard. Apparently you can find them on El Amate Street, the main road that goes to Santa Catarina.
- Lancha from Pana and other villages surrounding the lake: Santa Catarina Palopo has a public dock, although it’s not as large as most others. Since not all public lanchas stop in Santa Catarina, you may have an easier time taking a private boat. Expect to pay anywhere from 15-35Q for a public lancha – price is based on how far you’re going, and significantly more for a private boat, between 150-300Q (although always negotiate a price beforehand).
- Walk from Pana: Technically, you can walk from Pana to Santa Catarina Palopo since they’re only 4 km apart, but after seeing how far it is by tuk-tuk, I’d advise against it. Also, hiking between the towns in Lake Atitlan is not always the safest, so I’d find another way.
The Indigenous Kaqchikel Maya of Santa Catarina Palopo
It’s important to acknowledge the indigenous people of Santa Catarina Palopo, as this is their home and we’re merely visitors. The village is predominantly inhabited by the Kaqchikel Maya, and they speak Kaqchikel, an indigenous Mesoamerican language.
The Kaqchikel Maya have a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved through their clothing, language, weaving techniques, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and ceremonies. While walking around town, you’ll see locals wearing brightly colored huipiles (blouses) and cortes (skirts) – this is their traditional clothing and it’s downright gorgeous and all woven by hand. Pretty impressive if you ask me!
Where to Stay in Santa Catarina Palopo
Honestly, not many people visiting Lake Atitlan base themselves out of Santa Catarina Palopo (it’s one of the smaller towns on the lake). BUT it’s actually a great option if you wanna be close to all the action of Panajachel but don’t want all the noise and crowds. I’d seriously consider staying here for a night or two next time!
Since you won’t find anything incredibly cheap here (there’s more luxury boutiques in/near Santa Catarina than hostels), you’ll be able to escape the backpacker crowd if that’s not your thing. Mornings and nights will be way more peaceful!
Here’s a few of the most popular, highly rated hotels nearby:
Villa Santa Catarina: We stumbled upon this charming hotel as we were walking down to the dock, and loved its yellow exterior and lovely gardens – plus that pool! Perfect for a scorching hot day and in such a convenient location.
Tzampoc Resort: Located just outside of Santa Catarina Palopo, this resort looks absolutely spectacular. There’s a sauna, a jacuzzi, and a spa, all with exceptional volcano views of course. I initially wanted to stay here – just look at that epic infinity pool overlooking the lake! Next time for me!
Casa Palopó — Relais & Chateaux: Another epic place to stay in Santa Catarina Palopo – boasting beautiful 180 degree views of the lake and volcanos, an infinity pool and jacuzzi, and excellent service and staff. Overall, a luxurious, all inclusive stay, with rooms designed by Diego Olivero, a well-known Guatemalan designer. Feels like a dream!
Brief History of Santa Catarina Palopo
This picturesque destination has a fascinating history that actually spans back hundreds of years. Santa Catarina Palopo was originally inhabited by the Tz’utujil Maya people, who were known for their vibrant textiles and ceramics. During the Spanish conquest, the village was taken over by the Spanish and became a center for the production of cochineal, a red dye made from a type of insect that was highly valued in Europe.
By the mid-19th century, the village became a hub for coffee production, which brought prosperity and growth to the community. The village has also played an important role in Guatemala’s political history.
Unfortunately, more recently, traditional sources of income (fishing and agriculture) have been rapidly declining due to environmental changes. Hence the need for the Pintando el Cambio to make the village more appealing for visitors!
Other FAQs about Santa Catarina Palopo
- How long to spend in Santa Catarina Palopo: We simply wandered around for a few hours, and that was more than sufficient. Honestly, there’s not too many things to do in Santa Catarina Palopo, so you really don’t need too much time. I’d give yourself at least an hour to walk around, and half a day if you wanna see and do all the things on this list.
- When to visit Santa Catarina Palopo: I strongly urge you to visit Santa Catarina Palopo (and Lake Atitlan in general) during the dry season, from December to March. You’ll encounter blue, sunny skies and comfortable temps. We visited in mid-February and had perfect weather in Santa Catarina Palopo. On the flip side, the rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-October, with September being the rainiest month.
- Do locals speak Spanish here? Since Santa Catarina Palopo is home to the Kaqchikel Maya, you’ll hear a lot of Kaqchikel, a Mayan language spoken in the village. However, Spanish is widely understood as well.
- Can you swim in the waters near Santa Catarina Palopo? While most of the lake isn’t the cleanest, the waters surrounding the hot springs of Aguas Termales Natural are relatively safe and clean. Feel free to go for a dip!
A few things to know about Lake Atitlan in general:
- You absolutely cannot drink the water here in Guatemala – you’ll need to stick to bottled/purified water, which most restaurants and hotels have. Also, make sure all ice is purified (which it typically is in tourist areas, but it never hurts to double check if you’re not positive).
- Don’t hike between villages without a local – the pathways between them are not always the safest (although there are a few exceptions). Armed robberies have occurred.
- Cash is king here; I don’t think I used a credit card once in Lake Atitlan! You’ll wanna stock up on cash in either Panajachel or San Pedro before visiting Santa Catarina Palopo, as we didn’t come across any ATMs in town. There’s plenty of street vendors, local markets and tiendas, and tuk-tuks and lanchas which you’ll undoubtedly need cash for.
- Lake Atitlan is home to a primarily Indigenous community. You’ll hear a few Mayan languages spoken all throughout the villages – so don’t assume everyone speaks Spanish. Also, Mayan men never catcall or hit on non-Mayan women.
Things to do in Santa Catarina Palopo
One of my favorite things about Santa Catarina Palopo was how small it was – we were able to simply wander and come across all the things we wanted to do!
You won’t find a laundry list of sites and activities here, so just soak up the atmosphere and enjoy local life.
The village is a great place to escape the crowds of the larger, more well-known towns, and experience a more traditional way of life in the Mayan highlands. It’s smaller than the other villages and there’s honestly not tons to do here, so it’s perfect for a quick wander through town.
We spent a morning here before checking out Panajachel and San Marcos, and it was one of my favorite villages in Lake Atitlan! Definitely include it on your Guatemala itinerary!
Mirador De Santa Catarina
Looking for one of the best views in all of Lake Atitlan? Mirador de Santa Catarina is it! From up here, expect phenomenal views of the lake and volcanoes – we couldn’t get over how expansive and blue the lake was! Absolutely outstanding and just didn’t seem real!
From Santa Catarina Palopo, you can either make the fairly steep 15-minute walk to the lookout point, or take a short tuk-tuk ride. We simply asked our tuk-tuk driver if he could stop at the mirador for a few minutes on our way back to Panajachel and he was more than happy to.
Like elsewhere in Lake Atitlan, the clouds tend to roll in in the afternoon, so I recommend visiting the mirador in the early morning for the best chance of volcano views and clear skies.
Go Textile Shopping
Lake Atitlan is known for its traditional markets and handicrafts, and Santa Catarina Palopo is definitely no exception. Walk along the path down to the main dock, and you’ll find plenty and plenty of market stalls with tons of beautiful stuff for sale.
As you walk by the stalls, be sure to admire the women in their gorgeous and distinctive blue huipiles (traditional blouses) and colorful woven skirts. We even watched a few women at work right on the street – weaving their intricate textiles on traditional backstrap looms.
You’ll see everything from beautiful Kaqchikel weaving and colorful blankets and scarves to locally grown coffee and handmade crafts like coin purses, postcards, and purses. All so gorgeous!
We found a women’s cooperative that we loved (unfortunately I’m not sure of the name!), and we each bought a few things. It was relatively close to the lakefront and had the sweetest lady working inside.
We loved supporting the local economy and knowing we were doing our part helping to sustain this community. Plus, all the goods are absolutely gorgeous and we got to meet the women who made them all – we wish we each brought an extra suitcase (no joke)!
Take photos with the brightly painted houses
As soon as I saw a photo of the brightly colored buildings in Santa Catarina Palopo, I knew I needed to visit. Just look at them – oh so colorful and unique, with their distinctive traditional Mayan textile patterns, each with different meanings and blessings (learn more about these at Pintando el Cambio – more info below).
The colors of the village are inspired by the nearby lake, volcanoes, and plants – think vivid blue hues (from the sky and lake), deep purples (from the colorful sunsets), and vibrant greens (from all the plant life). Blue is super prominent since the women of Santa Catarina Palopo traditionally wear their distinctive blue huipiles (blouses).
If you’re looking to take photos, head to the Central Plaza/Town Square – where the most photographed buildings are located. Talk about instagrammable!
The whole area is full of bright pink bougainvillea, potted leafy greens, and rainbow pom poms gently swaying in the wind from the building’s exterior. An absolute dream! I loved hanging around the colorful plaza, photographing the buildings and doing a bit of people watching. The tiled steps next to the Central Plaza are great for photos as well.
While there’s color and geometric patterns around the entire town, I found some of the best designs along the way to Centro Cultural. The alley’s a bit hidden, but follow the path and you’ll find it no problem.
Visit Pintando el Cambio
Time to learn about all that color! Pintando el Cambio (which translates to “Painting the Change”) is a community project in Santa Catarina Palopo where you can learn about all the different colors, shapes, and symbols that you’ll see represented around town.
It’s this association (started in 2016!) that initiated painting over 850 buildings and homes with bright colors and traditional Maya designs throughout the town. Families get to design and paint their own home, working with local artists and using patterns from indigenous textiles. Why? To promote tourism and social change through art and design. And I’m all for it!
These geometric patterns and symbolic drawings are based on traditional weaving patterns and traditional colors. Look closely and you’ll see butterflies, deer, corn, cats, and the quetzal (the national bird) depicted in the symbols on the buildings. These are the same patterns local women have been weaving into their blouses for generations – how cool is that?!
Visit the Central Culturo
If you wanna learn even more about the local culture, Kaqchikel traditions, and the long history of Santa Catarina Palopo and the surrounding area, head over to the Central Culturo (cultural center).
Here locals provide an in-depth background about all things Santa Catarina and the indigenous Kaqchikel people, and it’s all authentic. You can even try on some handmade gorgeous Mayan textiles and clothing – all for completely FREE (donations are accepted).
A great first stop on your visit to Santa Catarina Palopo – it’ll make the rest of your village visit that much more meaningful!
The cultural center is a tad hard to find without directions, as the signage isn’t super obvious. We followed directions on Google Maps and thankfully made it there no problem.
Don’t miss heading up to the 4th floor – there’s a cafe with the best views of the town. I’m sad we missed coffees and traditional cocoa drinks here – I learned about the cafe at Central Culturo after coming home!
Santa Catarina Palopó Church
The Santa Catarina Palopó Church is located right in the center of town next to the Pintando el Cambio – take a few minutes to admire this colonial Catholic church.
We just popped in really quickly to see it – there’s a few sculptures and some decorations, but not anything crazy. Sometimes there’s even colorful flags decorating the exterior of the church, which were unfortunately not there when we visited.
Viewpoint above Blue Buildings
One of the best views of all the blue buildings of Santa Catarina Palopo from above! Not quite Chefchaouen levels, but still pretty special to say the least.
I totally wish this viewpoint had an actual name, but I saw it on our way in (via tuk-tuk) and knew I wanted to stop here on the way back to Pana. After looking on a map, it looks like we stopped near Artesanal Café and/or Restaurante El Mirador.
Day Pass to Tzampoc Resort
This hotel has recently gotten popular due to IG, and I admit I even looked into staying at Tzampoc Resort myself. That infinity pool, my goodness!
Thankfully, if all the rooms are booked (there’s only 6…) or you’re not planning to stay near Santa Catarina, you can snag a day pass to Tzampoc instead!
A day pass costs 200Q (~$25USD), and you’ll get access to the resort and gorgeous infinity pool. Honestly, that infinity pool is worth the $25 alone.
I totally wish we spent some time at Tzampoc in the morning before heading to Antigua later on in the day! Next time! There’s even space to store your luggage at the pool!
Enjoy the slow pace of life and the admire the views
One of my favorite things about Santa Catarina Palopo – no FOMO! Since there’s not really much to do here, I say put down the map and simply wander. You have no idea what you’ll come across.
On our walk, we found some local women making some traditional tortillas, and I got a piping hot fresh tortilla for only one quetzal (less than 15 cents USD). One of the best things I ate all day!
Swim in the Hot Springs of Aguas Termales Natural
The Aguas Termales Natural of Santa Catarina Palopó is easily one of the most unique things to do in Lake Atitlan. Imagine steaming hot water coming straight from the ground in the lake – how odd! While Aguas Termales is not so much an actual hot spring, it’s still pretty impressive.
While the hot water doesn’t get very deep (meaning you can’t actually swim here), you can put your feet in it, lay in it, or even just sit in it. Feels so nice to relax your muscles after a hike or two. If you really wanna swim, the waters surrounding the hot springs will be nice and warm, kinda like a bath!
Tip: Wanna enjoy the warm waters? Come in the morning, as the lake gets a bit choppy/windy in the afternoon and it’s not as relaxing.
You can get here by walking on a trail from the main pier that leads directly to the hot springs (a 10 minute walk or so).
Visit San Antonio Palopó
San Antonio Palopó is another small indigenous village along the shores of Lake Atitlan, located only about 30 minutes away from Santa Catarina Palopo. It’s primarily known for its traditional pottery, which has been produced in the area for centuries and centuries! You can even witness the pottery-making process yourself at a local workshop.
Like Santa Catarina Palopo, it’s one of the smaller villages, and a great way to get a glimpse of the traditional way of life of the indigenous Maya people. We unfortunately didn’t have time to visit San Antonio Palopo, but I’d love to get there next time!
Hope this helps you plan a fun few hours strolling through Santa Catarina Palopo! Are you headed to Lake Atitlan soon?!
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