Casa Palopó perches on the edges of Lake Atitlán just outside of the small town of Santa Catarina.
A former private family home & estate, Casa Palopó is tucked away in Guatemala’s highlands. Colourful woven textiles, artefacts & art are dotted around the property.
Belonging to the prestigious Relais & Chateaux brand, the hotel enchants its guests with touches of Maya culture, bright colours & unbeatable views.
What we love about Casa Palopó
- Rooms open out onto terraces with sweeping views of the lake & three brooding snow-capped volcanoes – our favourite room is the Santa Catarina suite
- There’s a solar-heated pool at the main building & an impressive infinity pool at the villa with sweeping views of the lake & surrounding volcanoes
- Ideal for groups of friends & family, guests can book the entire villa with an included butler
- The cosy, large sitting room has an open fireplace
Carved out of Guatemala’s landscape like a crater, Lake Atitlán is the deepest in Latin America.
Volcanoes dominate the skyline, bordering the edges of the serene lake flanked by pine forests.
In Mayan, the word ‘Atitlán’ means ‘the place where the rainbow gets its colours’. Mayan traditions live on at the settlements on the lake’s edges. Traditional dress represents their rich indigenous culture, women often wear brightly coloured intricately woven blouses known as ‘huipiles’. Shop for handicrafts & textiles from the family-run shops at the water’s edge.
Hike to the top of the San Pedro Volcano or kayak on the lake to the local villages. Try your hand at weaving textiles & discover techniques that have been unchanged for generations.
Guests can opt to take part in a social initiative & adopt a house, painting colourful designs & patterns on the walls selected by the family living inside.
Arrive by helicopter, landing on the property’s helipad & avoiding the 2 – 4 hour bumpy drive from Antigua. The journey in itself is worth it for the incredible panoramic views of the lake & the country’s colourful highlands.
Casa Palopó is located in the hills on the shores of Lake Atitlán in the Guatemalan highlands. The international airport in Guatemala City is a three-hour drive away. There is also a helipad on the grounds.
Flights to Guatemala from the UK take around 16 hours to fly, via the USA or Europe. Direct flight options from Guatemala include Mexico City, Bogota & San Jose.
When to Travel
Guatemala can be visited year-round. The best time to visit Guatemala is from November to April, known as the dry season, providing warm & pleasant weather. The highlands offer beautiful warm days & cool nights.
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