Description
Casa Palopo is a charming retreat owned by William Bickford, an Englishman whose family settled in Guatemala over a century ago and well located to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Atitlan and the cultural delights of the surrounding area.
Casa Palopo’s suites have been lovingly decorated with oversize furnishings that evoke Guatemala’s Mayan heritage, private sun decks and floor-to-ceiling windows. The fabrics are beautiful and there is a real emphasis on comfort and impeccable service. There is a private villa with 2 bedrooms and a pool available within the grounds, furnished in an African colonial style, which is perfect for guests wanting a secluded retreat.
Visits to the surrounding villages are a must particularly that of Chichicastenango which holds a fantastic market on Thursdays and Sundays selling local artefacts and wonderfully colouful textiles, a true characteristic of the Guatemalan people. Other activites include birdwatching, fishing, horseback riding, and waterskiing on the crystal clear waters of the lake.
Accommodation
Casa Palopo offers 7 spacious suites adorned with contemporary and indigenous artwork. There is also a 2 bedroom luxury villa featuring a private lounge, open fireplace, large lap infinity pool, jacuzzi, outdoor living area and butler service
Childcare
Not suitable for children under 15yrs of age.
Facilities
Casa Palopo features a swimming pool, small gym, restaurant, bar, wireless Internet, private beach by the lake with gardens and jetty and 2 helipads.
Activities
Casa Palopo offers activities such as birdwatching, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, waterskiing and cultural visits to the surrounding villages and markets.
When to travel
Guatemala is called the "Land of Eternal Spring" because the average annual temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit (a bit cooler, especially in the evenings around Lake Atitlan, 5,000ft elevation). While June through August see the most tourists, April, early May and November for gorgeous weather and smaller crowds. The rainy season lasts from May to October, typically beginning each day with clear skys and clouding up and rains beginning after mid-day. The Semana Santa (Easter week) proceedings in March or April are very popular and bookings need to be made far in advance. High season rates apply for most hotels both During Semana Santa and the Christmas/New Years seasons.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Santa Catarina Palopo, Guatemala
Casa Palopo is set high above the spectacular Lake Atitlan on the hills surrounding Santa Catarina Palopó village. With a view of three volcanic peaks - Toliman, Atitlán and San Pedro. Located 90 miles from Guatemala City in the Guatemalan Highlands.
How to get there
15 hour international flight to La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City. From the airport Casa Palopo is a 3.5 hour car transfer.
