Travel Guide San Antonio Palopó

Like Santa Catarina Palopó, San Antonio is a peaceful little village on the banks of the Atitlán lagoon, where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll. In addition to the beauty of its setting, its main attraction lies in its craftsmanship, led by the ceramics workshops that have gradually sprung up since 1992. Here you'll find superb, lead-free, handmade items at more affordable prices than those that litter the stalls of the region's markets, such as the one in Chichicastenango. Another special feature is the quality and finesse of the textiles, which are mainly hand-woven using natural dyes.Although some of the buildings are adorned with beautiful frescoes by local painters, we recommend that you begin your visit with the white façade of the church, built around 1500 in the village heights.After contemplating the view of the Atitlán lake, walk down the street, with the lake on your right, until you reach the road that runs alongside it. You'll be amazed by the enchanting landscape, with its crystal-clear water in places, reflected in the sun's rays. Here, you can stroll as you please, watching the locals in traditional dress hop aboard a tuk-tuk, observing the lanchas gently swaying to the lake's undulations, or settling down on a bench on the shore with a book in hand. It's not uncommon to be approached by children eager to take you from store to shop in exchange for a few quetzals.On the way back to the village entrance, towards Santa Catarina Palopó, you'll pass by the Playa Pública and, above all, a succession of small workshops. Since they're not always signposted, take the time to look at the shop windows, and don't hesitate to cross the threshold. We also highly recommend the free one-hour tour organized by the Artesanías Paulina boutique.