Santa Catarina Palopo

The reviews on google maps for the thermal springs were not that positive, mentioning trash and an underwhelming experience. It helps to go there with no expectations and then you won't be disappointed. (That's also a good way approach travel - accepting whatever comes your way!) My sister, Mary Ann, had researched the place and invited me to join her and her husband for the day. When I mentioned to the host of my AirBnB where we were going, he offered to take us in his tuk tuk.

The small town of Santa Catarina Palopo is about 6 K from Panajachel, up and over a high point of land. I wasn't sure the tuk tuk would make it up over the hill with the four of us packed in to it, but Cirilo geared down and we didn't have to get out and walk. He showed us the Cultural Centre that we could go to later, then parked down by the lake and led us along a park to where the thermal water flows out of the rock. It is supposedly the only place around the lake that has hot water, which is a little surprising, considering all the volcanoes.

There were other Guatemalans there, enjoying the water. We got to chat with a young couple who were there with their toddlers, on a short vacation from their work. Later, as we were enjoying a coffee in the park along the water, a man who had been snorkelling nearby came out of the water with fish hanging by his side. He had been speer fishing and managed to get himself a nice dinner!

The street leading up into town from the boat dock was lined with shops selling beautiful, handcrafted items that are tempting to buy, but would be no use at all to me in my little apartment back home. We stopped in at a weaving cooperative and a woman showed us around. Mary Ann bought a hand-embroidered hot pad from her. Below is a photo of Mary Ann with the creator of her purchase. The Mayans are so tiny!

Later we went to the Cultural Centre where we were given a tour that explained the different plaid designs that are unique to each Mayan village around the lake. Santa Catarina has painted many of their houses with the predominate colours of their clothing - turquoise and blue.