Hotels in Sololá

Sololá: Where Tranquil Waters Meet Vibrant Culture

Nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, Sololá is a charming small town that offers breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán's shimmering waters and surrounding volcanoes. Known for its vibrant indigenous culture, visitors can explore colorful markets, taste traditional cuisine, and experience lively festivals. Hiking trails reveal stunning landscapes, while cozy accommodations provide a perfect retreat. Just a short drive from the historic Antigua Guatemala, Sololá serves as an ideal off-the-beaten-path destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this enchanting locale, where every sunset over the lake feels like a scene from a painting. For the best hotel rates in Sololá, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in Sololá

Some of the best places to stay in Sololá are Panajachel, Santa Cruz La Laguna and Quetzaltenango. Sololá, Guatemala, offers stunning landscapes and rich culture, making it an ideal vacation spot. Panajachel is perfect for first-time visitors, boasting vibrant markets and lakeside views. Santa Cruz La Laguna provides a serene retreat with beautiful hiking trails. Quetzaltenango, known for its colonial architecture and thermal baths, offers a unique cultural experience. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to budget options in all three locations, catering to various preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay in this picturesque region. Here are some of the best hotels in Sololá that our travelers love:

1. PanajachelOpens in a new window: Panajachel is a vibrant destination known for its breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a romantic getaway. The town features attractions like the Panajachel Municipal Market for local shopping and the Church of Saint Francis for a cultural experience. For accommodations, consider Hotel y Restaurante Casa TexelOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel offering dining options such as CouplesDining and a cozy bar. Another great choice is Hotel Dos MundosOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel that provides complimentary local breakfast and a coffee shop, perfect for starting your day. Lastly, Jabel Tinamit Hotel & VillasOpens in a new window caters to business travelers, featuring essential services and facilities for a productive stay.
2. Santa Cruz La LagunaOpens in a new window: Santa Cruz La Laguna offers a serene natural environment, ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. The area is known for its stunning lake views and is near multiple attractions like Lake Atitlán and the Multiple Use Area Lake Atitlán Basin. For a touch of luxury, Casa Prana Hotel In AtitlanOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star resort with a full spa and pool service for ultimate relaxation. If you're looking for a romantic atmosphere, Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature ReserveOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star lodge that features romance packages and outdoor amenities. Alternatively, Hotel Arca de NoeOpens in a new window is a 3.0-star hotel offering a variety of recreational activities, making it suitable for families and leisure travelers.
3. QuetzaltenangoOpens in a new window: Quetzaltenango is a cultural hub boasting attractions like the Quetzaltenango Central Park and La Democracia Market, making it perfect for those interested in local life and history. This charming city is also known for its outdoor spaces and vibrant atmosphere. For accommodations, Latam Hotel Plaza Pradera QuetzaltenangoOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star hotel offering business facilities, making it ideal for work-related trips. Hotel Boutique Casa MorasanOpens in a new window, also a 4.0-star property, provides romantic packages and wellness services, perfect for couples looking for a retreat in the city center. Lastly, Hotel Pensión BonifazOpens in a new window is a 3.5-star hotel that caters to business travelers with a Business Center and conference facilities, ensuring a productive stay in Quetzaltenango.

What to do in Sololá

Sololá offers travelers a perfect three-day escape into the stunning Guatemalan highlands. With picturesque lakes, majestic mountains, and lush forests, visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and soaking in the local culture through live music. This charming destination is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Sololá:

• Day 1: Begin your exploration at the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, known for its stunning views and vibrant local culture. After soaking in the scenery, head over to Santiago Atitlán, a charming town famous for its rich indigenous heritage. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets, and don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic St. James the Apostle Church, where you can admire its unique architecture and learn about its significance in the community.
• Day 2: Start your day at the Church of Saint Francis, an architectural gem that reflects the area's colonial history. Afterward, make your way to Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó, a delightful spot where you can witness local artists at work and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. Conclude your day at La Galeria, where you can explore an array of local artwork and crafts, perfect for immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Guatemala.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at the Multiple Use Area Lake Atitlán Basin, where you can enjoy hiking or birdwatching in this stunning natural reserve. Next, visit the Santa Catarina Palopo Church, known for its colorful murals and picturesque location. Wrap up your adventure at the Casa Cakchiquel Arts Center, which offers a glimpse into local art and culture, along with opportunities to engage with local artists and perhaps participate in a workshop.

5 tips to find a great Sololá hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit Sololá is during January, February, and December when hotel rates are reduced. To fully appreciate the main attractions, it's recommended to stay for at least 2-3 days. Sololá offers great value for money with its stunning lake views, charming small-town vibe, and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a perfect destination for travelers on a budget.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Sololá, you may find excellent options on Hotels.com. Check out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections, where you're more likely to come across discounted rates at hotels with good availability and refundable options. To enhance your chances of snagging a great rate, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, keeping you informed about flash sales and special last-minute promotions that could save you money on your stay.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Sololá.
4. Consider your location: When booking on Hotels.com for your vacation, take your location into account. Staying near major attractions or city centers can offer convenience, but it usually tends to come with a higher price tag. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central areas or neighborhoods, striking a balance between cost and ease of access to the sites you plan to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Sololá and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

Best time to go to Sololá

Sololá experiences its lowest average temperature in December, at 59.5°F (15.3°C), while April and May are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 62.4°F (16.9°C). June tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Sololá are March, July, and September, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, accompanied by light to frequent rainfall. In contrast, May, October, and December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by dry to frequent rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.