Things To Do
in Santa Catarina Mita
Santa Catarina Mita is a small highland town in Guatemala surrounded by rolling green hills and coffee farms. Its plaza-centered life centers around a colonial church and a friendly, tight-knit community. The town blends Maya traditions with Ladino hospitality, creating colorful markets, family-run eateries, and a relaxed rural atmosphere.
Surrounding the town are terraced fields and viewpoints offering tranquil, scenic landscapes ideal for slow travel and local photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant central plaza of Santa Catarina Mita, where you can observe local life and enjoy a fresh cup of Guatemalan coffee from a nearby café. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful traditional houses adorned with flowering plants. Don't miss the chance to visit the local church, where you can appreciate the beautiful architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of the town.
After lunch at a local restaurant, immerse yourself in the culture by visiting the artisan market, where you can find handmade textiles and crafts from local artisans. Engage with the vendors, learning about their techniques and the significance of their crafts. As the sun begins to set, take a leisurely walk along the scenic paths that lead to the viewpoints overlooking the town.
As the evening sets in, enjoy dinner at a cozy local eatery, sampling traditional Guatemalan dishes such as pepian or kak'ik. After your meal, take a moment to relax at the plaza, where you can often find live music or local festivities taking place. End your day by mingling with locals and soaking in the warm, friendly atmosphere of the town.
Begin your morning with a workshop led by local artisans, learning the art of hand-weaving traditional textiles. Experience the intricate process firsthand as you get involved in dyeing the threads with natural colors derived from local plants. This immersive experience not only teaches you about the craft but also connects you with the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by your artisan hosts, featuring locally sourced ingredients that reflect the flavors of Santa Catarina Mita. Afterward, visit the homes of other artisans to see various crafts such as pottery and wood carving, where you can try your hand at creating your own piece. Engage in storytelling sessions with the artisans, learning about their personal histories and the significance of their crafts.
As the evening sets in, enjoy dinner at a cozy local eatery, sampling traditional Guatemalan dishes such as pepian or kak'ik. After your meal, take a moment to relax at the plaza, where you can often find live music or local festivities taking place. End your day by mingling with locals and soaking in the warm, friendly atmosphere of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee at a local cafe | $1-3 |
| 🛒Groceries (staples) | $2-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride within town | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil rural charm and authentic Guatemalan culture
- Beautiful hillside landscapes and coffee culture
- Friendly locals and a slower pace of travel
- Accessible day trips to farms and viewpoints
- Limited nightlife and few high-end amenities
- Rural roads can be bumpy and less reliable in rain
- Fewer medical facilities within the town; longer drives to major hospitals
- Info and signage may be limited for non-Spanish speakers
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cómo está?" - How are you?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
- "¿Puede recomendarme un lugar para comer?" - Can you recommend a place to eat?
Places to Visit in Santa Catarina Mita
Visit one of these nice places.
A vibrant focal point with a colonial church, colorful market stalls, and daily life that makes for compelling street photography.
Terraced slopes around the town offer golden-hour views of coffee plants, valleys, and distant hills.
Bustling morning markets with farmers, textiles, and produce create dynamic, authentic scenes.
Food in Santa Catarina Mita
Santa Catarina Mita Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, thick stew made with roasted peppers, tomatoes, and meat (often chicken or pork), served with rice and tortillas.
Must-Try!
Chicken simmered in a green tomatillo-based sauce with herbs, typically served with rice and tortillas.
Tamales made with red masa and packed with flavorful fillings, wrapped in banana leaves.
A traditional Mayan turkey soup with a distinctive red-orange color and aromatic spices.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market near the town center offering fresh produce, locally made tortillas, cheese, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Smaller stalls around the plaza where you can sample tamales, roasted corn, and fruit with a view of everyday village life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly handshake; address elders with senhor/señora and show politeness in conversations; a little small talk before business is common.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or sacred sites; remove hats indoors; avoid loud public displays of disagreement in markets.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Catarina Mita
Ensure a smooth experience
If service is not included, a tip of 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated; small tips for guides, drivers, and cafe staff are common in tourist-friendly spots.
Cash in local currency (Guatemalan Quetzal) is widely used in markets and small eateries; some hotels and larger restaurants accept credit cards or USD, but carry cash for street vendors and rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunny days with cooler mornings and pleasant daytime temperatures; roads are drier, making hikes and street photography more comfortable.
Afternoon showers are common; mornings are often clear, with lush, saturated landscapes and dramatic skies—great for moody photography but plan for mud and slick trails.
Santa Catarina Mita at Night
Hiking in Santa Catarina Mita
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic loop through terraced fields and pine-covered hills with valley views; 2–3 hours.
A gentle hike through a working coffee farm with opportunities to learn about cultivation and processing; 1–2 hours.
A higher-elevation trail that offers misty panoramas and birdwatching opportunities; 2–4 hours.
Airports
How to reach Santa Catarina Mita by plane.
Guatemala City's main international gateway; from there you would typically travel by road to Santa Catarina Mita. Expect a transfer of several hours depending on road conditions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Indigenous and European heritage common across the region.
Nearby Maya communities contribute traditional crafts, language, and cultural practices to the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Guatemala, widely played in town fields and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Catarina Mita.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can customize meals with bean, cheese, corn, and vegetable-based dishes; request avoid meat broths and opt for vegetable stews or rice with beans when unsure.