Final Information to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan (in 2024)

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ith its gorgeous views of Lake Atitlan, conventional Mayan markets and wealth of eating places, there are such a lot of issues to do in Panajachel, Guatemala you’ll be tempted to remain for a lifetime.

Over the previous 25 years, my Guatemala-born husband and I’ve spent numerous time in Panajachel. It’s my favorite place to go to flee the warmth of the lowlands.

Situated within the division of Sololá, a 2.5 hour drive by automotive from Guatemala Metropolis, it’s a preferred day journey vacation spot for locals and guests alike.

However in case you’ve acquired one-week (or longer) to your Guatemala itinerary, Panajachel additionally makes an incredible base for explorations.

With a inhabitants of round 15,000 individuals, it’s sufficiently small to have the ability to stroll to facilities equivalent to banks, ATMs, supermarkets, eating places and ferry docks.

It’s additionally a hub for transportation, providing quick access for excursions of Maya villages, volcanoes for climbing, mountain climbing trails and different Lake Atitlan sights.

By staying in Panajachel relatively than San Pedro la Laguna or different villages on Lake Atitlan, you keep away from having to take a ship each time you need to go exploring.

And it’s attractive!

Right here’s our information to the very best motels, excursions, Spanish language colleges, eating places, sights and finest issues to do in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

The right way to Pronounce Panajachel

First, it’s vital to have the ability to pronounce the title of this city! The pronunciation is “Pan – a – ha – CHEL”  with the emphasis on the final syllable.

Amongst locals, it’s typically abbreviated and simply referred to as “Pana” Guatemala for brief.

What Panajachel and Lake Atitlan are Recognized For

One of many issues Panajachel is finest identified for is its serene magnificence. It’s well-known for its location on the shores of teardrop-shaped Lake Atitlan set amongst a necklace of volcanoes within the Sierra Madre Sur mountains.

In his 1934 guide, Past the Mexique Bay, Aldous Huxley in contrast Lake Atitlan to Italy’s Lake Como. And German explorer Alexander von Humboldt referred to as it “probably the most stunning lake on the earth.”

Panajachel Climate – Land of Everlasting Spring

One other one of many important sights in Panajachel is its climate. The altitude of Panajachel is 1,562 metres above sea stage. This implies it enjoys spring-like climate year-round.  The wet season is from Could to October.

Not like the sweltering lowlands of Zacapa (the place my husband is from) or the humid rainforest of the Peten area (the place I acquired dengue fever), the cities round Lake Atitlan, together with Panajachel, have a cushty and temperate local weather.

Whereas your entire nation of Guatemala is called the land of everlasting spring, the cities round Lake Atitlan actually do have probably the most nice local weather.

Security in Panajachel

Panajachel can also be one of many most secure locations to go to in Guatemala. I’ve lived in Panajachel for a number of months at a time and by no means felt unsafe when venturing out solo.

However it’s price studying these security suggestions for journey in Guatemala and Central America earlier than you go.

Another excuse to go to Panajachel is that, in line with Guatemala’s nationwide newspaper Prensa Libre, there have been no instances of zika.

That is the virus transmitted by the chew of the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquito, the identical sort that additionally carries dengue and chikungunya.

🌟 Professional Tip: Learn extra at 12 Tricks to Keep away from Getting Bitten by Mosquitos. 

Can You Swim in Lake Atitlán?

If you happen to take a look at a map of Guatemala and see the scale of Lake Atitlán, you is perhaps tempted to suppose it’s a prime spot to go swimming.

Sadly, there are few seashores and the lake comprises cyanobacteria. This poisonous pressure of aquatic micro organism can have an effect on the liver, kidneys, central nervous system and pores and skin of each people and animals.

Luckily authorities are taking steps to manage blooms of the blue-green algae, rising water ranges and scale back contamination by untreated sewage and agricultural fertilizers used within the farms surrounding Lake Atitlán.

However reviews by monitoring companies such because the  Authority for the Sustainable Administration of the Lake Basin of Atitlán and its Environment (AMSCLAE) point out that Lake Atitlán nonetheless has issues with air pollution.

Gastroenteritis is the most typical sickness related to swimming in waters polluted by untreated sewage. Eye, ear and throat infections are additionally a risk.

Though youngsters, the aged and other people with weakened immune techniques are these almost definitely to be affected, anybody is in danger.

So, though many individuals do swim right here, I don’t advocate swimming in Lake Atitlán.

17 Prime Issues to Do in Panajachel and Lake Atitlán

1. Examine Spanish at a Spanish Language Faculty

Panajachel is understood for its welcoming neighborhood, making it simple for college kids to observe Spanish with locals in on a regular basis conditions.

Each of the primary language colleges in Panajachel supply immersive packages, combining classroom instruction with cultural actions and homestays with native households.

This not solely helps you be taught the language sooner but additionally provides you a deeper appreciation of Guatemalan tradition and traditions.

The spring like local weather in Panajachel makes it particularly snug for taking courses outside. I studied Spanish for greater than a month at Jardín de America, Spanish Faculty in Panajachel.  There’s nothing fairly as great as being surrounded by flowers and contemporary lake breezes when mastering verb conjugations!

Residing and finding out Spanish in Panajachel can also be extra reasonably priced than finding out Spanish in Antigua or Oaxaca Metropolis. This makes it a prime vacation spot for college kids looking for high quality schooling on a funds.

With dependable WiFi, Panajachel is without doubt one of the hottest locations for digital nomads in Central America.

🌟 Professional Tip: For safe cell knowledge in Guatemala, I like to recommend utilizing the Airalo World eSIM for travellers. You may keep related at very reasonably priced charges.

Verify charges for native and regional eSIMS at Airalo.com. 

2. Commune with Nature (or Go Ziplining) at Atitlan Nature Reserve

Set on the outskirts of Panajachel (Google Map), the Reserva Pure Atitlán presents an exhilarating t mix of eco-adventure and wonder.  It’s a prime attraction in Panajachel for nature fans, adrenaline seekers and household travellers.

Start your day with a hike alongside the reserve’s trails lined with cascading waterfalls, suspension bridges, bamboo forest, palm bushes and plush vegetation. You see monkeys, tropical birds, rivers, steep cliffs and a seaside.

For an adrenaline rush, soar (or pedal) throughout the tree cover on a collection of zip traces and bike cables. You’ll get pleasure from aerial views of the forest and shimmering Lake Atitlán alongside the way in which.

Additionally don’t miss the mariposaria (butterfly sanctuary) and academic displays on the customer middle.

The park is open from 8 am to five pm. However in case you’re actually eager you may in a single day in a jungle bungalow.

If you happen to in a single day right here, you’ll want transportation (tuk tuk or taxi) into Panajachel. However nothing beats the expertise of falling asleep to the sound of hooting owls, peeping tree frogs and different wildlife.

Guide a Ziplining Tour (with resort pick-up) on the Atitlan Nature Reserve  on Viator.com

3. Stroll Panajachel’s Boardwalk and Promenade

Visiting Panajachel is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Guatemala. Whereas it will get a good bit of criticism for being touristy and stuffed with distributors promoting low-cost items, the very fact is it does have a number of enticing pedestrian zones.

In my expertise, so long as you keep away from main holidays, you may typically have total streets to your self.

The primary road of Calle Santander is lined with cafes,  boutiques and eating places all the way in which to the waterfront.

4. Go Kayaking and Mountain climbing in Panajachel

A novel technique to expertise the great thing about Lake Atitlán is with a full-day or half-day tour combining mountain climbing and kayaking alongside its picturesque shores.

Not solely will you will have the chance to go to villages close to Panajachel the place native farmers domesticate their espresso crops however you’ll witness fishermen in conventional hand-carved boats as you glide throughout the lake in a kayak.

For these on the lookout for an additional thrill, cliff leaping is an choice.

Verify charges and availability of a Kayaking and Mountain climbing Tour on Viator.com.

5. Be taught About Cacao in a Fingers-on Chocolate Workshop

A novel factor to do in Panajachel is to take a cacao workshop on the Casa del Chocolate Artesenal on Calle Santander (Google Map).

The knowledgable workers present guests with an immersive journey into historical Mayan chocolate traditions, together with the historical past and cultural significance of cacao in Mesoamerican societies.

You’ll get pleasure from hands-on enjoyable like grinding cacao beans with conventional stone instruments and studying the fundamentals of crafting pure, artisanal chocolate.

The workshop additionally consists of tastings of varied cacao merchandise, highlighting the bean-to-bar course of.

If you happen to don’t have time for a full session, the store is filled with a variety of merchandise from 70% cacao bars to rum. It’s the best place to purchase tasty souvenirs of Panajachel.

6. Take pleasure in a Resort Day Move in Panajachel

If you happen to’d prefer to go swimming in Panajachel and aren’t eager on swimming within the lake, it’s attainable to get a resort day move to a luxurious resort with a swimming pool at an affordable fee.

Take pleasure in pool loungers, a buffet lunch and chill out poolside views of Lake Atitlan. Get particulars in learn how to get a Resort Day Move in Panajachel.

7. Discover the Maya Villages round Lake Atitlan

The Maya indigenous individuals make up  51 per cent of the nationwide inhabitants in Guatemala. Solola is the guts of the Maya world so you may count on to see locals wearing conventional clothes.

Their clothes is woven on backstrap looms and is created in a rainbow of gorgeous colors and patterns distinctive to every village.

Particular ceremonial gown is worn for the numerous events, occasions and holidays in Guatemala when it’s attainable to see conventional dances carried out.

There are two piers in Panajachel providing service by lanchas (small boats) to the assorted villages surrounding the lake. You can too take organized excursions of Lake Atitlan visiting San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan and San Antonio Palopo.

The pier on the finish of Calle Rancho Grande is for boats leaving for Santa Catarina, San Antonio, San Lucas, Santiago Atitlan distances vary from and excursions of the lake.

The pier on the finish of Calle de Embarcadero is for departures to Santa Cruz, Jaibalio, Tzunana and San Marcos.

One other well-liked technique to go to a Mayan village is to take a guided ATV Tour  to Santa Catarina and San Jorge.

8. Be taught concerning the Mayan Genocide in Santiago Atitlan

Probably the greatest issues to do in Panajachel is to coach your self concerning the injustices and persecution of the Maya individuals. A very good place to start is within the city of Santiago Atitlán on the shores of Lake Atitlan.

House to the Tz’utujil Maya individuals and surrounded by the volcanoes San Pedro, San Lucas Toliman and Atitlan, it’s one in all 12 pueblos named for the apostles.

Santiago Atitlan is very notable because it was the location of one of the vital occasions of the civil warfare in Guatemala within the late Nineteen Seventies and Nineteen Eighties.

On July 28, 1981, Stanley Francis Rother, a priest from Oklahoma, was murdered in Santiago Atitlan, one in all many killed as a part of the armed battle between navy forces and the Maya individuals.

On Dec. 2, 2016, Pope Francis formally acknowledged Father Rother as a martyr for the Catholic religion. Blessed Father Rother is the primary U.S. born martyr of the Catholic religion. His feast day — July 28 — is similar day as his martyrdom.

One other important occasion occurred on December 1990. That’s when the Guatemalan military fired automated weapons on an unarmed crowd of Tzutujil Mayas on the shores of Lake Atitlan, killing 14 individuals. The bloodbath prompted worldwide outrage and criticism.

At the moment, there are a number of vital plaques and peace memorials to Blessed Stanley Rother and the bloodbath in Santiago Atitlan.

9. Pattern Regional Guatemalan Delicacies

The outside road market in Santiago Atitlán can also be prime spot to scout out conventional Guatemalan meals equivalent to avocados, watermelon and tortillas.

However maintain a glance out for the distinctive native meals referred to as patin, a tiny sardine-like fish in a tomato chile salsa that comes wrapped in maxán leaf.

Different conventional Guatemalan dishes to strive embody pulique, a stewed hen dish well-liked for particular events, in addition to jocon de pollo, a stewed hen in salsa verde.

Don’t miss pepian de pollo, one other stewed hen dish typically thought of the nationwide dish of Guatemala.

All of them hail from the areas within the highlands of Guatemala so are price looking for out whereas in Lake Atitlan.

Standard experiences embody taking a hands-on Maya cooking class close to Lake Atitlan. Or, take a espresso plantation tour. 

10. Take a Day Journey to Chichicastenango

Probably the greatest issues to do within the Lake Atitlan space is go to the colorful Mayan market in Chichicastenango.

The Chichicastenango market, dwelling of Maxeños, the natives of Chichicastenango. takes place on Thursdays and Sundays.

Many tour operators supply shuttle companies to the market on market days so guide a Tour to Chichicastenango upfront.

Verify costs and availability of a guided tour to Chichicastenango on Viator.com.

11. Go to an Genuine Market in Sololá

The market in Sololá, Guatemala, is held on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Getting there’s a part of the enjoyable as you may experience a “hen bus” from Panajachel to Solola round-trip.

These brightly colored repurposed college buses are well-liked all through Guatemala.

At this vigorous market, most of the native Kaqchikel Maya individuals put on their conventional apparel. Many of the ladies can be carrying intricately woven huipiles (blouses) and cortes (skirts), whereas the boys may put on shirts with colourful patterns.

It’s a a lot much less touristy market than these in Chichicastenango because the emphasis is extra on contemporary fruit and greens, family items, livestock and dried spices relatively than handicrafts.

Nevertheless, the Sololá market isn’t just a spot for purchasing and promoting items; it’s additionally a social hub the place individuals meet, chat, and alternate information.

So it’s an immersive technique to expertise the native tradition and traditions of the Guatemalan highlands firsthand.

12. Soak in Sizzling Springs or a Mayan Temazcal

Get a wellness enhance  by taking a day journey to the big thermal baths at Fuentes Georgina or visiting the geothermal waters on the St. Regis Resort on Santander Avenue.

It’s additionally attainable to chill out in a Mayan sauna referred to as a temazcal (additionally spelled temescal). Whereas the sweat lodges of Oaxaca are higher identified and extra accessible to the general public, steam baths are additionally obtainable in Guatemala if you recognize the place to look.

In Panajachel, Resort Utz Jay (Google Map) presents each a scorching tub and conventional sauna onsite.

One other place to expertise a Maya sweat lodge is at The Sanctuary, a meditation, yoga and retreat centre in San Marcos La Laguna.

They provide a deluxe sauna that includes medicinal herbs, salt scrubs, aromatherapy oils and different therapeutic merchandise.

13. Expertise Native Tradition at a Competition

Whereas in Panajachel be sure you go to the villages of Lake Atitlan.

They’re prime spots to expertise Guatemala’s distinctive festivals such because the city’s saint day, Day of the Useless, Dia del Diablo  Semana Santa and the processions referred to as posadas throughout Navidad (Christmas) 

14. Study Guatemalan Weaving and Embroidery

Guatemalan Mayan weaving is a centuries-old custom that’s each a cultural expression and a sensible artwork type.

Utilizing backstrap looms, that are moveable and anchored by the weaver’s physique, artisans create textiles wealthy in symbolic which means and complex patterns.

Every design typically tells a narrative, representing the weaver’s village, social standing, and private id by motifs impressed by nature, mythology and day by day life.

The colourful colours are sometimes achieved utilizing pure dyes from vegetation, bugs, and minerals.

Insider Tip: Take a hands-on course to be taught Guatemalan Backstrap Weaving in San Juan la Laguna.

15. Go to the Lacustre Museum in Panajachel

Situated on the grounds of the Resort Posada de Don Rodrigo in Panajachel, the Museo Lacustre is without doubt one of the prime issues to do round Lake Atitlan.

Its displays on Mayan tradition, the historical past and the geological formation of Lake Atitlan are fairly complete given the comparatively small measurement of the museum itself.

Don’t miss the details about Samabaj, a sunken Mayan metropolis that lies submerged underwater in Lake Atitlan. Found in 1996 by a diver who was on the lookout for the misplaced Mayan metropolis, it was buried by rising water ranges round 250 A.D.

Its ceremonial monuments, altars and different constructions are the primary underwater archaeological ruins to be formally excavated in Guatemala.

The exact location of the traditional website is saved secret to keep away from looting of precious artifacts.

16. Go Mountain climbing round Lake Atitlan from San Pedro La Laguna

One of many prime locations to go mountain climbing close to Panajachel is in San Pedro La Laguna. The perfect quick day hike is at Parque Ecologico Volcan San Pedro (Google Map) within the cloud forest close to the highest of the volcano.

You’ll hike previous a patchwork of avocado and papaya orchards in addition to shade-grown espresso bursting with shiny crimson berries.

One other well-liked hike is Indian Nostril, a hill that resembles a Mayan Lord. Verify security circumstances and journey with a information.

17. Verify Out the Fabulous Eating places in Panajachel

There’s a variety of eating choices together with Guatemalan road meals, vegetarian and vegan delicacies, typical Guatemalan delicacies in addition to bars and low outlets with conventional drinks (each alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

A few of my favorite eating places in Panajachel embody.

• Deli Jasmin (for its backyard setting and satisfying breakfasts),
• Cafe Loco for if you want a espresso repair.
• Tuscani for pizza and pasta.
• Cheros Bar Pupuseria.
• Guajimbos for Uruguayan steak and grilled meats.
• Panajachel market can also be a main place for contemporary fruits, typical Guatemalan road meals and snacks.

The right way to Get to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan

Luckily, attending to Panajachel is comparatively simple and cheap. If you happen to’re coming from San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas or Huatulco and Puerto Escondido in  Oaxaca, learn Evening Bus to Guatemala for detailed directions.

If you happen to’ve arrived in Guatemala Metropolis by airplane, you may both keep in Guatemala Metropolis in a single day or take a shuttle to Antigua, the colonial metropolis. Most motels in Antigua can organize to ship a non-public shuttle to select you up on the airport.

It can save you some cash by taking a shared shuttle. However that may  add  to the switch time because the shuttle will drop off different passengers at their motels alongside the way in which.

You may get fortunate and be the primary dropped off, but when not, you may spend an hour (or extra) bumping alongside the cobblestone streets of Antigua when you might be properly settled in your room.

Take a look at my publish 3 Funds Lodges you’ll love in Antigua for 3 motels which can be clear, well-located and protected. I’ll be including some fabulous new motels providing nice worth quickly, so join my e-newsletter to be the primary to listen to about them.

I like to recommend spending just a few days in Antigua earlier than taking a shuttle to Panajachel. It takes round 2 hours to get from Antigua to Panajachel by shuttle van.

However select your shuttle firm correctly. Some firms use the oldest vans possible (bald tires, poor brakes) and have a poor report of displaying up on time.

Your finest guess is to guide a non-public shuttle from Antigua or the airport.   You received’t waste time driving round choosing up and dropping off different passengers. Plus, non-public shuttle vans are usually in higher situation.

Verify charges and availability of a Personal Shuttle from Antigua or Guatemala Metropolis Airport on Viator.com. 

Learn our publish on Security Ideas for Guatemala for recommendation on journey between cities in Guatemala.

Excited about volunteering in Guatemala? Become involved in a neighborhood mission equivalent to helping marginalized teams, instructing English or saving sea turtles by conservation by volunteering in Guatemala.

Lake Atitlan Map

Ferry docks in Panajachel

There are two docks in Panajachel. A shared boat to San Pedro la Laguna  prices 25 Q (round $3)  and take roughly half-hour.

Muelle de la Playa Publica (Public Dock)

Situated on the finish of Calle Rancho Grande, this marina is the place you catch the general public boat to Santiago Atitlan, take a tour or guide a non-public boat.

Schedule Panajachel to Santiago Atitlan 06:00-07:00-08:35-09:30-10:30-11:30-13:00-15:00-16:30.

Sanitago Atitlan to Panajachel 06:00-07:00-08:30-11:45-13:00-12:30- 13:30- 14:00-15:00-16:30.

Muelle Tzanjuyu

Situated on the finish of Calle del Embarcadero on Lake Atitlan, this dock is the place you catch the general public boats to Santa Cruz, San Marcos, San Juan, San Pedro la Laguna

The schedule is each half-hour from 06:30-18:00

🌟 Professional Tip: Until you will have nerves of metal, the very best time of day to journey is within the morning. Keep away from taking the boat within the late afternoon and sit on the BACK of the boat in case you can.

The Xocomil is a robust, sudden, noon wind that typically occurs on Lake Atitlan after 1:00 pm. The Maya imagine the Xocomil carries away sins and it will possibly make for a really tough experience.

Service could be cancelled if there aren’t sufficient passengers or if climate circumstances are tough.

Steadily Requested Questions

What’s Panajachel, Guatemala identified for?

It was a haunt for younger individuals, counter-culture and anti-establishment teams rejecting mainstream tradition. Full moon events, crystals, meditation centres and vortex power fields drew individuals on the lookout for another lifestyle.

At the moment, a lot of the hippies have moved on to San Marcos or San Pedro the place yoga, youth hostels and meditation workshops are nonetheless thriving. Being near actions can assist expats cope with emotions of homesickness when travelling.

 Greatest Panajachel Lodges – The place to Keep

Make sure you guide your lodging earlier than you arrive in Panajachel. The most well-liked motels and flats fill early.

Funds Lodges in Panajachel

Posada de Los Volcanes 

Set inside a leafy backyard, Posada de los Volcanes is strolling distance to all over the place in Pana. It additionally presents tour companies together with shuttles to Antigua and Guatemala Metropolis Airport.

Verify charges and availability at Posada de los Volcanes on Reserving.com. 

Hospedaje de Viajero 

Hospedaje de Viajero is one other well-liked funds resort positioned on Calle Santander. It’s near the lake in addition to a number of good eating places and in addition includes a rooftop terrace.

Verify charges and availability at Hospedaje de Viajero  on Reserving.com.

Selina Atitlan 

A well-liked funds place to remain in Panajachel is Selina Atitlán.

Very like its different areas in world wide (together with our faves in Puerto Escondido and Mexico Metropolis), this upscale hostel is right for digital nomads, backpackers and funds travellers.

This property includes a shared kitchen, bar restaurant, pool and tour desk. There’s additionally a wide array of properly embellished rooms from neighborhood dorms to personal rooms for 2 individuals.

It even has a swimming pool!

Verify charges and availability at Selina Atitlan in Panajachel on Reserving.com. 

Mid-range Resort in Panajachel

Though service could be a bit lacklustre, the  Porta Resort del Lago is an efficient choice because of its  spectacular views, an out of doors swimming pool and restaurant.

This Panajachel is ideal for households.  The placement can also be very handy. The room charges are usually round $150 USD an evening or much less.

Verify charges and availability for Porta Resort del Lago in Panajachel on Reserving.com. 

Luxurious Resort in Panajachel

Each Resort Atitlan and Resort Posada de Don Rodrigo are a step up by way of the standard of the lodging and views.

They provide expansive gardens, snug rooms and a main location overlooking Lake Atitlan with spectacular views.

The Regis Resort and Spa is one other well-liked luxurious resort in Panajachel. This historic property even has its personal thermal swimming pools the place you may soak away any journey ache and pains. It’s additionally within the coronary heart of Panajechel’s restaurant row.

Verify charges and availability for Resort Posada de Don Rodrigo in Panajachel on Reserving.com.  

Verify charges and availability for Regis Resort Spa on Reserving.com. 

Extremely Luxurious Resort in Panajachel

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a romantic keep for a novel vacation spot wedding ceremony or honeymoon, a best choice for a boutique resort on Lake Atitlan could be Casa Palopó.

This luxurious boutique resort is a brief distance exterior Panajachel enroute to Santa Catarina Palopo. It overlooks Lake Atitlán with spectacular views of three volcanoes.

A member of the distinguished Relais & Chateaux assortment, Casa Palopó is without doubt one of the finest luxurious motels in Guatemala. .

Verify charges and availability for Resort Casa Polopo in Santa Catarina Polopo on Reserving.com

For different memorable spots for a marriage or honeymoon, try these 17 Distinctive Wedding ceremony Locations. 

This journey information was initially printed in 2019. It was considerably up to date with new images and knowledge in 2024 following a number of onsite visits. 

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