Everything You Need To Know For Visiting Panajachel, Guatemala
Last Updated on April 26, 2024
Panajachel is a small town located on the North shore of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala and is one of the major tourism areas in Guatemala. I lived 5 months in this beautiful town and would like to share all my Pana knowledge tips with you. This Panajachel travel guide includes information on travel, things to do, places to eat, nightlife and accommodation. Enjoy!
How to travel to Panajachel, Guatemala?
Most people visit Panajachel from Antigua, Guatemala or San Pedro La Laguna. The ride to Lake Atitlán from Antigua scales innumerable hills, valleys, and mountains. Since most chicken bus drivers take tight turns at blood-curdling speeds, I recommend you booking a shared shuttle service. It is good to keep in mind that the chicken buses are faster, but not as safe as the shuttle buses. The shuttle services are usually more expensive, GUA -> PANA Q 165 and ANT -> PANA Q100, in comparison with the chicken buses, GUA -> PANA Q 30 and GUA – >PANA Q 40, but are more comfortable and most important, more safe!
When departing from Antigua, a shared shuttle will drop you within 2-6 hours (depending on the traffic and number of passengers) off in Panajachel. When traveling from Guatemala, it will probably take around 4-7 hours to reach Panajachel.
The common way to get to Panajachel from the other villages around Lake Atitlán, is by catching a small ferryboat (launcha) for about Q25 / $3.30. As the boat thudded across the choppy water, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of lake Atitlán which is ringed by three extinct volcanoes and a ridge known as Indian’s Nose.
How to get around in Panajachel?
The most efficient way to get around Panajachel is by tuk tuk. A single ride only costs you Q5 or Q10 ($0.65 – $1.30). You can also jump in the back of a collective pickup truck and drive around the town or go by foot.
The best things to do in Panajachel
There are plenty of amazing things you must do in Panajachel, Guatemala. Examples are taking a weaving class with Maya Traditions Foundation, learning Spanish, visiting local markets, learning about chocolate at the ChocoMuseo or joining a fisherman on lake Atitlán. Below you can find 20 amazing things to do in Panajachel:
– Take a weaving class at Maya Traditions Foundation
During a backstrap weaving class with Maya Traditions Foundation you can create your own scarf or wall adornment design. The backstrap loom has been used by Maya women for thousands of years to create cloth that is both stunning and functional. When booking a backstrap weaving class with Maya Traditions Foundation, you not only have fun and learn about the entire process, but you also help to empower women and to preserve an ancestral culture! This is really a recommendation!
– Learn Spanish in Panajachel
Jardin de America is a fully accredited, total immersion Spanish school, offering one-on-one intensive training by native Spanish speaking teachers.
– Visit the local market in Panajachel
Nothing is more fun than strolling through a market where local vendors are offering their wares. Most of the local markets around lake Atitlán are vibrant, colorful and filled with strange smells. The local market (location) offers some of the freshest and cheapest produce around.
– Go paragliding from Panajachel
Panajachel is a great place for paragliding! For just 90$ you get the chance to soar over the lake for about an hour. For more info, check out Real World Paragliding.
– Watch the sunset
The sunsets from Panajachel are without question the best on the lake. Order some nachos and a beer and watch the sunset from Sunset Café (location). Another great place to watch the sunset in Panajachel is at the beach down by the cemetery of Calle De Los Salpores (location). From here, the setting sun paints the clouds and volcanoes in brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples. Since I only lived five minutes away from here, I almost visited every day to have a walk with the dogs and see the sunset.
– Take a photo at the docks in Panajachel
Some parts of Panajachel are not overwhelmed by tourists, for example the docks at the cementario. Take a beautiful photo here of yourself on the docks!
– Make a panoramic photo of Panajachel and lake Atitlán
A little outside Panajachel, you can find the Mirador San Jorge (location). At this viewpoint, you can make a great photo of Lake Atitlán and Panajachel.
– Visit the church of St. Francis in Panajachel
This old church has some beautiful historic statues of St. Francis and our Lady at the altar. There is a large and pretty empty square in front of the church. Usually the church is not busy and is free to visit (location).
– See one of the many waterfalls of Panajachel
When you take a good look around Panajachel, you can see several small waterfalls located at the surrounding hills. Close to the Mirador San Jorge, you can find a great waterfall from, I guess, about 10 meters high (location). Really worth a stop and a photo!
– Learn about art and films at La Galeria in Panajachel
If you are an art lover you should focus the amazingly beautiful house, also called La Galeria Panajachel, that has a gallery that holds a number of the hallucinatory landscapes, an exhibition space and cultural center, hosting lectures, films and occasional concerts.
– Visit the Reserva Natural Atitlán in Panajachel
This nature reserve contains a former coffee plantation that is reclaimed by natural vegetation, waterfalls, a herb garden, a possibility for zip lining, and different kinds of animals like spider monkeys, pisotes, butterflies, and birds. Although it’s a bit pricey at 55Q a person, it’s definitely worth it.
– Take yoga or a workshop at La Casa Cakchiquel in Panajachel
Casa Cakchiquel is the cultural heritage of Panajachel. You can learn about history, take workshops, or do yoga. I followed yoga classes by Gema at Casa Cakchiquel and really enjoyed this! Gema is a very patient, kind, funny, but also a very professional teacher. She incorporated many different yoga sequences and meditations within the classes and always corrected me when necessary. Great experience!
– Sweat out the toxins in a traditional Mayan sauna: a temazcal
Relax at a traditional Mayan sauna (temazcal) to sooth your body with aromatic and curative herbs (usually heated with firewood). Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán has a great temazcal!
– Join a fisherman on lake Atitlán
As the number and size of fish being caught in Panajachel is decreasing, it’s becoming more difficult for fishermen to make a living. Luckily tourism is on the rise and help these traditional fishermen to make an income. Have a stroll along the water and perhaps you can join a fisherman in a cayuco, a traditional wooden boat shaped like a canoe.
– Kayak at lake Atitlán
Rent a kayak and enjoy some time splashing in the water.
– Go shopping at Calle Santander in Panajachel
Panajachel is one of the most built-up and touristic places on the lake, but it’s also got the best market to buy textiles and other souvenirs. Be sure to browse the many stalls of this extensive handicrafts market, which has an impressive variety of bags, clothing, blankets, belts and hammocks. One of the well known streets to do some shopping is Calle Santander (location).
– Visit the cementerio in Panajachel
Consider a visit to the cemetery in Panajachel (location). The dead are honored here by being buried amid their favorite colors. The beauty of this place belies the fact that it is a cemetery. You will see gorgeous flower arrangements decorating the tombs. If you have the change, you should visit the cementerio during the day of the dead, Saturday 02 November. This multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey. The tombs will be repainted and decorated with flowers and other decorations. Outside the cementerio food stalls will sell local food and snacks and you can play games and gather with your family. I felt honored and lucky to be there, admiring another facet of the colorful culture of Guatemala.
– Other activities in Panajachel
The best places to eat in Panajachel
Mostbrestaurants in Panajachel serve “gringo food” and some also serve authentic dishes. Below you can read about my favorite restaurants in Panajachel where I had some of the best meals I’ve had in Guatemala:
– Cheros Bar Pupusería
This Pupuseria is located close to Calle Santander. The pupusas, tortillas stuffed with e.g. cheese, chicken, spinach, and more, taste delicious. The cocktails are really strong. If you want value for your money, you can eat here delicious and drink cheap.
– Taquero Mucho
This place, just located before the Jucanya bridge, serves traditional tacos, gringas, quesadillas, and burritos at a very reasonable price. I can really recommend the vegetarian gringas.
– Circus Bar
Circus Bar serves one of the best pizzas in Panajachel and is also very overpriced. The delicious pizzas are pretty big. Friendly staff and service. Check Circus Bar’s Facebook Page for events.
– Lazzaroni
At this restaurant, you can eat pizzas at a more reasonable price. I almost went weekly to this place to enjoy a good plate of pasta, pizza, or lasagna. When you cannot finish, you can take it home in a doggy bag. I really recommend this restaurant. Try the vegetarian lasagna!
– Las Chinitas
A Malaysian Chinese woman runs this peaceful restaurant. It is located on the right side of Calle Santander in a little indoor square with amazing plants and quiet music. Since the place has free WiFi and is very quiet, I often worked there for university. All dishes can be made vegetarian and vegan. She has gluten free soy sauce, too! I can really recommend the vegetarian burger. One of the best I tried in Panajachel. Chinitas is a must!
– Deli Jasmin
Deli jasmin has a lovely garden atmosphere and all their dishes are made from high quality foods and are very tasty!
– Dolce Gelato
Still hungry after lunch or dinner, or just looking for a nice guilty snack? Go for the best ice cream in town at Dolce Gelato. Every week they have a different assortment of ice flavors.
– Cafe Loco
This Korean-run cafe is heaven for coffee connoisseurs. I spent a lot of time enjoying all the different (ice) coffees on their menu. The cafe has a membership card and great youthful staff! A must stop if you love good coffee and good company in Panajachel!
Other places that are well-worth a try; Restaurante Hana (Japanese), Chez Alex (Guatemalan typical meals) or Guajimbo’s (Uruguayan restaurant).
Where to party in Panajachel, Guatemala?
Panajachel is together with San Pedro La Laguna the party town of lake Atitlán. There are several bars where you can have some late-night drinks. Most bars are open till 00.00 – 02.00 am. If you really like to go partying long, you should go to the capital; Guatemala City. In Panajachel, I can really recommend Café Moka, cocktail bar Simoneta, and Restaurante Atlantis for a nice party.
– Café Moka
I often stopped at café Moka for an evening drink or to play pool. This place is on the second floor and is overlooking Calle Santander. It is a lively and refreshing place and has a covered open air balcony. If you’re sick of all the people and tuc-tucs, come here to relax with a drink and shoot some pool. The cafe has super cute decor and two pool tables. They also serve coffee and food. One of my favorite hangouts in Panajachel (also during Halloween).
– Simoneta Mixology Cantina
A cool bar set slightly back from main strip. Simoneta Mixology Cantina is famous for its awesome mixology of cocktails. There is often great music and a good all-round vibe. Have a look at their Facebook Page for events.
– Restaurante Atlantis
Situated at the end of the main drag, Restaurante Atlantis is a quiet place during the day to have pizza, fish and chips or burgers, which are all pretty good quality, but slightly more expensive than other places. In the evening, you can have some drinks at the bar and dance on their dance floor. Have a look at their Facebook page for events.
– La Palapa
La Palapa is a nice and cozy place where you can have lunch and dinner during the day, and some drinks during the night. Some nights they have special events like karaoke.
– Circus Bar
Circus Bar is not only a great place to have some pizza or pasta, but also to have some late-night drinks. Almost every evening live musicians will play some great songs. The cocktails are a bit overpriced, but do taste grate. Have a look at their Facebook page for events.
Where to stay in Panajachel, Guatemala?
In Panajachel, Guatemala you can find plenty of accommodations for every budget, ranging from $350 or more per night down to $10 per night, per room. Here are some of my favorite options:
– Budget accommodation
I have stayed around five months with Doña Virgina and just love her place. Doña Virginia has been hosting travelers, students and volunteers for more than 10 years in Panajachel since her husband passed away. Her house is cozy with plants and hammocks in every corner. Doña Virginia lives together with her two daughters and dog Oso. Downstairs is the kitchen, dining area and living room. The 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom are right up the stairs and are private just for guests. The rooms are extremely clean and comfortable. She can prepare home cooked meals for you or learn you how to prepare traditional food. This for sure will be a great experience! Interested in staying with Doña Virginia? Reach out via her Instagram.
Other great budget accommodations in Panajachel are Selina Atitlan (rooms for 2, 4 or 8 persons) or Hospedaje El Viajero (Rooms for 2, 3, 4 or 5 persons).
– Mid-range accommodation
Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán grounds are set right on the edge of Lake Atitlan, just outside Panajachel, making it peaceful, without the sounds of traffic. The organic gardens and forest of the hotel for sure is a welcome change from everything. When walking towards the reception, you will be treated to songs of beautiful birds. The gardens are impeccable and beautiful, the rooms/apartments are spacious, clean, and charming, the food is delicious, the pool and complimentary services are great, and the staff is warm, friendly, and very helpful. I would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel to travelers who are looking for a beautiful and peaceful place around lake Atitlán to unwind.
– Luxury accommodation
Set on the shores of Lake Atitlan, Villas B’alam Ya offers a private dock area, free kayaks, a hot tub, and a complimentary breakfast. Each villa has a balcony with views of the lake. Villas are surrounded by gardens, offer free WiFi, have a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. This place is definitely one of the best places to stay when traveling to Panajachel! Note; this villa is slightly outside the center of Panajachel located.
Conclusion
I hope this Panajachel travel guide can help you prepare and enjoy a visit to Panajachel, Guatemala. I am sure you will enjoy Panajachel as much as I did. If you have been to Panajachel and know any other good things to do, food to eat, hang out places or general advises to other travelers, please let me know in a comment! I would love to hear about it.
Author: Daphne
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