Panajachel isolated in the Guatemalan highlands provides breathtaking views of three volcanoes that embellish perhaps the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlan. These geologically monolithic volcanoes, Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro forge an awe inspiring stage limited only by ones imagination. Panajachel is the threshold to Lake Atitlan magnificent indigenous villages that adorn Lake Atitlan. Santiago Atitlan, Santa Catarina Palopo, San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, San Juan, San Lucas Toliman and San Antonio Palopo, all are famous for its women weavers and their typical clothes.

During the period of the Spanish conquest of Guatemala, the shores of the lake were the scene of the great battle in which the Spanish and their Cakchiquel allies defeated the Tzutuhils. The Spanish set up a church and monastery in Panajachel soon afterward, and used the town as a center for converting the Indians of the region to the Catholic faith. The original facade of the church stills stands, and is one of the gems of the colonial style in Guatemala.

Panajachel, or Pana as it is called by many locals, is a town full of interesting sights, sounds, and smells. The town has numerous hotels and is full of quality restaurants and interesting nightspots. During the day you can visit the surrounding villages, enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcanoes that surround the lake or visit Panajachel’s busy market street (Calle Santander). It is one of the best places in Guatemala to shop for souvenirs.

ok, now that you have all the typical Wikipedia stuff I’m going to add my tow cents. Panajachel is a small but bustling little town. Upon entering it’s town borders after descending down what it seems miles of winding roads, you enter a series of narrow but crowded streets. The typical indigenous merchats that most of Guatemala is known for also abound here. The most obvious thing that stands out here is the number of tourists on it’s streets. After speaking to some locals we learned that many Americans and Europeans actually come and stay in Panajachel…for good. The weather was really nice the day we were there. Sunny and comfortable, perhaps not warm enough for a dip in the lake but comfortable.

Tourists Beware

Like any tourist spot, the locals know that you are coming with some cash and this place is no different. Upon arriving, we were approached by no less than 6 people offering us anything from boat trips to lunch on the lake. It got so bad that I became annoyed, and that is a hard thing to accomplish with me. Finally, we gave in and had lunch at one of the lake shore eateries. The food was nice even though the bread on my sandwich was moldy…jaja.

Panajachel has some pf the most amazing views I’ve ever seen, the cascade the you encounter as you make your way to the lake is amazing. The people are not unlike what we experienced throughout Guatemala: kind and courteous for the most part.

Well, it was time to head to Guatemala City and say good bye to this neat little place. Our budget would have been blown had we gave in to all the cool stuff for sale on the streets. We did get a few wrist bands…I know..”big spenders” but we had to watch our centavos.

We boarder the first “chicken bus” out of Panajachel and said “so long” to the beautiful lake town of Panajachel, but vowed to one day return (with lots more cash).

Thanks for taking this destination with us!