When it comes to visiting Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, Panajachel is likely to be your first port of call. You can think of it as the main gateway to Lake Atitlán, especially if you’re coming from the direction of Antigua or Guatemala City. Panajachel is the main transportation hub for the lake, with regular boats departing to all the other lakeside villages from its dock, and many buses, shuttles and transfers arriving here from elsewhere in Guatemala.
If you’ve booked something to take you to “Lake Atitlán”, nine times out of ten, they’re taking you to Panajachel.
Like I always say about Lake Atitlán, you don’t need to worry too much about choosing where to stay unless you’re planning to stay for weeks, and for something specific like a retreat or Spanish school. No matter where you base yourself, you can easily visit all of the other towns by boat. The only catch is that the boats stop between 5-7pm, so if you want to stay for dinner or a late night then you’ll have to book accommodation there.
That being said, Panajachel does have some distinct advantages – it’s the most developed town around the lake, with plenty of ATMs (you’ll find the best rates here, too), proper supermarkets, and the widest variety of restaurants and accommodation options.
If Lake Atitlán is going to be your first stop in Guatemala, you’ll find it incredibly easy to get here from Guatemala City Airport. There are regular tourist shuttles and even some direct buses that will take you straight to Panajachel.
🇬🇹 Read more: How to Get from Guatemala City Airport to Lake Atitlán
(this guide covers getting to other towns as well as Panajachel)
Contents
- About Panajachel
- Where to Stay in Panajachel
- Best Things to Do in Panajachel
- Getting Around Panajachel
- FAQs About Panajachel
- Conclusion
About Panajachel
Panajachel strikes a unique balance between a tourist hub and an authentic Guatemalan town. Calle Santander, the main street, is lined with restaurants, craft shops, and tour operators, while just a few blocks away you’ll find local markets and neighbourhoods where daily life continues much as it always has.
The town has a completely different vibe to places like San Marcos (known for its expensive yoga retreats) or San Pedro (known for its backpacker party scene). Instead, you’ll find a bustling marketplace atmosphere where local Maya women sell traditional textiles, alongside modern cafes serving Guatemalan coffee.
One of the best things about Panajachel is its stunning views – the town faces directly across Lake Atitlán towards the three volcanoes (San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlán), making for some absolutely incredible sunsets over the water.
Panajachel’s Market
The market in Panajachel is one of the town’s biggest draws. There’s the permanent market building where locals shop for day to day stuff, but the real attraction is Calle Santander, which essentially functions as one long market street. Here you’ll find everything from traditional textiles and handicrafts to jade jewellery and local art.
Where to Stay in Panajachel
Panajachel offers the widest range of accommodation options around Lake Atitlán, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The closer you stay to Calle Santander, the more convenient it will be for restaurants and shopping, but it can get quite noisy there, especially on weekends. Besides, Panajachel is small enough that it’s easy to walk anywhere, and there are cheaply priced tuktuks all around.
For backpackers, Hospedaje El Viajero offers clean rooms and a social atmosphere at budget-friendly prices. If you’re after something mid-range, Hotel Utz Jay has lovely gardens and a great location just off Calle Santander, offering a bit of peace and quiet while still being central. If you’re a digital nomad, Selina Lake Atitlan is based here, too.
🇬🇹 Read more: Where to Stay in Panajachel
Best Things to Do in Panajachel
Boat Tours and Lake Activities
The main dock in Panajachel is the busiest on Lake Atitlán, with public boats (lanchas) departing regularly to all other lakeside towns. A typical boat ride costs between 10-25 Quetzales depending on your destination. Just remember that the last boats usually run between 5-7pm, so plan your day trips accordingly!
Nature Reserve Atitlán
Just a short tuk-tuk ride from the centre of town, you’ll find the Nature Reserve Atitlán. It’s home to beautiful walking trails, suspension bridges, and a butterfly sanctuary. The highlight for many visitors is the zip-line course that offers incredible views over the lake – though it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Sunset Watching
The waterfront in Panajachel offers some of the best sunset views on Lake Atitlán. Head to one of the lakeside restaurants or the public beach around 5pm to watch the sun sink behind the volcanoes – it’s absolutely spectacular and, of course, it’s free!
Shopping and Local Crafts
Calle Santander is perfect for souvenir shopping, with hundreds of stalls selling traditional textiles, beaded jewellery, and local artwork. The prices here are often better than in other lake towns. Just remember that while bargaining is expected, these items represent important income for local families, so aim for a fair price rather than the absolute lowest.
🇬🇹 Read more: 15 Things to do in Panajachel
Getting Around Panajachel
Panajachel is quite walkable, but if you need to get somewhere quickly or you’re carrying shopping, tuktuks are readily available and cheap. For trips to other lake towns, the public boats (lanchas) are your best option – they’re frequent, affordable, and offer great views of the lake.
Don’t make the mistake of trying to take the bus, like we did! (You can read that story in this article about how we took the chicken bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlán.)
Remember that Panajachel is at its busiest during weekends when locals from Guatemala City come to visit, so accommodation prices can go up and the main street gets quite crowded. If you’re planning to stay over a weekend, it’s worth booking your accommodation in advance.
Panajachel FAQs
How do I get from Guatemala City Airport to Panajachel?
Regular tourist shuttles and direct buses run from Guatemala City Airport to Panajachel. It’s one of the most accessible towns on Lake Atitlán and serves as the main transport hub for the region. Click here for more info on getting from Guatemala Airport to Lake Atitlán.
What’s the best time to visit Panajachel?
Weekdays are generally quieter and more affordable than weekends, when locals from Guatemala City visit. If you’re planning a weekend stay, book accommodation in advance as prices can increase and the town gets busier.
How late do boats run between Panajachel and other lake towns?
The public boats (lanchas) typically operate until 5-7pm. If you’re planning dinner or evening activities in another town, you’ll need to arrange accommodation there for the night.
Is Panajachel safe for tourists?
Panajachel is one of the most developed and tourist-friendly towns around Lake Atitlán. It has proper infrastructure, plenty of ATMs, and is generally safe for visitors. However, as with any tourist destination, it’s wise to take normal precautions.
What’s the best area to stay in Panajachel?
While staying near Calle Santander puts you close to restaurants and shops, it can be noisy, especially on weekends. Consider staying a few blocks away for a quieter experience – the town is small and walkable, with affordable tuk-tuks available.
What makes Panajachel different from other Lake Atitlán towns?
Panajachel offers a unique mix of tourist amenities and authentic Guatemalan culture. Unlike San Marcos (known for yoga retreats) or San Pedro (popular with backpackers), Panajachel serves as the lake’s main commercial hub while maintaining its local character.
Conclusion
No matter which town around Lake Atitlán you choose to base yourself in, make sure to spend at least half a day exploring Panajachel. It’s the perfect place to stock up on supplies, withdraw cash, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Lake Atitlán’s busiest town.