Panajachel

Travel Guide

Panajachel featuring boating, a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole
Panajachel showing a lake or waterhole, a bay or harbour and boating
Panajachel which includes interior views
Panajachel which includes street scenes and signage
Panajachel showing street scenes

Wildlife spotting, trekking in the Guatemalan highlands and a 16th-century church make this lakeside town a magnet for outdoor types and cultural enthusiasts.

Panajachel is a town on the shores of Lake Atitlán, in Guatemala's western highlands. Volcano scenery, wildlife, nightclubs and Mayan culture and traditions, means there is always something to see and do here.

Enjoy a scenic walk along the lake shore or for something more strenuous, hike to the top of one of the volcanoes surrounding the lake. The Atitlán Nature Reserve to the north of the town is a good place to see butterflies, monkeys, raccoons and other wildlife. Walk through its oak forests, coffee groves, along nature trails and by a waterfall. Take the opportunity to fly above the tree tops on a zip-line tour, then cool off on the sanctuary’s private beach. Book a hotel room or camping space if you want to stay at the reserve for more than one day.

Then turn your attention to some of Panajachel’s cultural attractions. See lots of examples of indigenous folk art at La Galeria. The gallery also showcases local and international contemporary art. Stop off at the Casa Cakchiquel for its indigenous crafts shop and the exhibition of old photographs of the area. The cultural centre was once a hotel and locals will tell you about famous former guests such as the writer Aldous Huxley and Che Guevara.

While Panajachel is more developed than many other towns around Lake Atitlán, you can still find several historic buildings. They include the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built by Franciscans in the 16th century. Parts of the original structure remain to this day.

In the evening, head for Calle Santander, the main street where there are numerous bars and restaurants serving local dishes. There is always plenty on offer for those missing the flavours of home. Partygoers are catered for in Panajachel's discos.

Panajachel can be reached by bus from several cities including Guatemala City and Antigua. If you are in a rental car, follow the Pan-American Highway. Accommodation for all budgets can be found throughout the town.

The combination of natural beauty, historic architecture and indigenous culture make Panajachel a great spot for a holiday.

Porta Hotel del Lago

Porta Hotel del Lago

3.5 out of 5
2a Avenida 06-17 Zona 2, Panajachel, Solola
The price is €137 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€137
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Panajachel. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"The hotel and views were great. The staff and service was ok."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Porta Hotel del Lago
Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel

Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel

3.5 out of 5
Final de la Calle Santander, Panajachel, Solola
The price is €151 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
€151
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Panajachel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (413 reviews)
Beautiful hotel and property in a great location.
"Beautiful hotel on a beautiful property. We loved the location, the big blue slide, and the hammocks. Staff were all very nice. The restaurant was a bit pricey so did not eat there. We were supposed to get free drinks but unfortunately we were not told it was for only certain types so ended up paying. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel
Jenna's River Bed & Breakfast

Jenna's River Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
Road to Santa Catarina km 1.7, Panajachel, Solola
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Panajachel. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (264 reviews)
"Beautiful views in the morning. Great breakfast with incredibly kind staff. They also have their own Tuk Tuk that can take you down to the boat area to see the other villages or down into the town for only 15 Quetzales a person - or its about a 30 minute walk."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Jenna's River Bed & Breakfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villas Jucanya

Villas Jucanya

3.5 out of 5
Barrio Jucanya, Calle del Lago, Frente al Lago (juegos infantiles), Panajachel, Solola
Stay at this 3.5-star beach vacation home in Panajachel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and La Galeria are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
"Todo está muy bien el personal muy amable Lo único que no me gustó fue que tiene aire acondicionado Y hace mucho calor"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2025

Villas Jucanya
Atitlan Lakefront Party District Cabins

Atitlan Lakefront Party District Cabins

1 out of 5
Calle del Embarcadero, Panajachel, Sololá
Stay at this campground in Panajachel. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 beach bars, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Azul Maya Archaeological ...
"Great location if you like to party"

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2024

Atitlan Lakefront Party District Cabins
Sky View Atitlán Lake Suite / Free Breakfast

Sky View Atitlán Lake Suite / Free Breakfast

Panajachel
Stay at this apartment in Panajachel. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Museo Raúl Vasquéz are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Nice view
"Very nice place, beds no to comfortable, breakfast included (tricky), needs to have more bath towels, in general the best is the location."

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Sky View Atitlán Lake Suite / Free Breakfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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