Top 10 Things to Do in Panajachel – The Gateway Town to Lake Atitlán
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Panajachel buzzes with life as the popular gateway town to Lake Atitlán.
Street vendors haggle with tourists to sell their colorful textiles, the aroma of coffee wafts through the air, and captains hoist guests onto the next boat for imminent departure.
Locally known simply as “Pana,” there are plenty of fun things to do in Panajachel that you can’t miss out on! So, before you make your way to one of the other towns around Lake Atitlán, why not stay a while and enjoy the views?
Not only is Pana one of the more developed towns, it’s also one of the most diverse, with both indigenous locals and international expats.
You’ll find traditional cuisine and shops here, as well as international cafes, hotels, and services. Many backpackers and digital nomads make their way to Panajachel to steep in the relaxed vibes before continuing on to either San Pedro La Laguna or San Marcos.
Whether you’re visiting Panajachel on a day trip from Antigua or are coming here to live, study Spanish, or meditate lakeside for a few weeks, these are the top things to do, including where to eat, stay, and play.
Here are the best things to do in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan!
Best Things to Do in Panajachel, Guatemala
What is Panajachel, Guatemala, known for?
Panajachel is known as the gateway to Lake Atitlan. One of the largest towns situated along the lake, this is the place to be if you’re looking for lots things to do. You’ll find delicious restaurants, beautiful views, and easy access to the rest of the lake’s villages.
1. Go Shopping on Calle Santander
Calle Santander is the most popular street in Panajachel – and for good reason! Dozens and dozens of roadside stalls filled with colorful textiles and souvenirs line the streets while nearby cafes and restaurants buzz with chatter.
This street in Panajachel is pedestrian-friendly, but you still have to watch out for passing cars at times. While the shopping section is concentrated more toward the lakeshore, Calle Santander actually starts all the way at the back of Pana.
Along this long, bustling street are hotels for all types of travelers and budgets, restaurants, both local and international, interesting local museums, painted murals, and more! For shopping, you’ll probably get better prices here than in other towns around the lake.
That said, haggling is common, but please barter respectfully with the locals – a practice that is part of being a responsible traveler.
2. Paraglide Over Lake Atitlán
Imagine paragliding over the deepest lake in Central America, with a birds-eye view of the three ancient volcanoes sleeping in the distance.
If you have an adventurous spirit, a fun and exciting thing to do in Panajachel is going paragliding. There are several adventure sports operators in the area to choose from! Realworld Paragliding is one option and often the most popular choice among tourists. Their office is located down on Calle Santander inside the Centro Commercial San Rafael.
You can also check out Aguilas En Velo Pana. They are really well-rated and have a large Facebook following. If you’re traveling as a couple, you can fly side-by-side together in two paragliders, which is pretty cool!
Not a big fan of flying and prefer to explore on the ground? Then you might enjoy this ATV tour around Lake Atitlan instead, that also departs from Pana.
3. Kayak or SUP at Sunrise
Kayaking or paddleboarding is a must while visiting Lake Atitlan! Sunrise is the best time to go because you’ll have calm, glassy water undisturbed by the morning and midday boats.
There are several DIY kayak and SUP shops in Panajachel where you can rent and explore as you go. Another option is to combine your activities with a kayak and hiking tour that includes a professional guide (ideal if you’d like to learn more about the lake, etc).
You can also go kayaking or paddleboarding while visiting other towns around Lake Atitlan. We went paddleboarding at sunrise and kayaking at noon out of San Pedro La Laguna.
4. Grab a Coffee at Crossroads Cafe
If you can’t start your day without coffee, make sure you swing by the international coffee hub, Crossroads Cafe, in Panajachel.
The owners have created an awesome little community around their homegrown and roasted coffee here in Pana. With such a dedicated fan club, many travelers and backpackers inevitably pass through here on a trip to Lake Atitlan.
Watch out – the coffee is strong! They also whip up fresh, homemade pastries, cinnamon rolls, pies, and more, to pair perfectly with a cup of pure Guatemalan coffee. You can find Crossroads Cafe tucked away off the street at Calle de Los Arboles in Panajachel.
5. Explore the Iximché Mayan Ruins
The Iximché Mayan Ruins, located just outside of Panajachel (in Tecpán), once thrived as the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 to 1524. In Mayan, it signifies the “Place of the Maize/Ramon tree.”
You can explore these ruins on a day trip tour from Panajachel. During your visit, you’ll see the ancient city’s pyramid structures, Mayan ball courts, royal palace ruins, and plazas with a guide on a two-hour tour before departing for the return trip back to Pana.
6. Visit the Nearby Village of Santa Catarina Palopó
Just 10 minutes away from Panajachel is the colorful village of Santa Catarina Palopó, which attracts all those who love handmade ceramics and pottery.
The homes in Santa Catarina Palopó are painted in vibrant colors, an initiative started by the association Painting for Change. Santa Catarina is only a speedy 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away from Panajachel. You can also get there by riding in the back of a pickup truck with other locals for just Q5 per person.
If you have time, I’d also highly recommend visiting San Antonio Palopo! An alternative option is to go on this fun bicycle tour which includes visits to both towns on a 16-km ride. The road from Pana to both towns is really well-kept, paved, and incredibly scenic – perfect for a biking adventure!
Check out my travel guide to Santa Catarina Palopó for things to do there (i.e. natural hot springs!!) and for more tips on transportation.
7. Tour the Lucustre Atitlán Museum
If you are interested in history and Mayan artifacts, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Museo Lacustre Atitlán.
You might notice that the Museo Lacustre Atitlán is also called the underwater museum. That’s because most of the artifacts on display were actually retrieved from Samaba, the submerged Mayan archaeological site found near the Cerro del Oro volcanic cone in Lake Atitlan.
Learn about the lake’s geology and history during your short visit. This makes for a great introduction to the area, which is why it’s a small but fun thing to do while in Panajachel!
So, how do you go about visiting?
- Location: Calle Santander inside the Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo
- Cost: Q50 per person
- Hours: Open from 8 am – 5 pm.
✨ Read more about Samabaj and the treasures of Lake Atitlán inside the Lonely Planet Guatemala guide!
8. Visit Butterflies Inside the Atitlán Nature Reserve
The Atitlán Nature Reserve is a preserved stretch of forest, wildlife sanctuary, and hotel resort all in one! It features a butterfly garden, nature trails, waterfalls, extreme zip lines, a coffee grove, an on-site restaurant, and more! It’s truly a little oasis and respite from the busy market streets in Pana.
It’s open daily from 8 am – 5 pm, but if you’d like to stay past that time, you can spend the night inside the reserve at the Hotel Reserva Natural Atitlan, enjoying a private terrace that overlooks the mountains and dense jungle.
Getting there from Panajachel is fairly easy. Take a tuk-tuk or taxi for Q10 to the address Antigua Finca San Buenaventura. You can also walk there from Panajachel in 12 minutes. The entrance fee costs Q80 for adults and Q45 for kids.
Whether you want to book a quiet retreat in nature or simply visit the butterflies on a fun day trip, the Atitlan Nature Reserve is a must-visit when you’re in Panajachel!
9. Take a Local Weaving Workshop
One of the best things to do in Lake Atitlán – and not just in Panajachel – is signing up for a local weaving workshop. Weaving, particularly via the backstrap loom, is a way of life around the lake.
Each town has its own weaving workshop, which you can visit. The workshops offer tours that allow you to learn how to work the backstrap loom and even make your own scarf by hand!
Here are some of my favorite weaving cooperatives to visit:
- San Pedro La Laguna – Teixchel Women’s Weaving Association
- Santiago Atitlán – 13 Batz’ (13 Threads) or the Cojolya Museum
- San Juan La Laguna – Casa Flor Ixcaco
10. Go on an Epic Hike
The hikes around Lake Atitlán are arguably some of the best in the world. Some lead to black sand beaches, while others skirt through maize and coffee fields, across hills and Mayan towns, and some even climb up the steep slopes of an ancient volcano.
One of my favorite hikes is the Lower Mayan Trail, which begins in Santa Cruz La Laguna and ends in Tzununa or San Marcos La Laguna. (You can also hike this route in the opposite direction.)
Since Santa Cruz is just one boat ride from Panajachel, consider setting out early in the morning for a fun 2-3 hour hike! You’ll be blown away by the views.
If you don’t want to go on your own, there is a well-rated Lower Mayan Trail Hiking Tour from Panajachel you can take. You’ll get the added benefit of having a guide for learning and security purposes as well as a visit to a painting co-op, weaving co-op, and medicinal herb co-op, each located in the different towns you’ll pass through during the hike.
11. Take a traditional Maya cooking class
There’s no better way to experience culture than through your tastebuds and you can do just that in Panajachel. Learn to cook traditional Mayan dishes in a cooking class with a local that reveals the unique mix of Guatemalan and Spanish culinary influences.
Three different dishes are on the menu, including tamalitos (tamales) and pepian, a thick stew made from 13 unique ingredients. Sit down to enjoy the meal with your fellow gourmands and share stories of your travels in Guatemala.
You’ll also get to take these secret recipes home with you to try an recreate for family and friends.
12. Visit Casa Cakchiquel
For those interested in learning more about the history of Lake Atitlan, head to Casa Cakchiquel for a little background. While the casa itself is a historic hotel built in 1948, inside you’ll find a museum and gallery.
Visitors will find everything from postcards, prints, and photographs from the last 100 years in Lake Atitlan, with some collections specific to Panajachel. The beautiful courtyard is also a nice place for a quiet moment.
Casa Cakchiquel also happens to be free to visit!
Bonus – Stroll the Boardwalk
Panajachel’s boardwalk is a popular area crowded with street stalls selling everything from toys and clothes to ice cream and spicy micheladas.
The main boardwalk leads straight to and from the main boat pier in Panajachel. Since there are two, make sure not to meander off to the smaller one tucked off the street (the dock where boats depart to San Pedro and other towns).
The boardwalk area in Panajachel is completely pedestrian-friendly, so no cars or motos are allowed.
Strolling down here is a fun and free thing to do in Panajachel (unless you buy something!). Next time I go, I’m definitely stopping for a big michelada – they look so good here in Pana!!
Getting Around Panajachel
Tuk tuks are the go-to transportation option in Panajachel, but travel between the other villages around the lake is mainly by boat.
Pana is the typical gateway and most visitors’ first point of contact on the lake which makes it a great hub for doing day trips to other nearby towns.
It’s also possible to get around Pana on foot, especially if you’re staying in the city center.
Places to Stay in Panajachel
Thanks to all of the things to do and see here, Panajachel is a great town to base yourself in while traveling around Lake Atitlán.
Keep in mind that Pana is one of the busier towns, so if you’re looking for a more mellow yet equally popular place to stay, check out these cool hotels in San Pedro La Laguna as alternatives.
In any case, here is a quick list of some of Panajachel’s best accommodation options based on your budget and travel style:
Backpacker ($): Hospedaje El Viajero (where we stayed!)
Boutique ($$): Selina Atitlán, Regis Hotel Spa
Luxe ($$$): Posada de Don Rodrigo, Porta Hotel del Lago
Unique ($-$$$): Reserva Natural Atitlan
Visiting Other Lakeside Towns From Panajachel
Seeking out some of the other towns around Lake Atitlan is a must!
If you haven’t guessed it by now, the main mode of transport in Lake Atitlan is by boat. Locals and tourists use the boats to reach the other lakeside towns and villages. The cost depends on your final destination, but expect to pay between Q5 for short (1-stop) trips up to Q25 to cross the lake.
Towns you absolutely have to put on your bucket list are:
- San Juan La Laguna – artsy galleries, coffee shops, Cerro de La Cruz panoramic lookout, weaving workshops
- Santa Catarina Palopó (and San Antonio) – painted houses, natural hot springs, weaving museum, trails
- Santiago Atitlán – largest of the towns, traditional clothes/traditions, cemetery, church
- San Pedro La Laguna – backpacker vibes, heated thermal baths, best in terms of restaurants and cafes
Don’t forget about San Marcos for all things wellness and meditation, Santa Cruz for kayaking, SUPing, and glamping, or Santa Clara for the Indian Nose hike!
FAQ About Panajachel, Guatemala
Is there a lot of tourism in Panajachel?
Yes! As the gateway to Lake Atitlan, Panajachael received its fair share of visitors. Even if you’re hopping a boat to another village pronto, chances are you’ll spend at least a few hours in Pana.
Is Panajachel safe at night?
Panajachel is relatively safe at night, but as with any destination in the world, you should be cautious walking alone after dark. It’s a good idea to take a tuk tuk between places at night if you’re traveling alone.
What language is spoken in Panajachel, Guatemala?
While most locals in Lake Atitlan do speak Spanish, you’ll also hear Mayan languages as well, like Kaqchikel and Tz’utujil.
If you plan on staying around the lake for a while, you might find my digital nomad guide to Lake Atitlán helpful. Lastly, if you have any questions about traveling in Panajachel, feel free to drop a comment below!
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