Location: Panajachel
Top Things to do in Panajachel
The 10 Best Things to do in Panajachel, Western Highlands
Panajachel (Spanish pronunciation: [panaxaˈtʃel], Pana) is a town in the southwestern Guatemalan Highlands, less than 90 miles from Guatemala City, in the department of Sololá. It serves as the administrative centre for the surrounding municipality of the same name. The elevation is 1,597 metres (5,240 ft). Population was 11 thousand in the 2000 census, estimated as 15,000 now (Insituto Nacional de Estadística de Guatemala), and has approximately doubled each of the last few decades. The town of Panajachel is located on the Northeast shore of Lake Atitlán, and has become a centre for the tourist trade of the area as it provides a base for visitors crossing the lake to visit other towns and villages.
Restaurants in Panajachel
1. Atitlan Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 811 reviews
The Atitlan Nature Reserve is both a must for visitors of Lake Atitlan and a force in the environmental cause: Atitlan Azul. It is an extraordinary gate to the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its spectacular volcanoes. Its zip lines, butterfly preserve, trails, hanging bridges and lodgings bring you in close contact with nature. On the zip lines you fly above waterfalls, coffee groves, oak stands and the steep cliffs that guard the lake. At the Butterfly Geodome you enjoy the colors and forms of hundreds of butterflies surrounded by flowers and the sounds of water. Humming birds and the murmur of the river accompany you while you have lunch, coffee or a drink, then you continue to explore the diversity and beauty of this natural wonder. At night, the crickets, owls and the sounds of the night will be your company in our lodging. The Reserve supports the work of scientist and students concerned with biodiversity and environmental degradation.
Reviewed By ChrisW9565
A short tuk tuk ride from central Pana, this nature preserve is quite nice. We explored the butterfly dome which was also accompanied by some in-depth explanations & exhibits from different stages of the butterfly's life. We also did the Xtreme Ziplining. The trail up took us past some of the nature trail and were able to see some monkeys on the way up!! It was my first time ziplining, and they could not have been nice about taking care of me and showing me the ropes. The views were *breathtaking* and I absolutely recommend stopping here and spend half a day if you have the time.
2. Hotel Atitlan Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By 625sherylt - Mahwah, United States
The gardens are amazing here and it is considered the number 1 thing to do at the lake. There are roses everywhere. I spoke to the hotel owner and she said that the roses are pruned twice a year and I did she an area with a lot of fertilizer. The owner collects flowers from where she goes and brings them back to plant. There are hundreds of species around along with birds, macaws, ducks, and other animals. There really is no beach here even thought there are steps down to the water. It takes 16 gardeners to maintain the property. Be careful when they decide to use the sprinklers. The gardenias smell awesome.
3. Iximche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By 561RobertS561 - Ponte Vedra Beach, United States
First of all, this is still an active place of worship for Mayan people. It is a sacred place and should be considered in this context. It deserves a spot on anyone’s itinerary who values history, diverse cultures and wants to learn more about our ancestry. TIP: hire a local guide with credentials (indigenous local guide); it is worth the time to arrange in order to really learn the facts and relevance. NOTE: the museum is small but a gem of history and insight. ONLY negative was the bathroom facilities where is bad repair!
4. Casa Cakchiquel
5. La Galeria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
La Galeria celebrates the arts as a whole and provides at the same time a center for local and international artists. We sell a vast range of art work at attractive prices, rare and fine art pieces for collectors as well as unique frames of our own design. The building, a piece of art in itself is located in the heart of Panajachel. Since 1973 we also organize community events, concerts, theatre, cabaret, art movies etc. Our additional show of unique folk art began in the 1920s and continues to this day. Come by for an excellent cup of cappuccino or espresso and get inspired.House recommendations: Cappuccino -
Reviewed By jacobom762
it is an Art Gallery and cafe. it has a permanent exhibit of a great Guatemala Artist, her name is Nan, born in Guatemala, moved to Germany, married there, had children, came backto Guatemala and she has painted some beatiful pictures which are shown in the Gallery. Here son Thomas, her daughter-in-law and their son take care of the Gallery, in which also they have some concerts of classical and non classical music, different performers. on weekends they also serve pancakes breakfasts, during the week there is also a cafe/tea area. i believe it is closed on wednesdays. It is a very interesting place to visit and lppk at the art from NAN. worthwhile, you will not be dissapointed
6. Museo Arqueologico Azul Maya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
It is a Mayan Archaeological Museum, collection made by my grandfather, we also have a boutique hotel with 5 rooms, two gardens, organic coffee shop, organic coffee beans, breakfasts and waffles. Will be special to have you here! Thank you.
7. Mayanke, Ceramica Pintada a Mano
8. Church of St Francis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By colonial23 - County Galway, Ireland
Wow, the altar was so beautiful and they placed the baby Jesus in the manger. The energy in the church was so peaceful and amazing and the priest so loving. It was a truly spiritual night for me.
9. Museo Lacustre de Atitlan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By singingvegan - Panajachel, Guatemala
This museum is tiny, but it's worth the visit if you're interested in artifacts from the Lake Atitlan area.
10. Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By Steffie0506 - Paris, France
I have spent 3 nights at Posada Don Rodrigo ad was a french solo woman traveller.I found the place very nice with a beautiful view on the volcanoes and Lake Atitlan. The place is safe and the staff is very nice and helpful. The rooms are very spacious and nicely decorated. The breakfast was very good as well. I would recommend it for sure.After it is a matter of budget but I felt very confortable staying there.
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