Panajachel

Travel Guide

Panajachel showing a lake or waterhole, a bay or harbour and boating
Panajachel which includes a bay or harbour, a lake or waterhole and boating
Panajachel featuring interior views
Panajachel featuring signage and street scenes
Panajachel which includes 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 S$230 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
S$230
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice location. Spacious clean rooms. Facility is very clean. Pool. Very close to the center and water front and safe. Dinner however was not good. Restaurant good and clean but food not up to par ."

Reviewed on 10 Apr, 2025

Porta Hotel del Lago
Hotel Atitlán
Hotel Atitlán
3.5 out of 5
Finca San Buenaventura, Panajachel, Solola
The price is S$306 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
S$306
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Panajachel. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (630 reviews)
"This beautiful lakeview hotel offers a truly picturesque and tranquil setting, with meticulously maintained gardens that create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. Despite its serene and secluded location, the hotel is conveniently close to the city center, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, ..."

Reviewed on 9 Apr, 2025

Hotel Atitlán
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 S$274 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$274
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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! (378 reviews)
"Close to everything and very nice grounds"

Reviewed on 11 Apr, 2025

Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel
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.
Club Azul Rosa VIP Guest Rooms
Club Azul Rosa VIP Guest Rooms
3 out of 5
Calle del Embarcadero, Panajachel, Sololá
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Panajachel. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Azul Maya Archaeological ...
5.4/10 (6 reviews)
Do not book
"Do not book here. Literally no customer service. Signs are not clear on where the hotel is. The beds are the most uncomfortable beds ever. You’re better off sleeping in a hostel for cheaper. There’s two night clubs that blast music all night; which is what was expected. But the clubs were super lame ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb, 2024

Club Azul Rosa VIP Guest Rooms
Apartamentos el viajero
Apartamentos el viajero
3 out of 5
Calle al estadio, panajachel, Panajachel, Sololá
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Panajachel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Azul Maya Archaeological ...
Apartamentos el viajero
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
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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