Aerial view of Panajachel town and Atitlan lake in foreground, Guatemala

Things to do in  Panajachel

Guatemala’s natural wonderland

Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan, with stunning volcanoes as the backdrop, Panajachel is the place to be for a scenic escape in Guatemala’s Western highlands. It offers a paradise for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike, with its blend of natural beauty, indigenous culture, outdoor activities, and other things to do.

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Top 4 attractions in Panajachel

#1

Lake Atitlan (Lago de Atitlán)

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With its glistening blue waters framed by a trio of volcanic peaks and a fringe of lush greenery, Lake Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán) is surely one of Guatemala’s most stunning natural wonders. The deepest lake in Central America lies in an ancient caldera amid the mountainous landscapes of the Guatemalan Highlands.More
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#2

Chichicastenango

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With quaint valleys, red-roofed houses, and cobblestone lanes in the highlands of Guatemala, Chichicastenango is perhaps best known for its enormous Thursday and Sunday market. You’ll find handmade pottery, medicinal plants, machetes, traditional clothing, and other items that pay homage to the area’s rich culture.More
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#3

Atitlan Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Atitlán)

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The Atitlan Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Atitlan) is situated on Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan in the tiny village of Panajachel. Between its diverse wildlife, spectacular natural scenery, and outdoor activity opportunities, the enchanting reserve presents an immersive experience for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.More
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#4

Santo Tomas Church (Iglesia de Santo Tomás)

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Built during the 1540s upon the ancient foundation of a Maya temple site, Santo Tomas Church (Iglesia de Santo Tomás) is a Roman Catholic church in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. It remains a venerated holy site for people of both Catholic and Maya faiths and blends of the two. The stone stairs leading to the gleaming white Dominican church are reminiscent of those at ancient temple sites, and the steps have turned black from prayer sessions in which shamans waft copal incense and set purification fires. Inside, the church is adorned with offerings, everything from maize to liquor, and numerous candles, which have colors and patterns that correspond with those they've been lit for.More
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Explore Panajachel by interest

Top activities in Panajachel

Lake Atitlan Villages Tour on ATV

Lake Atitlan Villages Tour on ATV

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305
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$57.00
Kayak and Hike Adventure Tour from Panajachel in Guatemala

Kayak and Hike Adventure Tour from Panajachel in Guatemala

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39
From
$78.00
Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel

Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel

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7
From
$54.99
Shared shuttle - Panajachel to Guatemala City (airport)

Shared shuttle - Panajachel to Guatemala City (airport)

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21
From
$40.00
Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves

Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves

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27
From
$105.00
Indian Nose Peak and Lake Atitlan Sunrise Tour from Panajachel

Indian Nose Peak and Lake Atitlan Sunrise Tour from Panajachel

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10
From
$117.95
Bicycle Tour Around Lake Atitlan with Weaving Coops and Coffee Plantations

Bicycle Tour Around Lake Atitlan with Weaving Coops and Coffee Plantations

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7
From
$111.95
Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak and Extreme Zipline Adventure from Panajachel

Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak and Extreme Zipline Adventure from Panajachel

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3
From
$119.00
Lake Atitlan Lower Mayan Trail Hiking Tour from Panajachel

Lake Atitlan Lower Mayan Trail Hiking Tour from Panajachel

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11
From
$51.29
One Day Hike - Atitlán Volcano

One Day Hike - Atitlán Volcano

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9
From
$80.00
Boat tour in Mayan villages

Boat tour in Mayan villages

From
$85.00
Lake Atitlan - Coffee Tour

Lake Atitlan - Coffee Tour

From
$61.54
Beading Class and tour a Non-profit vocational training center a Fun cultural sharing experience

Beading Class and tour a Non-profit vocational training center a Fun cultural sharing experience

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$28.00
Iximche Mayan Ruin from Panajachel

Iximche Mayan Ruin from Panajachel

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9
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$87.95
Chichicastenango Market Day Tour from Panajachel

Chichicastenango Market Day Tour from Panajachel

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3
From
$82.99
Quetzaltenango and Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs from Panajachel

Quetzaltenango and Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs from Panajachel

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From
$134.50
Lake Atitlan: Santa Catarina and San Antonio Maya Tour from Panajachel

Lake Atitlan: Santa Catarina and San Antonio Maya Tour from Panajachel

From
$72.00
Multi activity In One Day

Multi activity In One Day

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From
$125.00
Get to know San Marcos, San Pablo, San Juan and San Pedro by bicycle

Get to know San Marcos, San Pablo, San Juan and San Pedro by bicycle

From
$66.67
Hike in pristine Forest, a view from above Atitlan

Hike in pristine Forest, a view from above Atitlan

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1
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$131.13
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All about Panajachel

When to visit

Panajachel is a year-round destination, but the best time to go is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. You'll enjoy pleasant weather with warm days and cool evenings, perfect for outdoor activities. If you prefer fewer crowds and lush landscapes, the rainy season from May to October can be a great time to explore the region, though hiking conditions may be affected.

Getting around

Getting around Panajachel is easy, as the town is compact and walkable. Tuk-tuks, small three-wheeled vehicles, are a popular and affordable mode of transportation. Be sure to confirm the price with your driver in advance. You can also rent motorcycles to explore the surrounding areas. For longer distances, frequent public boat services are available to visit nearby villages along the shores of Lake Atitlan (which is highly recommended), including Santa Cruz la Laguna, San Marcos, and San Pedro.

Traveler tips

The villages surrounding Lake Atitlan are the perfect place to discover Mayan culture in Guatemala. Bustling tiny towns like San Juan la Laguna are home to women’s weaving coops, coffee plantations, and traditional markets. Each location can be explored on organized tours from Panajachel, ensuring your cultural experience is respectful and authentic. Consider an overnight homestay or take a Mayan cooking class for a more immersive adventure.

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Tours
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Reviews
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People Also Ask

What are the top attractions in Panajachel?

Panajachel's top attractions include the Atitlan Nature Reserve, spectacular panoramic views from lookout points like Mirador de Calle and Mirador Ojo de Aguila, and the colorful Santander Street. The nearby Mayan villages of Santiago Atitlán and San Juan La Laguna are also popular destinations for visitors.

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What is there to do in Panajachel?

Situated on Lake Atitlan, Panajachel offers travelers a wealth of water activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, free diving, and swimming. The surrounding lush mountainous terrain makes it the perfect destination for hiking, ziplining, and mountain biking. Immersive cultural experiences, like touring nearby Mayan villages, are also popular.

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Is Panajachel safe for tourists?

Yes, Panajachel is generally safe for tourists. However, like any other travel destination, exercising common sense and taking precautions is important. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas, and keep an eye on your belongings. Get advice from locals or your accommodation on any areas to avoid.

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Is it OK to swim in Lake Atitlan?

Yes, swimming in Lake Atitlan is possible, and water temperatures are pleasant year-round. However, it's important to be cautious, as the lake can have pollution and heavy boat traffic in certain places. It's recommended to swim only in designated swimming areas that are within sight of businesses or hotels.

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How many days do you need in Lake Atitlan?

Three days is the perfect amount of time to visit Lake Atitlan. Spend one day enjoying the lake itself, the next day visiting nearby villages and experiencing local culture, and the final day exploring the surrounding terrain and nature. Basing yourself in Panajachel offers easy access to organized tours, rentals, and hiking trails.

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What should I wear in Panajachel on Lake Atitlan?

Hiking enthusiasts should have light pants, a short sleeve shirt, reliable outdoor shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. Shorts, tank tops, and dresses are all acceptable daily wear in Panajachel. Don’t forget your swimsuit, a light jacket for the evening and, if visiting in the wet season, a raincoat.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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What are the top things to do in Panajachel?
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