Location: Panajachel
Top Things to do in Panajachel
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10 Private Tours in Panajachel That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Iximche Mayan Ruin from Panajachel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Visit the closest Mayan ruin to Lake Atitlan. These well preserved ruins include pyramid-temples, ball-courts, royal palaces, museum, and interpretive signs explaining the history of the site. Built over 1000 years ago, this site is worth exploring. Mayan rituals are still performed at this site. Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization, the 5000 year old Mayan calendar, astrological observations, and how the modern day Mayan views their culture.
Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned minivan, coach, or SUV, Round-trip private/shared transportation (depending on tour option), Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Driver/guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Destination319352
We are very happy that we were referred to Lee at Los Elementos Adventure Center by our AirBnb host. From the very beginning (even when our trip had to be postponed for a year due to the pandemic), Lee was very responsive, kind and helpful. We ended up spending a day trip going from Panajachel to the Solola market. We also took a short hike and had a picnic in the forest. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and are really thankful that we got to experience the culture and beauty of this area on Market day. What really made this excursion extra memorable and fun was the fantastic guide that we had, a young man by the name of Marce! He was the perfect guide for our family, so adventurous, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to provide a unique day for us. It is such a treat when guides are flexible and open to whatever adventures may present themselves. We would definitely go with Los Elementos again and highly recommend Lee's personalized services and wonderful guides!
2. Private Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
You will explore Lake Atitlan with local people in a fun way who will be happy to share their lifestyle and traditions. The tour is private and flexible according to your tastes and preferences. The trip to the lake lasts 3 hours each way, upon arrival you will take a shared boat to explore the villages around the lake.
Inclusions: Shared boat transfers, Tuc Tuc rides, Admission fees , Private transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Breakfast
Reviewed By Ghoza
A surprising great day thanks to our tour guide, Gustavo. He was very knowledgeable of Guatemala’s history and flexible with itinerary. He took us to a great spot with local cuisine for lunch. Highly recommend.
3. Indian Nose Hiking Adventure (custom and private tour)
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 7 reviews
Hiking tours at Lake Atitlan don’t get much better than climbing the Indian Nose on the Northwest shore of Lake Atitlan. Also called Rupalaj K’istalin, this 2,200m mountain presents one of the most rewarding climbs of Lake Atitlan. In addition to the view of the lake and the volcanoes, you will witness superb views of the villages of San Juan and San Pedro la Laguna. We will pick you up at your hotel in San Pedro la Laguna at 4:00am and then hit the road to Santa Clara la Laguna. From there we will begin the hike. The ascension is around 30 minutes to reach the top of the Indian Nose mountain and admire the Sunrise.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (Only hotels in San Pedro L.L)
Exclusions: Drinks, Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By 309kattieh
Okay FIRST OF ALL, Salvador is the best guide we’ve had out of four trips here. The hike was either incredibly hard or we were very out of shape ???? but he worked with us to still have an amazing time. We ended up also birdwatching and found many Quetzales. It was a beautiful time. He’s super knowledgeable, very kind, speaks English/Spanish, and even will offer you a raincoat if you tell him ahead of time! :) I would recommend this hike if you’re a cross fitter or really in to long hikes, but if recommended Salvador taking you anywhere whether you are traveling alone as a female, or this is your first time in Guatemala, or you’re in a family with kids, or a business trip, or literally whatever- he’s the guy!! We felt safe and taken care of the entire day. We can’t wait to come back and see more with him next year and the years to come.
4. Panajachel / Lake Atitlan
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy this beautiful town on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Visit a small coffee plantation, learn how the textiles of Guatemala are done, chocolate is made and also visit the most talented people and enjoy their paintings. A day of full experiences, culture and more...
Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities, Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By theresa59
I have used Helmuth and his team several times for trips from the airport as well as tours in and around Antigua. Whie he may be a bit more expensive than some others, it is worth it. The drivers are on time and the rides are always comfortable and safe. his tour guides are knowledgeable and always speak English as well as Spanish. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Helmuth for any of your travel plans in and around Antigua and other parts of Guatemala.
5. Multi activity In One Day
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
It is for people who like to do adventure tours in this tour you will have the opportunity to do different types of activities in one day. We will start in the morning in Panajachel where we will take a private boat to take us to the village of jaibalito from there we will start the hike for two hours approximately until we arrive at the town of tzununa after we go by bicycle passing through the villages of San Marcos, San Pablo, San Juan and San Pedro, in San Pedro we will leave the bicycle and to finish our tour we will have a more relaxing adventure in the lake, kayaking over the lake for an hour. This tour requires a minimum of two people
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, 1 hora de kayak, Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By jenniferhQ9189XD
We booked a coffee and culture tour of San Juan during our honeymoon at Lake Atitlan. We really enjoyed this experience getting a closer look at the Guatemalan culture and way of life of the local people. We toured San Juan and got to see the process behind chocolate, textiles, coffee, bees, and herbal medicine. The trip was entertaining and educational! Our guide was excellent and patient with us as the trip went a little longer than planned. We would definitely recommend this tour!
6. Iximche Archaeological Site from Guatemala City/ Antigua Guatemala
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the ancient Kaqchikel Real at Iximche, a Maya city conquered by the Spaniards. Travel outside Guatemala City via the Inter-American Highway to Guatemala's first capital for a guided tour of the archaeological site. Round-trip transfer are provided.
Inclusions: Driver and guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottle with water
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Lunch
7. Lake Atitlan villages and boat tour - Private Day Trip from Antigua
A full-day private trip from Antigua. Enjoy the beautiful views of the volcanoes around Lake Atitlan both from the water and the lakeshore. Together with your bilingual guide, you take a private boat trip on the lake, with stops at the villages of San Juan and Santiago. Learn about traditional weaving, walk through picturesque villages, ask your dedicated guide all you want to know about local culture, and enjoy the beauty and serenity of Lake Atitlan. Private return transportation from Antigua is included.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private transportation, Private boat on Lake Atitlan
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By IreneKlymenko
The hike itself was extremely difficult. I would not recommend this activity unless you are very fit. The view from the summit was incredible and rewarding and the tour guide was very helpful. I am glad it was a private tour meaning we could climb at our own pace.
8. Private Hal-Day Tour in Mayan City IXIMCHE
Iximche is a fascinating place. This was one of the main Mayan cities visited by the Spaniards in 1524, declared the first capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. Visitors will be able to see the old pyramids built by the Maya, and some of the most active Ceremonial Altars where contemporary Maya use it to perform Ancient rituals and burn offerings to their supernatural ancestors.
Inclusions: Iximche National Park fees, Bottled water, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Certified Tour Guide, Lunch
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By farmerjohn1324
Everything was great. Ruben was a great and informative guide. Couldn't ask for more. Definitely worth it!
9. Private boat tour to San Juan and Santiago
This is a community tour that starts from Panajachel we will take a private boat that will take us to the first town where you will meet women weavers that the guide will explain the whole process from cotton to clothing using natural plants to obtain different natural colors, then the guide will take you to a chocolate factory where you will be able to taste and see the elaboration of various products made from cocoa to chocolate and to continue learning with the local people you will visit a group of women who work with plants to treat different types of diseases Also on the tour you visit the vegetable market, colonial churches, parks among others. This tour is conducted by people from the community who speak Spanish, English and Mayan
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By jenniferhQ9189XD
We booked a coffee and culture tour of San Juan during our honeymoon at Lake Atitlan. We really enjoyed this experience getting a closer look at the Guatemalan culture and way of life of the local people. We toured San Juan and got to see the process behind chocolate, textiles, coffee, bees, and herbal medicine. The trip was entertaining and educational! Our guide was excellent and patient with us as the trip went a little longer than planned. We would definitely recommend this tour!
10. Quetzal tour on lake atitlan
This bird watching tour takes place in Santiago Atitlan if you are in Panajachel you can send us your hotel one of our specialized guide will go for you and will take you by boat to Santiago where we will take a track that will take us at the entrance of the reserve. The rey Tepepul trail is located in the mountains that connects the Pacific of Guatemala, the type of forest is cloudy and you walk for about 3 kilometers that will take about 3 hours approximately it is recommended to have a good condition. Also a place that connects with nature. There are river, mostly time of the year is humid. olso you can see local people warking in farm. the birds that we can find we have resplendet quetzal, azure-rumped tanager, norhern emerald tucanet, crested guan, black thrush, brown backed solitare and more. this tour requires a minimum of two people.
Inclusions: Equipo de binoculares
Exclusions: Breakfast
Reviewed By jenniferhQ9189XD
We booked a coffee and culture tour of San Juan during our honeymoon at Lake Atitlan. We really enjoyed this experience getting a closer look at the Guatemalan culture and way of life of the local people. We toured San Juan and got to see the process behind chocolate, textiles, coffee, bees, and herbal medicine. The trip was entertaining and educational! Our guide was excellent and patient with us as the trip went a little longer than planned. We would definitely recommend this tour!
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