Location: Panajachel
Top Things to do in Panajachel
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The 10 Best Cultural Tours 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. 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. Chichicastenango & Lake Atitlan Day, from Guatemala City or Antigua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Chichicastenango is an indigenous Town in the Guatemalan Highlands where a kaleidoscope of colors takes place. You'll are able to interact with Local people, dressed the original Mayan gowns. Home to one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America, is not only Guatemala’s biggest and best market, but also its most historic. This little town has been a main trading center since before the conquistadors arrived in the Americas. Afterwards imagine an immense lake, sparkling in the sunlight, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes covered with blooming wildflowers and lots of Mayan Culture...That’s exactly where we'll take you to discover the lake’s secret magic.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver and Tour Guide., Lunch
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By yurykravchuk
Impeccable service, everything was organized at the highest level. Thank you for a wonderful trip to Guatemala.
3. 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.
4. 8-Day Best of Guatemala Tour: Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlan and Tikal Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 12 reviews
Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s fascinating history and beautiful scenery on this 8-day tour. See some of Guatemala’s best-known destinations as you take a city sightseeing tour around Antigua, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Atitlan, visit the Mayan ruins of Yaxha and Tikal, hike up Pacaya Volcano and more. This all-inclusive tour includes transportation and overnight accommodation, making it a convenient way to get the most out of your trip to Guatemala!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private boat tour, Transport between sites, Professional English-speaking guide, 7 nights of accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch), Small group tour of 15 pax maximum
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By roxyosuna
This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service
5. IXIMCHE MAYAN RUINS TOUR from La Antigua
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 3 reviews
Leave your Hotel in Antigua to visit a Pre- Columbian Mesoamerican archaeological site on a ride of 1 hour and a half towards the western highlands of Guatemala. Iximche was the capital of the late Post classic Kaqchikel Maya Kingdom from 1470 until its temples, palaces and two Mesoamerican ball courts, be amazed watching one of the best restored archaeological sites of Guatemala and the whole mayan world in general.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver, Licensed Bilingual Guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, All Fees and Taxes, WiFi
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, T.I.P.S
Reviewed By 61tiar
Erwin was an absolutely fantastic tour guide! He is extremely knowledgeable and definitely has a passion for his city! He even recommended and joined us for an extremely delicious, traditional Guatemalan meal. We not only had a blast on our tour, but also gained a life long friend. I highly recommend taking a tour with Erwin.
6. Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Guatemala City
Overall Ratings
4.2 based on 5 reviews
Take a day trip from Guatemala City to the towns of Panajachel and Chichicastenango. In Chichiscastenango, discover the star attraction, the local open-air market, where you can browse handmade goods like wood products and ceramics. You’ll see the historical Iglesia de Santo Tomas (Church of Santo Tomas) and the Calvary Church, also located in Chichiscastenango’s central plaza. Next, you’ll visit the small, lakeside town of Panajachel, where you can follow your guide along Santander Street, the town’s main street, and enjoy fabulous views Lago de Atitlán (Atitlan Lake).
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By roxyosuna
This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service
7. Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua
Overall Ratings
4.1 based on 14 reviews
Visit the towns of Panajachel and Chichicastenango on this day trip from Antigua. In Chichiscastenango, discover its main attraction, the local open-air market, where you can browse wood products, ceramics and more. You’ll also see the Iglesia de Santo Tomas (Church of Santo Tomas) and the Calvary Church, located in the main plaza. Then, head to the town of Panajachel, where you'll stroll with your guide along Santander Street, the town’s street, and admire spectacular views Lago de Atitlán (Atitlan Lake).
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By roxyosuna
This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service
8. 10 Days - Guatemala Mayan Explorer
Enjoy a holiday for 10 days by an organized adventure trip in Guatemala get an great experience with Organized hotel, local tours, guides and transport, the live mayan cultures, ruins, and natures of Eternal spring.
Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, 9 nights accommodation, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Shared van and First Classic Public Bus
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
9. 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!
10. sunset tour
This tour starts in Panajachel where we pick up the people who are staying at the hotels in Panajachel and on the way to Santa Catarina. We also pick up at the Tzanjuyu dock. The tour starts in Panajachel where we will tour the museum of photographs, then we will go to the villages of Santa catarian to visit the colonial church, cultural center where we will learn the history of the town history of traditional costumes, then we will continue to santa catarina palopo to learn about the manufacture of ceramics, crafts made by people, view of the vegetable market, then If we find ourselves on a sunny day we will have the best sunsets of the lake with the fall of the sun on the volcanoes
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
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!
