Location: Panajachel
Top Things to do in Panajachel
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What to do and see in Panajachel, Western Highlands: The Best Sightseeing Tours
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. Lake Atitlán Sightseeing Cruise with Transport from Antigua
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 27 reviews
Enjoy a day out on one of Guatemala's most beautiful lakes on this sightseeing cruise with transport from Antigua. This exciting full-day tour takes you to Lago de Atitlán (Lake Atitlan), a large lake with three volcanoes on its southern shore. Starting in the town of Panajachel, cruise across the lake and enjoy its fantastic scenery as you make your way to the Tzutujil village of Santiago de Atitlán. Then head back to Panajachel, where you’ll have time in town to browse the local handicraft stands, shops and restaurants on Santander Street.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Boat sightseeing cruise
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
6. Lake Atitlán Sightseeing Cruise with Transport from Guatemala City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Spend a day on Lago de Atitlán (Lake Atitlan), one of Guatemala's most beautiful lakes, on this sightseeing cruise with transportation from Guatemala City. This relaxing 8-hour excursion allows you to experience the exceptional beauty of Lago de Atitlán, a large lake with three volcanos on its southern shore. Starting in the town of Panajachel, cruise across the lake and admire its stunning scenery as you travel across the lake to the Tzutujil village of Santiago de Atitlán. Then return to Panajachel, where you’ll have time in town to browse Santander Street’s handicraft stalls, shops and restaurants.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Boat sightseeing tour
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. Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 7 reviews
Experience Guatemala’s mixture of Spanish and Mayan influences on this full-day tour of Iximché and Antigua. Learn about Mayan history from your knowledgeable guide as you explore the archeological site of Iximché. Then, head to the Spanish colonial city of Antigua to visit some of its most famous sites, including San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and Plaza Central. This day tour is perfect for the whole family!
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
8. Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 16 reviews
See Guatemala’s mixture of Mayan and Spanish influences on this 8-hour tour from Guatemala City to the Iximché ruins and the city of Antigua. Learn about Mayan history from your expert guide as you explore the archeological site of Iximché. Then, move on to the Spanish colonial city of Antigua, where you’ll see some of its most famous sites, including San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and Plaza Central. This historical day trip is perfect for the whole family!
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
9. 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!
10. 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
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