Altitude: 5,238 feet (1,573 mts). Population is somewhere around: 16,000
Panajachel, tucked into the Guatemalan highlands on the shores of Lake Atitlan, offers stunning views of three dramatic volcanoes: Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. The lakeside setting - often called one of the most beautiful in the world - frames vibrant indigenous villages such as Santiago Atitlan, Santa Catarina Palopo, San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, San Juan, San Lucas Toliman and San Antonio Palopo, all known for colorful woven textiles. History lovers can explore Panajachel's colonial past: during the Spanish conquest the lake shores were the site of a major battle, and the Spanish later established a church and monastery in town. The original church facade still stands and is a fine example of Guatemala's colonial architecture. Locals call the town "Pana." It's lively and welcoming, with a range of hotels, good restaurants and a friendly nightlife. Days are best spent visiting nearby villages, strolling the busy market street (Calle Santander) for souvenirs, or simply relaxing and taking in the volcano views across the lake - an ideal base for exploring Lake Atitlan.
During the period of the Spanish conquest of Guatemala, the shores of the lake were the scene of the great battle in which the Spanish and their Cakchiquel allies defeated the Tzutujils. The Spanish set up a church and monastery in Panajachel soon afterward, and used the town as a center for converting the Indians of the region to the Catholic faith. The original facade of the church stills stands, and is one of the gems of the colonial style in Guatemala.Panajachel, or Pana as it is called by many locals, is a town full of interesting sights, sounds, and smells. The town has numerous hotels and is full of quality restaurants and interesting nightspots. During the day you can visit the surrounding villages, enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcanoes that surround the lake or visit Panajachel's busy market street (Calle Santander). It is one of the best places in Guatemala to shop for souvenirs.
Map of Panajachel, Guatemala