"Panajachel on Lago de Atitlan" Top 5 Page for this destination Panajachel by Ken_Weaver

Panajachel Travel Guide: 132 reviews and 288 photos

Photo Credit: My good friend, Nancy Allen

Vendedoritas Ambulantes

Panajachel, located in the Guatemala Highlands provides a spectacular place to view as Aldous Huxley claimed "Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world." Around the lake are three 10,000ft. volcanos-Toliman, Atitlan, and San Pedro. From Pana you can take boats to indigenous villages around the lake including Santiago Atitlan, Santa Cararina Palopo, and San Antonio Palopo, all famous for its beautiful textiles weaving.

During the time of the Conquistadors, there were many battles along the shores of the lake with Cakquiquels as allies to the Spanish defeating the Tzutuhils. Descendents of these two groups still live along the lake shores and have conserved their traditional lifestyle, language, customs and dress.

I encountered these two young ladies one day and was obliged to buy from them. My friend, Nancy, captured this wonderful photo at that time. To learn more about the area take a look at my <a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/2ea16/">Pana on the Lake, Shops, Flowers, and Volcanoes </a> Travelogue.

Storm Clearing over Lago de Atitlan

Lago de Atitlan gives the photographer a varieties of opportunities. The lake can be placid and absolutely still one moment and then be tossed into a frothy frenzy by the "Xocomil" the wind out of southeast.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great Place to Relax and Enjoy the Color of Guatemala
In a nutshell:One Place in Central America to Which I will definitely Return

Last visit to Panajachel: Aug 1999
Intro Updated Apr 22, 2003
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Reviews (16)

German Art Shop Things to Do (7)

We discovered this wonderful art shop about a block off of the main drag. It is run by a German national and is not a... more travel advice

Bogus Entrance Fee Warnings and Dangers (2)

As we arrived at Panajachel, we encountered a policeman standing in the middle of the road. He waved us over. He said... more travel advice

Pair Pana Parrots Things to Do (7)

Not only are the gardens beautiful but don't be suprised as you round a corner and find tropical birds on a branch. more travel advice

Beware of the "Xocomil" Warnings and Dangers (2)

The local indigenous people call the storms "Xocomil." The winds come up without warning tossing the normally placid... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Located right in middle of Panajachel
Restaurants (1)
Wonderful Food at Reasonable Prices
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Comments (22)

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andal13 May 11, 2003 at 4:19 PM

Beautiful lake, volcanoes, flowers and butterflies... But probably the most beautiful of all are the people, aren't they?
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tessy May 1, 2003 at 1:55 PM

The frontpage pic ist great! Beautiful pics of the gardens! Like these little stores where to buy textiles!
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jessicadf Apr 25, 2003 at 8:45 PM

What a gorgeous spot in the world.
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acemj Apr 23, 2003 at 5:25 PM

Xocomil is dangerous, but it sure makes a pretty sky. Great page, Ken.
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Annapet Apr 23, 2003 at 12:42 PM

A Brave New World!
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syllybabe Apr 23, 2003 at 12:23 AM

I'm sold!...to the Hotel Atitlan and its beautiful gardens and butterflies. Main pic...lovely!
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zrim Mar 9, 2003 at 2:10 PM

Quite a lake. Impressive volcanos. And the people look quite friendly. I've been noticing more travel ads re Guatemala in the travel magazines--I might have to take them up on the idea.
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lenoreva Mar 5, 2003 at 9:25 AM

those looks like the little girls who put a curse on us when we were there!
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d_d Feb 22, 2003 at 10:47 AM

Wonderful pics! your tip 'Don't trust the water...' is really great! :-)
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croisbeauty Feb 18, 2003 at 3:06 AM

very cute opening picture, one of the best I have seen on VT, congratulations