Panajachel, Guatemala

View of Lake Atitlán and the town of Panajachel in the highlands of Guatemala
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1_lake_atitlan_panorama_2009.jpg
Author: chensiyuan


Panajachel is a lake-side town in the Guatemalan Highlands. Situated 1,597 m (5,240 ft) above sea level, Panajachel has a population of 11,000 people (2011 estimate). The administrative center of the Sololá department, Panajachel enjoys a cool climate and scenic views, making it an attractive tourist town.

Panajachel is on the shore of Lake Atitlán. It was the site of a 16th century battle pitting the Spanish and their Kaqchikel allies against the resident Tzutujil tribe. After bringing down the resident population, the Spanish built the town of Panajachel and forced the locals to embrace the Roman Catholic faith.

The result of Spanish rule in Panajachel can be seen in its well-preserved architecture. The town became a hippie haven in the 1960s, but the Guatemalan Civil War of 1960-96 interrupted tourist flow into the area. Since then, tourism in Panajachel has rebounded, with the hippie generation of tourists replaced by backpackers and camera-carrying free independent travelers.

Boats on Lake Atitlán
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panajachel_lake_atitlan_2009r.JPG
Author: chensiyuan

Visiting Panajachel

As a free independent traveler, you can reach Panajachel by taking a chicken bus from Guatemala City. The journey takes a good part of a whole day, from 6:00 am in the early morning until 4:00 pm in the late afternoon.

Places of Interest in Panajachel

Tourist street in Panajachel, Guatemala
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panajachel_calle_santandar_guat.JPG
Author: chensiyuan

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