Introduction to Panajachel

Lake Atitlán is surrounded by twelve different pueblos. Some of these are linked by tiny roads, but others can be reached only by "lancha" (small boats). While in Panajachel, Isabel visited nine and together we visited eight.

The lake is also surrounded by three volcanos: Atitlán; Tolimán; and San Pedro. There is a fourth "baby volcano", Cerro de Oro, which sits right in front of its larger parent, San Pedro. At least one of the volcanos is visible from each pueblo around the lake. Although often obscured by clouds, all of them can be seen from the lanchas while traveling from pueblo to pueblo.

Panajachel is the hub of activity and starting point for visits to other pueblos around the lake. There are two main docks from which lanchas leave and arrive throughout the day transporting passengers to and from the other pueblos. Tuk-tuks, small three-wheeled vehicles are the main mode of inexpensive transportation around Panajachel as well as to and within most of the other pueblos.

Panajachel is rich in Mayan culture which is still preserved today in the dress and personality of many of its residents. It is also full of restaurants and street venders with tourists, both Guatemalan and international, always moving through the cobblestone streets.

Many people in the area still dress in the traditional style. Women often carry all sorts of items balanced on their heads. They can move surprising quickly while doing so.

Tuk-tuks are the main form of transportation around the lake. See a forthcoming post for the brightly painted "chicken buses" which are the main form of transportation between different parts of the country.

Isabel with "friend" and with Lake Atitlán and one of the volcanoes as the backdrop.

One of the public lanchas coming into Panajachel to pick up passengers on a calm morning. Toward the end of the video, you can see the "baby volcano" Cerro de Oro.

View of the lake and the volcanoes from inside a lancha on the way from Panajachel to San Marcos.