What to do in Panajachel

Activities, attractions and tours

Panajachel which includes a lake or waterhole, boating and a bay or harbour
Panajachel which includes a lake or waterhole, boating and a bay or harbour
Panajachel which includes a bay or harbour, boating and a lake or waterhole
Panajachel featuring interior views
Panajachel featuring street scenes and signage

Panajachel Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Panajachel has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Panajachel is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Panajachel to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Panajachel Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Panajachel.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Panajachel attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Top places to visit

1. Lake Atitlán

Visit the Lake Atitlán area to explore indigenous villages, trek through volcanic highlands and dive, kayak or swim in Central America’s deepest lake.
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Lake Atitlan which includes a lake or waterhole, landscape views and boating

2. Panajachel Municipal Market

Spend an afternoon experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of Panajachel Municipal Market. Chat with friendly stall owners and purchase typical Guatemalan wares and made-for-tourist souvenirs. Mingle with a mix of locals and tourists as you wander between the market stalls.
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Panajachel Municipal Market featuring markets

3. Church of Saint Peter

The Church of St. Peter is San Pedro La Laguna’s principal place of worship for the town’s Catholic population. The building sits in an attractive park and its brilliant white façade is a stark contrast to the neighboring properties.
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Church of Saint Peter which includes a church or cathedral and a park

4. San Pedro Volcano

Enjoy a hike though lush scenery to the top of 9,908-feet (3,020-meter) tall San Pedro Volcano. This inactive volcano rises up over San Pedro La Laguna, a town on the western bank of Lake Atitlán. Admire the breathtaking views of the lake’s glistening water, encompassing mountains and waterfront villages.
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San Pedro Volcano showing general coastal views and a sunset as well as a small group of people

5. Atitlan Volcano

Atitlán Volcano (Volcán de Atitlán) is an 11,598-foot-tall (3,535-meter) volcano that rises above the southern shores of Lake Atitlán. Marvel at the colossal beauty of Atitlán Volcano from lakeside towns and boats crossing the lake. Climb to the volcano’s summit for magnificent views of the Guatemalan highlands. Camp overnight and wake up to a memorable sunrise.
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Atitlan Volcano which includes general coastal views, mountains and a sunset

6. Church of Saint Francis

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a survivor. The 16th-century Catholic building has made it through the centuries despite several earthquakes that have rocked the area. Although patched up and reconstructed on numerous occasions, parts of the original structure remain to this day. Devote at least an hour to surveying the thick stone façade and the works of art that decorate the interior.
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Church of Saint Francis showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements

7. Azul Maya Archaeological Museum

The Azul Maya Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico Azul Maya) is a small gallery that showcases original objects discovered across all of Guatemala’s Mayan regions. The museum’s founder established the exhibition after gathering artifacts while traveling extensively through the country. Azul Maya Archaeological Museum forms part of a family-run hotel. Relax in the courtyard and garden before or after touring the collections.
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Lake Atitlan featuring a garden

Recommended things to do in Panajachel

Number of things to do
93
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Beading Class and tour a Non-profit vocational training centre a Fun cultur...: CA $39
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Panajachel

Discover the most popular places to visit in Panajachel

Panajachel Municipal Market showing markets as well as a small group of people

Panajachel Municipal Market

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Experience some of Guatemala’s indigenous traditions as you browse the stalls of this colorful market and shop for handcrafted souvenirs and fresh produce.

Panajachel Municipal Market
Church of Saint Francis showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Church of Saint Francis

5/5(2 reviews)

Admire the art and architecture of the old Catholic church in Panajachel that is dedicated to the town’s patron saint.

Church of Saint Francis
Lake Atitlan featuring a garden

Azul Maya Archaeological Museum

Browse a private collection of Maya artifacts, such as jewelry and pottery, amassed by a local man during his travels throughout Guatemala.

Azul Maya Archaeological Museum

Casa Cakchiquel Arts Center

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Casa Cakchiquel Arts Center in Panajachel. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Casa Cakchiquel Arts Center

La Galeria

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at La Galeria during your trip to Panajachel. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

La Galeria

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Panajachel

The street in Santa Catarina that leads to the boat dock is incredible. Lined with vendors and locals, it’s makes everything feel so peaceful. #culture #guatemala #travel

Santa Catarina Palopo

Frequently asked questions

Is Panajachel worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are many great things to do in Panajachel. Make sure to discover the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Panajachel?
San Jorge Lookout and Casa Cakchiquel Arts Centre are two excellent places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Panajachel while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Panajachel?
The top tourist attraction in Panajachel is San Jorge Lookout, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Panajachel?
Three days in Panajachel is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. San Jorge Lookout, Church of Saint Francis and Santa Catarina Palopo Church are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Antigua Guatemala.
What are some activities to do in Panajachel with kids?
Planning what to do in Panajachel with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Panajachel for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Panajachel, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Los Elementos Day Spa or Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó.
Are there free things to do in Panajachel?
In Panajachel, San Jorge Lookout is a popular spot for anyone planning to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Panajachel.

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