At the end of a long journey from Lanquín after breakfast through San Pedro Carchá to Cobán, then through San Francisco to Chicamán where we stopped for lunch, followed by Uspantán, Cunén, Sacapulas, San Pablo Jocopilas, Santa Cruz, Chichicastenango, Los Encuentros and Sololá, we reached the village of Panajachel (Pana in short) at night. The volcanic lake Atitlán, seen above, greeted us in the next morning.

"Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlan is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing." - Aldous Huxley, Beyond the Mexique Bay (1934).







Panajachel is a convenient jump-off point to explore the various charming Mayan villages around the lake, such as Santa Catalina Palopó, San Pedro, San Juan, Santiago de Atitlán. An early morning walk to the piers, savoring the slight nip in the air, leads to a motley bunch of touts selling boat tickets, along with freshly squeezed lemon juice.



While Santiago Atitlán is known for its scenic views of the volcano and Mayan laundry sites, San Juan is a laid-back shopping hub, with memorable chocolate and coffee experiences.

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