Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Friday, April 18, 2014

Life in Guatemala A to Z: Panajachel

Panajachel, called Pana for short, is about 90 miles, or a three hour drive from Guatemala City. It is one of several towns on Guatemala's fabulous Lake Atitlan, in Guatemala's high country at an elevation of over 5000 ft. Population is about 15,000 and growing. The weather is gorgeous, never too hot or too cold, because of the elevation and the lake.

 People like to take off at the harbor and do a boat tour of Lake Atitlan, visiting other villages along the shore.
On the hills around Pana, you can see how the farmers grow their crops in terraced fields.

Pana is where we are now living, with no plans to move any time soon, God willing. Our family's hotel Casa Colonial is right off the main street, called Calle Santander, where tourists wander up and down to shop at the stalls selling traditional Guatemalan items and to eat at the local restaurants.

Casa Colonial Hotel, now open for guests. Come and enjoy Pana!

My husband taking a break from all the walking we do up and down the streets of Pana.



Not all streets of Pana are as busy as Calle Santander. Behind these walls are quiet gardens, homes and apartment dwellings. There's always somewhere interesting to walk along the cobblestone streets. I've walked all over and always felt safe.


It is especially nice to see a branch of our church just down the street from the hotel. It makes us feel right at home each Sunday when we attend services.

Panajachel is a wonderful place to visit, and to live!


14 comments:

  1. Looks so lovely! I love all the color on the streets & in the cafe where your hubby is sitting. Beautiful hotel too. What an adventure!

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  2. Wow, beautiful! One of my critique partners visits Guatemala every year (that's where she met her husband).

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  3. I. Want. To. Go. There. Now. Please!

    :-)

    Awww KarenG!! It's a lovely hotel and area!!

    Wishing you all a happy Easter! Take care
    x

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  4. So many colors! I love terraced farms. So resourceful.

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  5. Looks like paradise on Earth! Thanks so much for the pictures.

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  6. Pana looks like a beautiful place.
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - A to Z Ghosts
    Fantasy Boys XXX - A to Z Drabblerotic

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  7. I would gladly come stay at your family's hotel!

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  8. You've found a perfect spot, Karen. It's certainly beautiful.

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  9. Your hotel looks so welcoming and the town looks wonderful and full of colour

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  10. I love the look of your hotel. Everything looks so peaceful.

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  11. Hi Karen - I too would definitely like to come out at some stage - sounds positively idyllic ... I love the terraces - they've got them in Peru and similarly in southern China - makes you wonder re travel ...

    Pana - sounds just glorious - Happy Easter in your new home .. Hilary

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  12. My husband and I have always wanted to visit Guatemala and your posts have trully invited us to make the trip. Panajachel's pictures are just gorgeous!! Thank you for your postings!
    Sue
    http://www.door2lore.com/3/post/2014/04/quilts-lifes-memories.html

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Comments are welcome!