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Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Panajachel, on Lake Atitlan is the jewel of the highlands. Nestled beside Lake Atitlan, in a volcanic archipelago, Panajachel is surrounded by astounding natural beauty. Lake Atitlan floats in the sky, a mile above sea level, relying on 3 majestic volcanoes to hold gravity at bay.
The word "atitlan" is a Mayan word that translates as "the place where the rainbow gets its colors". Panajachel is an 800 year old pueblo of about 14000, mostly Cachikel Mayans and some foreigners from every corner of the globe, living inside that rainbow.
In the highlands of Guatemala, especially around Lake Atitlan, the Mayan culture still rules. In Panajachel, it thrives. The spirit it invokes is the hidden gem of Guatemala, and makes this one of the most exotic destinations in the world.
The Mayans are known for being friendly, funny, welcoming of strangers, and shy. Living among them is an enchanting experience. There are about a dozen other villages scattered around Lake Atitlan. Some are Cachikel, some Tz'utujil. They speak different languages. The lake people were accustomed to dealing with people they can't talk to long before tourists ever showed up.
Panajachel
Panajachel has quite a few small hotels and pensions with 10 or 20 rooms and beautiful gardens, clean and comfortable, owned and operated by local mayan families, who are very good at easing your transition into the living mayan culture. They are a delight, and should not be missed.
You will find them, and everyone else in Panajachel, friendly and fun to be around. As you explore the area on and around the lake, with its incredibly beauty, the hospitable local folks will provide you with a lifetime of stories that your grandchildren will never believe.