Atitlan by Villas Balam Ya
Food scene
One of our favorites places in town, La Deli is a staple of delicious homemade food in Panajachel. Located walking down the Santander, this restaurant has an assortment of colorful tables surrounded by flowers and hummingbirds.
Everything is good- but some personal favorites include the black bean burrito with mexican potatoes, avocado and cheese sandwich and their cheeseburger. Do not miss their big and fresh juices and smoothies!
22 Einheimische empfehlen
Deli Jasmin
Calle SantanderOne of our favorites places in town, La Deli is a staple of delicious homemade food in Panajachel. Located walking down the Santander, this restaurant has an assortment of colorful tables surrounded by flowers and hummingbirds.
Everything is good- but some personal favorites include the black bean burrito with mexican potatoes, avocado and cheese sandwich and their cheeseburger. Do not miss their big and fresh juices and smoothies!
Really nice Japanese food located in Calle Santander. Our guests love this spot for lunch, especially if they are looking for fresh vegetarian options in town.
They also deliver to villas, and have 2x1 sushi on Thursdays! A great option to order in for lunch or dinner.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Restaurante Hana
3-41B Calle SantanderReally nice Japanese food located in Calle Santander. Our guests love this spot for lunch, especially if they are looking for fresh vegetarian options in town.
They also deliver to villas, and have 2x1 sushi on Thursdays! A great option to order in for lunch or dinner.
This new place in town is one not to miss. Located on Calle Santander as well, this small new place has a great vibe! Plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options as well, their mango lassi is one of the best drinks we have had! It is small and can get quite busy, so we recommend going in earlier.
They also deliver to the villas for an additional fee, so do not worry if you are not able to catch it in town!
Delhi 6
Calle SantanderThis new place in town is one not to miss. Located on Calle Santander as well, this small new place has a great vibe! Plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options as well, their mango lassi is one of the best drinks we have had! It is small and can get quite busy, so we recommend going in earlier.
They also deliver to the villas for an additional fee, so do not worry if you are not able to catch it in town!
City/town information
Santa Catarina Palopo is the closest town to the villas, about a 20-25 min walk along the scenic road. This small town has been colorfully painted and makes the whole view look like a living mural. Some highlights include the cultural center, the church, and the docks. A nice place to spend a day exploring, having some food and learning more about artisanal practices in Lake Atitlan.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Santa Catarina Palopó
Santa Catarina Palopo is the closest town to the villas, about a 20-25 min walk along the scenic road. This small town has been colorfully painted and makes the whole view look like a living mural. Some highlights include the cultural center, the church, and the docks. A nice place to spend a day exploring, having some food and learning more about artisanal practices in Lake Atitlan.
The main town in Lake Atitlan, Panajachel is the first town you will encounter when you drive in, Panajachel is one of the busiest towns in the lake. Its main street, Calle Santander, is full of small shops, restaurants, bars, street vendors, and more.
This is a great place to buy any essential items, go grocery shopping, and even change some money.
In Panajachel there is also a public dock from which boats depart to different towns around the lake every day. If you are departing on a public shuttle/bus to other parts of Guatemala it would most likely be from Panajachel.
73 Einheimische empfehlen
Panajachel
The main town in Lake Atitlan, Panajachel is the first town you will encounter when you drive in, Panajachel is one of the busiest towns in the lake. Its main street, Calle Santander, is full of small shops, restaurants, bars, street vendors, and more.
This is a great place to buy any essential items, go grocery shopping, and even change some money.
In Panajachel there is also a public dock from which boats depart to different towns around the lake every day. If you are departing on a public shuttle/bus to other parts of Guatemala it would most likely be from Panajachel.
Tipps für Reisende
Nicht verpassen
La Reserva Natural
Highly recommended by all staff, just outside of Panajachel there is a beautiful nature reserve, with a butterfly sanctuary, waterfalls, monkeys, ziplining and more. Lots of fun for a family day!
Was einpacken?
Rainy Season in Guatemala (June-Oct)
During these months we highly recommend packing a good rain jacket/poncho as it can rain quite a bit.
If you have any waterproof shoes we would recommend that as well as you will be doing quite a bit of walking around.
Verkehrsmittel
Getting around - Tuktuks!
You will hear these tiny taxis zooming around Panajachel when you first drive into Lake Atitlan. With over 100 in Panajachel alone, tuktuks is one of the most affordable and easily available form of transportation around the lake. It is certainly an experience, and if you are travelling with kids they will love it!
Costs range from Q20-Q35 around us depending on where you are going. We are happy to call you one to pick you up at the villas to take you into town, just let us know!
Was einpacken?
Money Exchange - Bring some cash with you!
Guatemala, and especially smaller towns, have a high reliance on cash. While there are a couple of towns and two ATM machines in Panajachel, we do recommend changing some money before you get here to have some on hand.
Tuktuks, boat drivers, street vendors will only take cash, so it is always a good idea to carry around quetzales.