Panajachel, Guatemala 🇬🇹
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | A popular town located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, known for its stunning views and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 11,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed around 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.75 GTQ. ATMs available, but advisable to have cash on hand. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz. Sockets Type A and B. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Tigo and Claro are the major mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and Wise widely accepted for mobile banking; local banks for cash withdrawal. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options from hostels to boutique hotels; Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in many local shops and markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Explore Airbnb and local rental agencies for flexible options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal del Lago offers beds starting around $12 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lake Atitlan Coworking offers good facilities and views. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kitsch; reliable wifi and numerous power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Community meet-ups held at the Lake Atitlan International School periodically. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for events in local Facebook groups and expat meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber not available; local tuk-tuks and taxi services are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available at various shops along the lakefront. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | San Marcos La Laguna, with scenic beach access and about 30 minutes by boat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers regional flights from Guatemala City. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and United Airlines fly to La Aurora International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | CA-1 connects Panajachel to major cities like Guatemala City and Antigua. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; bus services are the primary means of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; local buses run regularly for short distances. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles to nearby towns like San Pedro and San Marcos frequently available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centro de Salud Panajachel for basic healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga at Casa del Mundo and retreats available in various locations. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels offer small gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at many local hostels and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Pronto for food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan stew; try it at Restaurante El Patio. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Coffee and chocolate shops like Cafe Kitsch offer some vegetarian friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Kitsch for pastries and coffee, known for delicious desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, especially the one near the central park, are excellent for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon works here; limited selection, mainly shipping from the US. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery shops do not offer delivery but some restaurants may. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Sirena and Crossroads cafes are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveceria La Antigua offers local brews and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca offers a selection of wines along with tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Variety available near the central market; try the street tacos. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bistro de Paris for French and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the stunning views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Cojolya showcases Mayan textiles and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Church of San Francisco is a notable religious site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Various local churches reflect the unique culture, including the Catholic Church in Panajachel. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Panajachel Fiesta held in early February is a highlight with parades and cultural displays. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the local market for cultural immersion and artisan crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performance venues host cultural shows and presentations. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Panajachel Market offers handicrafts, textiles, and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars and restaurants in the evenings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals and local art around town, especially in the market area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes offered by local chefs, focusing on traditional Guatemalan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artisan shops and galleries showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial architecture is prevalent, especially in church designs. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Strong Mayan influences manifest in cultural practices and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the nearby volcanic landscapes and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Volcanes National Park offers stunning hikes and views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Enjoy walks along the lakeshore and surrounding trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador San Jorge provides breathtaking panoramas of the lake and volcanoes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit areas around Lake Atitlán for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires allowed in designated areas near the lake. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers available for shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; a few local shops can assist with phone repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hostels offer table tennis for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in town offer Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes provide quiet spots for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community events held at the municipal building. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but some cafes have indoor games available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are not prevalent; minimal gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² for central studio apartments. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² for suburban studio apartments. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² for central 1-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² for suburban 1-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² for central 2-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² for suburban 2-bedroom apartments. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for foreign dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive system based on income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable under specific conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Average of 3% during property purchases. |