Panajachel, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#789
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Panajachel is a vibrant town located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes, known for its beautiful scenery and indigenous culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 11,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds around 15 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering faster options. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.75 GTQ. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Claro and Tigo, with prepaid options available at local stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services like Western Union and local banks such as Banco Industrial are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to Airbnb rentals with prices starting around $20 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Generally cash-based, but some places accept cards, especially in tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous short-term rentals, averaging $30-$50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Los Amigos is a popular budget choice with dorm beds starting at $10. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The lakeside area for scenic views and access to restaurants and shops. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the main street, Calle Santander, for accessibility to amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Panajachel offers reliable internet and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Loco has a great atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal gatherings at local bars and meetups at Selina or similar spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local Facebook groups and community boards for meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in nearby major cities, local taxis can be hired for reasonable rates. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is a common way to explore, rentals available from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Laguna is a short boat ride away from Panajachel. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca connects to Guatemala City and nearby regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United fly into La Aurora International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via CA-1 highway connecting to various regions in Guatemala. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Not applicable; buses are the main form of transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes, but local chicken buses provide low-cost options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles connect Panajachel to nearby towns like San Pedro and San Marcos. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Panajachel offers basic healthcare services, while hospitals in larger cities provide more comprehensive options. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Solar Yoga offers classes with beautiful lake views. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local community gyms available, with options for group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Isla offers wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is available for food delivery in Panajachel. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian – a traditional Guatemalan stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe La Isla has a variety of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Joyoyo Cafe offers delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets around Calle Santander for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Panajachel with additional fees. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Sunset bar and local live music venues along Calle Santander. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Central offers local Guatemalan beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café Loco has a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the market serving tacos and pupusas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Hotel y Restaurante Madera serve a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | San Francisco Church and the waterfront for stunning views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Mayan sites nearby, art galleries featuring local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Chuericapan Archaeological Site nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Various churches, including Church of St. Frances of Assisi. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of the Virgin of Peace celebrated in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The local market and artisan shops represent vibrant local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances at local cultural centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The main market features traditional handicrafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the town, depicting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on traditional Guatemalan recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de arte del Lago showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old town area retains colonial charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich indigenous heritage reflected in local customs and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hiking trails around Lake Atitlán, including to Indian Nose for sunrise views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Volcanes National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the lakeshore are popular for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various viewpoints along the lake offer breathtaking shots of surrounding volcanoes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | San Pedro Volcano area is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the lakeside for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services such as G4S for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Panajachel Electronics Repair offers device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools like Sol Latino offer classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community library available for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Desarrollo Comunal promotes cultural and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | eSports venues are rare; casual gaming can be found in local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Panajachel; gaming is primarily limited to local bars. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for businesses based in Guatemala. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are taxed on their Guatemalan income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, some regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes apply based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard property transfer tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Less rigid tax requirements may appeal to digital nomads, especially with lower living costs. |