Fondly known by locals as simply ‘Pana’, the quiet Cakchiquel village of Panajachel has been popular with tourists since the 1960s. The town rests on the northern shore of the crystalline Lake Atitlan and it serves as the main transport hub for travellers eager to explore this spectacularly scenic natural area featuring three dramatic volcanoes. The main street hosts a range of hotels, restaurants, and shops as well as vendors selling a variety of handicrafts such as weaving products, wood carvings, and clothing. Popular activities include kayaking, bike tours, climbing volcanoes, bar-hopping, and visits to nearby villages. Don’t miss the nearby Atitlan Nature Reserve and butterfly sanctuary where you can catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, walk on hanging bridges towards the waterfall or the private beach, or whizz across the valley on eight zip lines offering incredible views of the lake and the volcanoes.