Panajachel, Guatemala
Panajachel, Guatemala
Last updated on Jan 02, 2023
Summary: People describe Panajachel, Guatemala as a picturesque lakeside town with a vibrant culture and stunning views of Lake Atitlan. Expats love the laid-back atmosphere, the friendly locals, and the abundance of outdoor activities. The weather in Panajachel is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for an expat is estimated to be around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $400 to $600 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can cost up to $800 per month. The approximate population of Panajachel is around 25,000 people.
What do I need to know about living in Panajachel?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Panajachel, they said:
"Be prepared to live a different life style. Life is affordable, help is affordable. Slower pace," added another expat who made the move to Panajachel.
Expat Health Insurance in GuatemalaWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
What do I need to know before moving to Panajachel?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Panajachel, they said:
"I would advise someone moving to Panajachel, Guatemala to rent first, read the Facebook expats group, read expats' blogs, pack lightly, use a lawyer for any relation with locals and use a translator to understand what's going on when you sign a contract or deal with locals," added another expat in Panajachel.
How do I find a place to live in Panajachel?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"By accident.. renting a place and discovering the area. Arrived without knowing the area, first struck by the climate and then by the locals. I found my house by world of mouth," explained one expat living in Panajachel, Guatemala.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Panajachel?
"A vacation rental, because I arrived for vacation but then moved to a locally built house not specifically for expats. I would say that's what happens with others expats," explained one expat living in Panajachel, Guatemala.
What is the average cost of housing in Panajachel?
If you are thinking about moving to Panajachel, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The housing costs in Guatemala are much lower. You can get a 2 bedrooms houses for around $500 per month," commented one expat who made the move to Panajachel.
How do I meet people in Panajachel?
When we asked people living in Panajachel about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"There are group of people biking, playing pokers, theatre. Saturday mid day at the center of town big bbq where lots of expats goes. Lots of NGO offering volunteering plans," mentioned another expat in Panajachel.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What should I bring when moving to Panajachel?
People living in Panajachel were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:
"I wish I had brought a LED Flash light, portable water filtering device and portable solar phone charger when I moved to Guatemala. I wish I had left behind extra clothes, luggage and prejudices," remarked another expat who made the move to Panajachel.
What is life like in Panajachel?
When we asked people living in Panajachel what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"People are pretty much having a great time having a good life. Not too many expat with families," commented one expat who made the move to Panajachel.
Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest.
Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Panajachel accepting of differences?
"Locals are very welcoming, lots of businesses are run by expats but locals are slowly picking up. Very tolerant," added another expat who made the move to Panajachel.
Expat Health Insurance in GuatemalaWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
What are the pros and cons of living in Panajachel?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Panajachel responded:
"Well for starters, I love the people of Panajachel. I fell like I am home there. Life is not expensive. There is lots to do or you can do nothing at all. Lake Atitlan is THE most beautiful lake in the World. All the villages that surround the lake are totally different and fun to visit.. There are 22 different indigenous languages. Travel around the area is very cheap. A car is not necessary. The chicken busses and Tuktuks get you where you need to go on land and the public boats get you across the lake to any village you like for very little cost.( Pana to San Pedro 25 Q - $4. ) It is called the eternal Spring because it never gets over 75F or under 15F. The rain season is tollerable as most the rain comes at the afternoons. You are 2-3 hrs from the airport by shuttle. (aprox $25) Competition for that service allows you to negotiate a better deal. I have used the same service for 6 yrs and they have been very reliable . On time pickup and drop off. Just a note: When going to the city to catch a flight I always go a day before to avoid any delays that can happen between Pana and the airport. I stay a a little hotel where I am again like family and they drop me off for my flight at no cost. When I first started to go to Panajachel I did get annoyed at a few things I saw. After a while I had to realize that It was not my Country and I had to accept the way certain situations are. I would recommend you come to Pana and see for yourself. It may not be everyone's cup of tea. For those of us who live there it is Paradise," remarked another expat living in Panajachel.
Expat Health Insurance in GuatemalaWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
What type of social life can someone expect in Panajachel?
When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Panajachel, they replied:
"I am a musician and enjoy being able to play with locals .There are many places to enjoy a night out for very little money. Never feared for my safety. Like in most areas there are places you avoid," added one expat living in Panajachel.
"In Panajachel the family is important. I was so impressed with the locals and how they greet each other and Expats with the same smile and genuine joy to greet you. We adopted my daughter as a baby, from that area. She is Mayan decent. Learning about their past and their rituals has been a wonderful experience. I have now gained lifelong friends there, who have accepted me into their lives like family," commented one expat who moved to Panajachel.
What advice to expats in Panajachel have about housing?
"I own my place there. You can live in a very nice house for little money or rent for a small amount," remarked another expat living in Panajachel.
What are medical services in Panajachel like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Panajachel, they replied:
"For myself I bring enough of my meds from Canada to hold me over. Any other first aid or illness I have been able to get what is needed, either for me or my neighbours kids who may need meds or see a Doctor. As most Pharmacies are owned by Doctors ,it is convenient and easy to receive treatment," said an expat in Panajachel.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
