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Panajachel or Pana

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Panajachel is in the Guatemalan highlands and provides incredible views to three volcanoes and the Lake Atitlan. The volcanoes, San Pedro, Toliman and Atitlan set an incredible stage for this town. Panajachel is also the gateway to exploring the three indigenous villages around Lake Atitlan. Santiago Atitlan, Santa Cararina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo are all famous for its women weavers and they clothing.

During the time the Spanish conquered Guatemala the shores of Lake Atitlan were the scenes of the great battle in which the Spanish and their Cakchiquel allies defeated the Tzutuhils. The Spanish set up a church and monastery in Panaachel soon afterward and used the town as a center for converting the Indians of the region to the Catholic faith. The original facade of the church still stands and is one of the gems of the colonial style in Guatemala.

Panajachel or Pana as many locals call it, is a town full of interesting sights, sounds and smells. The town has numerous hotels and many small quality restaurants and interesting nightspots. During the day you can visit the surrounding villages and enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcanoes that surround the lake or visit Panajachel's busy market street. Panajachel is one of the best places in Guatemala for visitors to shop for souvenirs.

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