Meet our friend, Andrea – she’s not just a local but also a certified yoga instructor. She’s inviting you to a soulful rendezvous with nature, yoga, and the lake we all adore. It’s called “Sup Yoga Day,” and it’s happening on September 23rd, from 8 AM to 9 AM.

Here’s the scoop:

• When: September 23rd, 8 AM – 9 AM
• Where: Tzanjuyu Bay, Lake Atitlan
• Cost: Just q350.

This is more than an event; it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with Lake Atitlan and yourself. Spaces are limited, and Andrea’s a popular figure, so act fast! Reach out to her on Instagram at @Anvicah to secure your spot.

Now, a bit about Andrea – she’s not just a yoga guru; she’s also a talented architect. Her love for aesthetics and nature makes her the perfect guide for this unique experience.

But here’s the exciting part: while “Sup Yoga Day” is a one-time event for now, Andrea is considering doing it again next month at the same time. So, definitely follow her on Instagram for updates on this and other unique yoga classes she may offer in the future. @Anvicah

So, if you’re ready to embrace the tranquility of the lake, elevate your yoga practice, and create memories to last a lifetime, join us on “Sup Yoga Day.” It’s a journey that’ll awaken your spirit and deepen your love for this enchanting place we call home. See you there! #LakeAtitlan #SupYogaDay

Español

¡Hola, amantes del Lago Atitlán y amantes del yoga!

Vamos a sumergirnos en algo realmente mágico. Imagina esto: una mañana serena en la Bahía de Tzanjuyu, en el Lago Atitlán. El agua está tranquila, el sol está saliendo y parece que todo el mundo se detiene solo para ti.

Ahora, imagínate en una tabla de paddleboard, deslizándote suavemente sobre esas aguas cristalinas. Es una experiencia que es pura poesía. Pero espera, porque vamos a agregar un giro hermoso.

Conozcan a nuestra amiga, Andrea. No solo es local, sino también una instructora de yoga certificada. Ella te invita a un encuentro profundo con la naturaleza, el yoga y el lago que todos adoramos. Se llama “Día de Sup Yoga” y ocurrirá el 23 de septiembre, de 8 a. m. a 9 a. m.

Aquí tienes la información:

Cuándo: 23 de septiembre, de 8 a. m. a 9 a. m. Dónde: Bahía de Tzanjuyu, Lago Atitlán Costo: Solo q350. Esto es más que un evento; es una oportunidad para conectarte profundamente con el Lago Atitlán y contigo mismo. Los espacios son limitados y Andrea es una figura popular, ¡así que actúa rápido! Comunícate con ella en Instagram en @Anvicah para asegurar tu lugar.

Ahora, un poco sobre Andrea: no solo es una gurú del yoga; también es una talentosa arquitecta. Su amor por la estética y la naturaleza la convierten en la guía perfecta para esta experiencia única.

Pero aquí está la parte emocionante: aunque “Día de Sup Yoga” es un evento único por ahora, Andrea está considerando hacerlo nuevamente el próximo mes a la misma hora. Así que, definitivamente, síguela en Instagram para obtener actualizaciones sobre esta y otras clases de yoga únicas que pueda ofrecer en el futuro.

Así que, si estás listo para abrazar la tranquilidad del lago, elevar tu práctica de yoga y crear recuerdos que perdurarán toda la vida, únete a nosotros en el “Día de Sup Yoga”. Es un viaje que despertará tu espíritu y profundizará tu amor por este lugar encantador que llamamos hogar. ¡Nos vemos allí! #LagoAtitlán #SupYogaDay

Ok, ok, I’m half joking here, but I still bet Dr. De Pena might very well diagnose me with a low level addiction. 

In all seriousness though, Mister Jon’s is simply that good. If you’re an American in need of a taste of home, there is no other place, aside from maybe Smoking Joe’s BBQ on Sundays in San Pedro, that can satisfy your craving like Mister Jon’s. Even if you’re not American, you’re still going to enjoy this authentic Americana experience. 

Breakfast

Let’s start with the breakfast sandwiches. They basically got gourmet McMuffins going on. Imagine a fresh McDonalds McMuffin but instead of that processed sausage and egg, they’ve got homemade sausage and a farm fresh egg inside! I mean common! 

My advice, get 1 sausage and 1 bacon breakfast sandwich and put them together for a Mister Jon’s BigMacMcMuffin! Don’t forget to add some of their homemade salsa picante inside!

Other notable mentions include any of their Egg Benedict’s, Pancakes, or Omelets. Hail the hollandaise sauce!

Lunch

For lunch I usually go for their tacos or burritos. I know what you’re thinking, “why don’t you just go local for Mexican / Guatemalan style food?” And I often do. But Mister Jon’s knows how to do it Mexicali / Texmex style. If you grew up with those tastes like I did, then you won’t be disappointed.

My go to burrito is the BURRITO ENORME with carnitas and the works. At about 1.6 LBS or 1 KG, this Burrito will keep you full till lunch the next day. That is unless you don’t find yourself again at Mister Jon’s for dinner. Overall the taste is like Chipotle & Taco Bell smashed into one but fresher.

Dinner

Dinner is all about the In-N-Out style Double Double Hamburgers. If you don’t like In-N-Out, well then you can just fly back to Paris you French *=-*#*& shove a baguette… Sorry about that, it’s been 37 days and 5 hours since I last ate at Mister Jons. I appreciate the French and their butter, bread and onions, apologies again. 

In any case, what I’m trying to convey is that this is one damn good burger. The patties are smashed and juicy, the sauce is I dare say even better than In-N-Out cause it’s fresh, and toppings of lettuce and tomato are of a perfect portion. Plus on Mondays you can can 2 for the price of 1. That’s 2 double doubles for just Q45. 

If you’re not feeling like a hamburger, they do a succulent fried chicken burger. If you’re not feeling like any kind of burger, well then take your avocado toast and stick it into your eye balls you….

Apologies again for the outburst. The withdrawals are real.

To Conclude

It’s not just the food that hits the spot, it’s the whole atmosphere. If you grew up in the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s you’re gonna get a home-y nostalgia kind of feeling as you walk in. From Pac-Man illustrations on the floor to star wars and other pop culture paintings and motifs, it feels like a cozy and welcoming diner anywhere in the US. 

Whether you’ve been on a 2 year peace corps mission or just arrived, you won’t be disappointed. The addiction is real though! Just limit yourself to 2 to 3 times per day. Moderation & balance is key. 

Buen Provecho & good luck!

Join us as the co-editor for AtitlanLiving.com, a destination blog, with an average 14,000 unique monthly visitors, focused on living and traveling around Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, and receive 70% of the website’s revenue while utilizing your entrepreneurial mindset to form partnerships and produce high-quality content.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the current editor to develop and implement a content strategy for the website.
• Write and edit blog posts that engage our target audience and promote the website.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local businesses and organizations to increase website traffic and revenue.
• Manage social media accounts and engage with our online community.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and make recommendations for website improvements.

Requirements:

• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong knowledge of SEO and social media.
• Experience with content management systems such as WordPress.
• A proven track record of building successful partnerships or confidence in an ability to form partnerships with local businesses around Lake Atitlan.
• Passion for travel and exploring new destinations around the lake.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus.

As a co-editor for AtitlanLiving.com, we understand that your time and effort are valuable. Therefore, we propose the following payment arrangement:

1. Revenue Share: You will receive 70% of the revenue generated by the website, which includes any income generated from ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. This arrangement incentivizes you to create high-quality content and build partnerships that generate revenue for the website.
2. Base Salary: In addition to the revenue share, we can offer a base salary to provide financial stability and compensate you for your time and effort. The base salary will be negotiated based on your qualifications, experience, and time commitment to the website.
3. Performance-Based Bonuses: To reward exceptional performance, we can offer bonuses based on specific metrics such as website traffic, engagement, and revenue growth. These bonuses will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the website’s performance.

We believe that this payment arrangement provides a fair and mutually beneficial compensation structure. However, we are open to discussing any alternative arrangements that align with your goals and interests. Our goal is to create a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters creativity and growth.

To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a writing sample to Team@AtitlanLiving.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Meet Jesus, a 21-year-old Mayan Kaqchikel from Guatemala. He comes from a large and hardworking family, with two sisters, two brothers, and several nephews. All of them are dedicated to the art of handcrafted textiles, a tradition passed down for generations in their culture.

Growing up, Jesus was surrounded by the craft of textiles, postcards, huipils, table runners, and scarfs making. From a very young age of five, he began selling his parents’ products in local markets, gaining an understanding of the business and learning how to be a salesman.

During the pandemic, the family’s livelihood was greatly affected, as the lack of tourists resulted in a drop in sales. But Jesus, determined not to let the family suffer, found a solution by selling their products online. Thanks to his determination and creativity, the family’s textiles finally found a market, and people around the world can now appreciate the intricate designs and attention to detail that goes into each piece of postcards, huipils, table runners, and scarfs. You can visit his webshop here, ….. Additionally, you can place an order directly with Jesus at +502 …..

Despite the challenges they faced, Jesus enjoys being a walking salesman, but his ultimate dream is to one day open his own shop, where he can continue to share his family’s traditional textiles with the world.

By buying a product made by Jesus and his family, you are not only getting a beautiful piece of art, but also supporting a hardworking family in Guatemala who have been creating and selling traditional textiles products for many years.

You can get in touch directly with Jesus here!

+502 47846488 

Email: Jesuseliezersajvin@gmail.com

Not much of a shopper but want to learn to haggle anyway? Take it from someone who once accidentally bargained a vendor to sell me something at a higher price than before. Yeah, oops. The moral of the story is, if I can learn to be a master bargainer, you can do too!

Follow these guidelines, and before you know it you’ll be out on the streets having the time of your life bargaining for everything from bananas to handicrafts and doing it in a way that’s culturally sensitive to boot.

Bargaining and Guatemalan Culture

Before we get into the ground rules of bargaining in Guatemala, it’s important to note how bargaining fits into Guatemalan culture as a whole. Historically, most rural Guatemalans lived in scattered and isolated communities. Coming into town to go to the market was their chance to visit friends, connect as a community, and stock up on supplies.

Although some things have changed and people are less isolated, going to the market still isn’t just about buying stuff, its about the people you meet and interact with while you’re there. This gives us an important clue in what our approach to bargaining should be: Yes, bargaining is partly about getting great deals, but at its heart it’s about connecting with the humans around us.

My dad and long-time Guatemalan resident, Rick McArthur, sums it up this way:

“I enjoy conversing, joking around and just getting to know the seller while interspersing bargaining as part of the conversation. Don’t look at bargaining as merely trying to get a better price, see it as part of showing respect and appreciation for the other person through your interest in them.”

Remember this key point, and you’ll avoid committing many cultural and bargaining faux pas and have a lot more fun haggling.

Basic Bargaining Rules

Now let’s get into the good stuff. Here are some essential guidelines you can apply to pretty much any bargaining situation.

Rule number one:

Don’t start bargaining unless you actually want the item you’re bargaining for.

Rule number two:

If the vendor agrees to your price, buy the item! Not to do so is rude, rude, rude.

Rule number three:

Before you start bargaining, get an idea what the usual starting price is for the item you want. Do this by asking several different vendors how much an item costs. Some vendors try to take advantage of foreigners by jacking up their starting price, while others are much more classy (or “buena onda” as we’d say here) and give reasonable amounts from the get go. Once you’ve asked around a bit, you’ll have a good idea what an average starting price is for the item you’re looking for.

Rule number four:

Another good idea is to think through what you’d like to pay for the item you want. We’ll call this your target price. Your first counter-offer should be lower than your target price, but still reasonable.

For example, a vendor tells you that carrots cost twelve quetzals a dozen, and you want to pay ten. Your first counter-offer could be eight quetzals.

Rule number five:

Be sensitive to the fact that Guatemalans perceive most foreigners as being quite well off, and by comparison, most of us are. Don’t degrade them by demanding dirt cheap prices or getting offended if you don’t get quite as good deals as locals. Remember, the goal isn’t only the low prices, it’s about those human connections. You and the vendor should both be happy with the transaction at the end.

What can you bargain for in Guatemala?

Bargaining in Guatemala is usually reserved for informal settings such as farmers markets, street stalls, among ambulatory vendors and in used clothing stores (called “pacas”).

It is common to bargain for fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, used clothing sold at the side of the road or in small towns, and sometimes when hiring guides or transportation services for a large group.

It is usually inappropriate to bargain at restaurants, butcher shops, grocery stores, corner stores, or roadside eateries. If an item already has a price on it, you probably can’t (or shouldn’t!) bargain for it.

Bargaining Tips and Trips

Pay Attention to Quality

When you compare items from different vendors, pay attention to the quality. Does it have a liner? How is the stitching? Is the cloth hand or machine woven?

Sometimes a vendor’s prices will be higher than a competitors for good reason.

Note: Most vendors are usually happy to point out what make their wares so great, whether its a sweeter/tastier variety of fruit, yellow-skin versus white-skin chicken, or a bag made with fabric from genuine traditional clothing as opposed to cloth patterned on a machine.

Price too high? Go somewhere else!

If a price seems outrageous to you, especially if the vendor can’t give convincing reasons for the high price, just go somewhere else. One benefit of a free market system is that most vendors sell similar goods.

Is it always okay to bargain?

If you’re in a situation where you’re not sure if its okay to bargain, simply ask the vendor if that’s their best price. If they say yes, then you know bargaining is out.

You can say, “Cuanto lo menos?” (Is that the lowest?)

Price Matching

If you’ve seen a similar item for a lower price somewhere else, use that as a bargaining chip. For example, “Last week I bought a dozen oranges for eight quetzals!” The vendor might say, “Oh, but they probably weren’t this big or this juicy.” And you can counter, “They were the same size and very sweet and juicy.”

The vendor still might not match the exact price you found before, but they might give you a better deal than they would have otherwise.

Buy in Bulk

Want to get one hundred bracelets for your friends back home? Be sure to tell the vendor you’re looking to buy a lot and they’ll be more likely to give you a better deal.

Walk Away

If a vendor refuses to come down to your target price and you’re not willing to buy it for more, take a risk: shrug and walk away. They might call you back, “All right, all right, take it!”

Get into it with your acting skills

Feel free to point out flaws in the product (“Look at this stitching!”, shake your head, act surprised (or shocked) at their prices, use a cajoling tone, and repeat your offer more than once.

Be friendly

Remember to be friendly and polite. It’s acceptable and usually well-received to ask the vendor about themselves, their families, where they come from, if they make the wares their selling, or where they source them. You might learn something and make a new friend while you’re at it.

When a vendor says this, it means “yes”

If you make a counter offer, and vendor says, “How many do you want?” It means they’ve agreed to your price but are pushing for an upsell. You can say, “only one” or “half a dozen” and still get the same per item price.

Say hello and goodbye

It’s good form to greet a vendor when you walk into their shop or space, or consider their wares. Likewise, offer a friendly “gracias” or “se cuida” (take care) when you leave.

How to say no

If a street vendor gets very pushy and aggressive after you’ve already said “no gracias”, avoid eye contact, continue with what you’re doing, and if necessary, shake your index finger at them. This is a very strong “no”.

What if the stuff seems too cheap?

Rick McArthur shares this bargaining story:

Someone who came down… who spoke Spanish was excited about trying his hand at bargaining. The first time he was told what the price was on an item, his response was “How can it be so cheap?” I laughed and told him wasn’t going to develop any bargaining skills that way.

A vendor will never sell you anything for a loss. Coming from the west, some things seem like they are just too cheap, and we wonder how people can make a living. Paying way over price doesn’t change the harsh realities many face daily, it just makes you look like a fool in the eyes of the vendor. Bargaining is one of the ways we honor and show respect to others who are providing us with things that we both value…

Conclusion

Now that you have these bargaining guidelines and tips and tricks in your repertoire, it’s time to get out on the streets, highways and byways and put your new-found bargaining tips to use!

Bargaining is a fun and satisfying way to connect to Guatemalan culture, use your language skills (however rudimentary) and come home with some trophies to show for your hard work.

Have fun!

***A version of this post first appeared on GuateAdventure.com***

Paraglide above Lake Atitlán

Can you picture yourself soaring a thousand feet above Lake Atitlán? Catching thermals? Drinking in a remarkable view spiced with danger?

I haven’t launched myself off a cliff on a paragliding tour just yet, but it’s on my list. I often see paragliders while I’m at the lakeshore. They appear on the ridge high above the lake, turn and float like pollen in the wind. It looks like a fabulous breathtaking adventure.

If you want to paraglide in Lake Atitlán, check out Realworld Paragliding. This company has been operating in Panajachel for many years. They have a good reputation and fly with good gear and a team of professional flyers with experience paragliding in Austria, Italy, and the Himalayas.

Go to the Realworld Paragliding website.

Roger LaPointe of Paragliding Guatemala also offers paragliding tours and instruction. He has eight years of experience and operates out of Panajachel.

Go to Paragliding Guatemala website

Rent a Jet ski or Flyboard and make waves

Another fun activity to get you whooping and your heart pumping is to rent a jetski. The lake is the smoothest in the morning. You can bomb over the waves, hooting, hollering, and having the time of your life. My brother took me out on a jet ski on Lake Atitlán, and man was it fun. I can’t recommend it enough.

Another thing you could try if you’re into adventurous activities is a flyboard. This funky device allows you to complete all manner of crazy activities underwater and above water. It looks pretty tricky to me, but according to Atlantic Flyboard, flyboarding is actually pretty easy and most users can start flying within the first 5 minutes and get basic control within 20.

You can rent flyboards and jetskis at Hotel Jardines del Lago.

Jetskis are also available for rent from Atitlan Boat Trip.

Zipline across a deep ravine

Lake Atitlán boasts some outstanding ziplining. In fact, both the longest zipline and the highest ziplines in Guatemala are located around the lake. This activity is sure to get your blood pumping!

The longest zipline is located at the Reserva Natural de Atitlán. They have several zipline packages (Ultra and X-treme), including the option to go across a zipline on a bicycle. One of their ziplines is 2,822 feet long. Yeah. Wow.

Click the link to learn more about the Reserva Natural de Atitlán zipline tours.

The highest zipline in Guatemala is located at Parque Ecológico Chuiraxamoló. This pretty eco-park is near Santa Clara Atitlán. It is a community tourism project, with very reasonable prices. They only have two ziplines. The shortest is 492 feet long, located at the base of the ravine. Participants then hike up a steep trail to reach the other zipline. At 656 feet above the ground, and 1,312 feet in length, it’s crazy long AND crazy high. It also has stunning views of the lake.

I visited Chuiraxamolo recently and did the zipline and rappel tour with my family. It was really fun. You don’t have to brake for yourself either, which makes it a lot easier and less stressful. You can choose to go superman style across the big drop, which is terrifying and fun. For more info, check out this post about Parque Ecológico Chuiraxamolo.

Combine revs and culture with an ATV Tour

If you want to combine a cultural outing with some excitement, consider booking one of the ATV tours out of Panajachel. This fun tour takes visitors to the towns of San Antonio Palopó, Santa Catarina Palopó, and to one of Panajachel’s best beaches. During the tour, you’ll get to roar up and down the twisty road to Santa Catarina, then skid over dirt on the way to San Antonio. Since the tour starts at 9:00 am, views of the lake should be optimal.

This tour is run by Simoone Tours. Their guides are bilingual in English and Spanish, friendly, and knowledgeable.

Enjoy the twisties on a Motorcycle Tour

Another super fun Lake Atitlan adventure activity is a motorcycle tour. Lake Atitlán has MANY fabulous motorcycle roads. Ride up and down hills, lean into the twisties, enjoy some wonderful views, and experience a rush of adrenaline and freedom.

I’m lucky enough to be a guide and instructor at Ride Atitlán. Head on over to their website to check out their tours. My favorite is the Avocado Farm tour (read more about my experience on the tour), because it combines a fun ride with a cultural experience. Or, if you’re up for something longer and more technical, try the Long Way Around tour. You’ll circle the entire lake, navigate the treacherous road behind San Pedro Volcano, and hit a ton of crazy twisty roads.

Would you believe me if I told you that deep in the jungle, there lay the ruins of a splendorous civilization, rich in art and science; a people whose disappearance puzzled adventurers and scholars since its rediscovery two hundred years ago? You too could walk the city’s lush gardens, catch shade under its ornate pyramids, and delve deep into its ruins to see the tombs of kings and queens and high priests. This Mayan city of old is located in Copán, Honduras. Read on and you just might find your way to it. 

What you’ll need 

1. A valid passport

2. A negative antigen covid result or vaccination card (valid 14 days after the second shot) 

3. Fill out a pre-check survey to enter Honduras. You can create an account and fill out the form here. 

Hitting the road

If you’re parting from Lake Atitlán, the trip begins in Panajachel, then on to Ciudad de Guatemala, and then finally a stretch to Copán Ruinas, Honduras. As mode of transport, it’s best to take the bus. I’ve had a good experience with Magic travel. The bus was neat, not too crowded, and the drivers were friendly. They offer rides at 5:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 4:00 pm. More info found here.  

I advise you to stay awake on this one. Put on your earphones, hit play, and enjoy the scenery, there’s plenty to see. Once out of Sololá, the terrain is very green, you’ll see vast fields of crops, and folks going about. It’s fascinating to see other cultures being themselves. The trip to the capital will take two and a half hours.

C. de Guatemala to Copán Ruinas

Ciudad de Guatemala is the biggest economic hub in Central America. The city also boasts a vibrant artistic and cultural scene. You’re bound to find something that piques your interest, the big city really has it all. The buses headed to Copán Ruinas leave in the morning, so you’ll want to get some lodging for the night. There are two companies offering charter services to Copán. Hedman Alas and CAT. I’ve travelled quite a bit now with Hedman, and they’ve always been solid. Info on Hedman over here.  

Crossing the border  

The Hedman bus leaves at 5:00 am. Estimated time of arrival is 11:00 am. On this one, a long snoozy is warranted. By high morning you should be very close to Honduras. You’ll be crossing over via the El Florido border. Just make sure you’ve got all your papers in order and everything should run smoothly. Once you get your passport stamped the bus will leave you at their Copán Ruinas office. 

Copán Ruinas

The ruins of Copán are two minutes away from the office. The ruins, which were declared a World Heritage site, are not all Copán has to offer. The city center is brimming with interesting shops to browse and the parque central, with its colonial church and antique city hall are a must see. The nightlife in Copán is also quite lively, nothing beats a cold one after exploring the remnants of a civilization from a time far past.

1. Crossroads Café

Crossroads Café has been the number one coffee shop on Trip Advisor for many years. It has a vintage ambiance, a giant map of the world, and a ceiling adorned with flags. If you’re lucky enough to come on a roasting day, the whole street will smell delicious.

If you like meeting new people and having interesting conversations, take a seat at the bar. Crossroads Café offers an assortment of great single-estate Guatemalan coffees. Try their coffee of the day with a slice of carrot cake, have a cappuccino, take their coffee cupping experience, or buy great Guatemalan coffee to take home with you.

Crossroads Café Hours and location

Crossroads is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday.

History of Crossroads Café

Crossroads Café gained fame thanks to its founder Mike Roberts, who always had a smile, joke, witty comment, or soundbite of advice for anyone passing through. After Mike and his wife moved back to South Africa, they transferred ownership to Byron. Byron is a great Guatemalan guy from Nebaj who is personable and up for practicing his English.

2. Restaurante Atitlán

Restaurante Atitlán is located on the lakefront. It has great views, friendly staff, and delicious coffee and desserts. Savor a cup of joe, enjoy “pay de elote” (a delicious traditional Guatemalan dessert), and feast your eyes on the lake and volcanoes.

They also offer matcha tea, dirty chai lattes, Italian sodas, and appetizers.

Restaurante Atitlán Hours and Location

Restaurante Atitlán is open from 8 am to 8:30 pm every day of the week.

3. Café Loco

Café Loco is a small coffee shop with a fun vibe. It is located right on Calle Santander and features coffee from all over Central America. They offer an interesting mix of drinks including cold brews, pour overs, flat whites, coconut lattes, and affogatos. They offer soy milk and lactose-free milk options.

Café Loco Hours and Location

Café Loco is open from 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday through Sunday. (Closed Mondays)

4. Café Moka

Café Moka is a coffee shop and bar located on the second level of Edificio Rincón Sai, near the top of Calle Santander. It has a fun and colorful vibe complete with murals and a pool table. It’s a great place to hang out away from the noise of tuc-tucs, enjoy the breeze flowing through the open balcony, or people watch from the heights. They serve locally-grown coffee and an assortment of alcoholic beverages.

Café Moka Hours and Location

Café Moka is open from 11 am to 10 pm daily.

5. Café Asawako

Café Asawako is located near the bottom of Calle Santander. This cute two-story building offers great opportunities to people-watch, delicious smoothies, and good coffee. They are known for their home-made desserts and their open, airy space. They offer both almond and soy milk alternatives.

Café Asawako Hours and Location

Café Asawako is open from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm every day.

It is located on the corner entrance of Hotel Dos Mundos

6. Flor de Café

This is one of the only coffee shops in Panajachel that is in a garden. Located on the beautiful grounds of Hotel Jardines del Lago, this is a wonderful spot to escape from the bustle of town. Sink into the dual refreshment of a delicious coffee and the natural splendor of this lakeside garden.

Flor de Café Hours and Location

Flor de Café is open from 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday through Friday and 8 am to 9 pm on Saturdays.

7. Café Te Quiero

This lovely little café has two locations in Panajachel. Both have a bright fun ambiance and a selection of great coffees, crepes, and friendly staff. They are also known for their teas, cheesecake, and fruit smoothies.

Café Te Quiero Hours and Locations

El Amate Location

Café Te Quiero inside the Calzado Abuelo Shopping Mall is open from 9 am to 7 pm every day

Rancho Grande Location

Café Te Quiero near the bottom of Rancho Grande is open from 7 am to 10 pm every day

Bonus: Caffé Kitsch

Caffé Kitsch is located on the first floor of the Edificio Rincón Sai at the top of Calle Santander. (Below Café Moka). This is a small streetside café with balcony seating. Besides serving up a nice cup of coffee, they also have gluten-free and vegetarian meals. I enjoyed eating their falafel on gluten-free bread.

Caffé Kitsch Hours and Location

Caffé Kitsch is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day.

Looking for a COVID test for travel? A specialized test to track down or manage a health problem? Need standard bloodwork? Or find the cause for a pesky stomach bug? Visit Laboratorio La Asunción, Laboratorio La Fe, or Servilab in Panajachel. I include details about each one below.

Laboratorio La Asunción

La Asunción is the largest laboratory in the Department of Sololá and has been in operation for over 25 years. I’ve used their services in Sololá and found them professional and helpful. This is the laboratory I recommend, especially if you need a specialized test.

La Asunción has a location by the market in Panajachel on the side street where the minbuses gather to leave for Godínez.

Services

Laboratorio La Asunción can complete many routine tests, as well as over 100 different kinds of specialized tests, paternity tests, and physicochemical and microbial water tests. They have the latest equipment and have highly trained technicians.

COVID TESTS

La Asunción is the only laboratory I know in the Panajachel/Sololá area that offers COVID-19 tests suitable for travelers.

• Antigen SARS COV-2—– Q 350
• PCR SARS COV-2 ——– Q 850

NOTE: You will need to tell them the COVID test is for travel, and show them your passport so the information on the test will match.

The PCR test results come back within four hours. The Antigen test results come back within one hour.

Results can come in by email or WhatsApp, and you have to choose ahead of time whether you want results in English or Spanish.

Important Information on Laboratorio La Asunción

Hours: 7 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday, 7 am to 11 pm Saturday, closed Sundays

Address: Callejón María Cruz Locale 6, Panajachel

Telephone: +502 7762-6268

Emergencies: +502 7762-3303

Email: info@laasuncion.com.gt

Clinica y Laboratorio La Fe

Clinica y Laboratorio La Fe is located right next to Hospital San Francisco. It’s on Calle Principal between La Torre and the Techron gas station, across the street from the Bomberos Voluntarios. They offer a variety of services. For more info, stop by, or give them a call.

Services:

• Feces & Urine Tests
• Bloodwork
• Pregnancy test (hcg)
• HIV
• Syphilis
• Glucose
• Creatinina
• Uric Acid
• Triglycerides
• Exams for a Health Card
• General Blood tests

Important Information on Laboratorio La Fe

Address: Calle Principal de Panajachel 3 – 24 zone 2 Panajachel, in front of the Volunteer Fire Department (Bomberos)

Telephone: +502 7822-7955

Whatsapp: +502 4123 7971

Email: laboratoriolafe@hotmail.com

Laboratorio Clinico Servilab

This laboratory is housed in the Centro Medico El Hospitalito, at the top of the hill near the Puente Ubico. This lab offers a range of lab tests. If you need an ultrasound, you can get one here as well.

Servilab Clinical Laboratory offers the following services:

• Feces & urine tests
• Blood tests
• Blood sugar
• Uric acid
• Cholesterol and triglycerides
• Etc.

Important Information on Servilab

Hours: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday

WhatsApp: +502 5476-4842

Address: At the end of Barrio Norte on the way to San Andres, zone 1, Panajachel, Guatemala (at the top of the hill before the Puente Ubico).

Conclusion

Although there may be other smaller laboratories in Panajachel, these are probably the main three. If for some reason none of these laboratories have the test you need, there are many many more laboratories and diagnostic centers in the city of Sololá, just 15 minutes up the hill from Panajachel. And if you’re looking for information on hospitals in Panajachel, check out our Panajachel Hospital Directory where we cover all the information you need to know about where to get general checkups, specialist appointments, or emergency care in Panajachel.

Amigos de Santa Cruz Cultural Tours

Most of the cultural classes available in Santa Cruz la Laguna are organized by Amigos de Santa Cruz, a great NGO that seeks to improve the lives of local people through education and economic empowerment. This is tourism that helps the community, tourism you can feel good about.

Let’s dive in.

Café Sabor Cruceño Cooking Class

Dig into the best of Guatemalan culture with this tasty and informative cooking class! We’ve already talked about Café Sabor Cruceño in our post on Our Favorite Places to Eat Around Lake Atitlán. It’s a great place to stop in and eat delicious Guatemalan food.

But why not learn to make this food yourself? Then you can REALLY appreciate what goes into these great Guatemalan dishes, plus you can make it for your friends and family any time you wish.

During the class, you’ll get to make amazing food under their tutelage, such as pepián, tamalitos, rellenitos, and tortillas. Pepián is on of my favorite Guatemalan dishes, and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it too.

These are foods you can easily make whether you’re here in Guatemala or back in your home country.

Many Guatemalan dishes begin with roasting tomatoes and peppers, toasting seeds, and then grinding them together with salt and herbs and annatto. The result is a delicious sauce with a deep flavor.

Are you salivating yet?

If so, it’s time to learn a handy Guatemalan phrase: “la boca se me hace agua.” Translated literally, it means your mouth is making water in anticipation of great flavors to come.

Details about the cooking class:

• The class lasts 2.5 hours and includes a three-course meal on the Café’s rooftop terrace
• It costs $28 and has a 2-person minimum
• It’s the top-rated tour in Santa Cruz!

How to reserve:

Email: reservations@amigosdesantacruz.org 

Whatsapp: +502 3728 0944

Artisan Beading Class

If you’ve spent any time shopping for handicrafts, you’ll have probably noticed all the bead bracelets and baubles for sale. I lived with a Kaqchikel family for a while, and one of the things they taught me was how to make these bracelets. It’s a pretty cool process that involves using a simple loom, thread, a needle, and “mostacilla” the tiny beads used in the process.

Choose your color scheme, decide on a design, and get to it! You can write a word on your bracelet, or opt for a cool pattern. Either way, you’ll have created something very cool using traditional Mayan artisan practices.

Details about the beading class:

• The class last 2.5 hours, during which you’ll make your very own custom friendship bracelet with local artisans.
• It costs $20 per person, or $15 per person for groups of three or more.

How to reserve:

Email: reservations@amigosdesantacruz.org 

Whatsapp: +502 3728 0944

Artisan Weaving Class

This class looks super cool. You’ll get to make your own scarf using a back-strap loom! I’m going to have to put this on my list of things to try. Backstrap weaving is an intricate art that looks very complicated. But the mysteries can be revealed to you in this cultural tour in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

Details about the weaving class:

• The class last 2.5 hours, during which you’ll make your very own custom scarf with a local weaver.
• It costs $20 per person and includes the scarf.

How to reserve:

Email: reservations@amigosdesantacruz.org 

Whatsapp: +502 3728 0944