The largest town on Lake Atitlán is Panajachel, a laid-back place with excellent hotels, restaurants and lots of places to shop for Guatemalan crafts. Boats leave Panajachel to ferry passengers across the lake or conduct tours. Some interesting places to visit around "Pana" include the San Buenaventura butterfly garden and wildlife reserve, and the La custrine Museum, with exhibits of ceramics recovered from the lake. An excellent art gallery offers exhibits by local artists, as well as works by internationally renowned painter Nan Cuz. Panajachel celebrates its town fair on October 4 every year, with a procession, fireworks and carnival rides.

The most accessible of the 12 villages, serves as a base for lodging and accommodations. "Pana" provides first class and economical hotels, international cuisine, boutiques, and nightlife entertainment.

Panajachel is the main tourist town by the lake. The main street "Santander" is lined with restaurants, bars and locals selling handicrafts.

Reserva Natural Atitlán is a well designed nature reserve that makes a good day trip. The reserve has trails, an interpretive center, butterfly farm, small shade coffee plantation, lots of monkeys and an aviary.

Other activities here are hiking, biking and spanish schools