Panajachel, Guatemala

Safety in Panajachel, Guatemala
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

Ministry Summary

Ministry Summary in Panajachel, Guatemala
Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?

Lodging

Things are places to stay if you are going there for fun:
 Hotel El Chaparral:

• Email: alberony19@yahoo.com
• Phone: (502) 7762-0540
• Guatemala. C.A.
• Panajachel, Solola
• Final Calle Santander
• 1 block from the lake
• Q250 ($32 USD) per day to use large rooms for squad meetings during debrief (could probably bargain for a better deal)

Casa Linda: 

• Beware that communication will be diffucult. There is a language barrier there.
• Be sure to be clear with finances-how many people you have, how much money you have paid
• Casa Linda

C Santander Callejon
Capulin 2-15 Z-2
Guatemala, Panajachel
Owner’s name: Basilio
Phone: (502) 7762-0386

•  Q60 (roughly $7.70 USD) per person per night
• 15 minute walk from Lake Atitlan
• Hot showers
• Room for over 40 people

Lodging in Panajachel, Guatemala
Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.

Food / Meals

Los Pinguinos on Calle Santader.

• Owned by Miguel (also mentioned in travel section)
• Miguel’s phone number: 4128-8806
• Really good food with a great cultural show
• Willing to make a deal with you for big groups

“Cafe Loko”

•  It is delicious and the two Korean owners are so awesome. The main guy’s name is Diego.
• Delicious coffee there

 This is a very tourist area so be aware that you may have to spend some of your personal money if you go to restaurants. Street vendors tend to be cheaper than restaurants.

Food / Meals in Panajachel, Guatemala
What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).

Transportation

Miguel – 

• He has a travel agency in Panajachel, at Lake Atitlan.
•  Will work on giving you a good deal.
•  Good business man.
•  Speaks excellent English.

Walter – 

• Phone: 5342-6091 
• Email: donquijotetravel@yahoo.com
• He’s a Christian man and was a friend of one of our alumni World Racer friends.
•  Speaks English.
• Willing to give you a good deal
• He will take care of you even if things seem a little vague. Don’t be afraid to badger him if you need to. The more transportation you need, the cheaper the price.

Transportation in Panajachel, Guatemala
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

Medical

Medical in Panajachel, Guatemala
Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).

Communication

Communication in Panajachel, Guatemala
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

Financial

Financial in Panajachel, Guatemala
Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.

Translators

Translators in Panajachel, Guatemala
List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken

Off Days / Fun Activities

If you are there for a debrief:

• Organize a squad meal with Miguel at JOSE PINGUINOS. 70 Quetzals per person for food and ‘entertainment’
•  He does a culture presentation, his daughters play the marimbas
•  The food was great.

Off Days / Fun Activities in Panajachel, Guatemala
What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?

Other Important Contacts

Other Important Contacts in Panajachel, Guatemala
Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions

Tips

Additional Info

If you’re looking to have debrief here over the Easter holiday:

•   MAJOR vacation spot for both tourists and locals at this time.
• Overwhelming – people everywhere, drugs and alcohol offered often, street vendors begging you to buy their crafts every step you take, etc. 
• If you are wanting to come here for debrief over Easter – start looking to book a hostel at least a month ahead of time.

Additional Info in Panajachel, Guatemala
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?