In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Things to Do in Panajachel, Guatemala

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Lake Atitlan Travel and Info

The Adventurer's Guide to Pana Living

The most comprehensive guide to Panajachel ever!

Visit Mayan Families – This organization does great work with the local population. They sponsor students to licensed schools from grade school to university, they offer free clinic and surgery services, and they feed the elderly. But that’s not all! They provide and deliver free clean water filters to homes, schools and hospitals. Take a few minutes and check them out at MayanFamilies.org

Photograph the colorful markets and people – The markets in Guatemala are awesome. Overflowing abundance is a more accurate description. Tropical fruits, avocados, vegetables, greens, meat stands, and freshly made cheeses abound. Great photo opportunities, not to mention tasty food! The day market at the top of Calle Principal is open daily. Weekends are crowded.

Visit the weaving towns of Santa Caterina and San Antonio – These small lakeside towns specialize in weavings, something Guatemalan women are famous for. A short flete taxi (5Q)or boat ride (20Q)will take you there in less than half an hour.

Drink coffee in a cafe – Guatemala is known worldwide for its delicious coffee. Coffee fincas are found circling Lake Atitlan, and there are many coffee shops each serving this incredible brew for 10-15 Quetzales a steaming cup. Most offer pastries or handmade chocolate, another Guatemala favorite. Not to be missed.

Take a boat to a nearby village on the lake. – There are villages dotting the rim of Lake Atitlan, each with their own personality. Some towns are traditional (like Santiago 25Q) others are new-agey and hippy-style (like San Marcos and San Pedro 25Q). Take your time in each location –  some are simple destinations, but you might miss something worthwhile. Plan a day or two of boat rides across this glorious lake and visit the ancient culture of the Maya.

Watch the sunset on the lake front. – Your choice of lakefront restaurants will provide you one of the most spectacular scenes of the area – your own private sunset. The weather surrounding the volcanoes create wispy clouds or great billowing ones, and renders up stunning contrast and color. Enjoy!

Check out the market in Solola – The Solola Market is quite different than the one in Panajachel and is worth the 3 Quetzal bus ride up the hill. It is an authentic indigenous Maya market with live chickens, fresh cheeses served wrapped in banana leaves, fresh juices made from tropical fruits and all the Maya are in local garb. Colorful and suitable for photo opportunities. Don’t forget your camera!

Soak in the Regis Spa - For 100 Quetzales a soak or 240Qs for a monthly membership, you can relax in volcano heated water in beautifully crafted stone tubs amid manicured gardens. What better way to enjoy the geological wonders of the area?

Saturday BBQ - Every Saturday beginning at noon, Smokin' Joe's offers his delicious heaping portions of BBQ ribs, pork tenderloin, pulled pork, chicken, or hamburgers with a selection of his super side dishes. Mountains of food for between 40-65Q a plate. Located this day only at The Palapa on Calle Principal.

Music and Pizza at Circus Bar - Not only does the Circus Bar offer some of the best pizza in town, they have live music every evening beginning at 7 pm. Bands change every hour. Calle de los Arboles

Bargain with a vendor - You absolutely must try your hand at bargaining for goods with a local vendor. Shops abound on Santander or try a walking vendor. Quality is good. Start your offering at one-third of what they ask then bargain to the middle for the best price.

Take advantage of any festivals happening in town - Christmas time offers lots of festivals as does November for Day of the Dead or springtime for Easter. Local tradition of the Maya, a saint's day, or a church festival should provide you with colorful photos to take home. 

Get your shoes shined by a shoe shine boy - These young boys work for school money by shining your shoes. And for about 5Q you can get your walking shoes cleaned of dirt and grime plus help a child stay in school.

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About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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