Page 66 - Cross Country Travel Guide 2019

PANAJACHEL,

GUATEMALA

f you are looking to chill and reconnect then this is for you.
There are a few sites around Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan
IHighlands, but Panajachel, or Pana, is the main one. Flyable
all year, the best time is mid-March to Mid-May, dry season
in Central America. The North wind abates, and the Pacific
southerlies take over. There is a small window in December too.

Flying in Pana requires a hike-and-fly mindset and is for
intermediate pilots and above. The flight is quite simple, but
because the wind often changes and strengthens, the landing, next
to a river mouth, can be tricky.
The scene is laidback. Travel around the lake is by boat, and
each small town has a different feel. Land close to the pier, and get
on a boat to spend the night in San Marcos de la Laguna for great
food and music, or continue to San Pedro where the party is ON.

Volcanoes around the lake offer big overnight hike-and-fly
adventures: the photo shows Cade Palmer flying from 3,535m
Volcano Atitlan back to the lake. Accommodation ranges from
backpacker to boutique. Eat, yoga, discover Maya culture, and fly.
realworldparagliding.jimdo.com
Photo and text: Jorge Atramiz

66 CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL GUIDE 2019 GUATEMALA