Panajachel can be a gorgeous place for a jog — as long as you know how to avoid the tuk-tuks and potholes! Below, find several of the more popular running routes in town, listed from least to most challenging. In dry season, sunrise and sunset are not only the most beautiful times to go but also the cooler hours. In rainy season, finishing before afternoon is your best bet for staying dry.
Lakefront in Jucanyá
This route is great for a short, scenic jog; it’s not meant for long-distance or speed training. Make your way to Jucanyá’s main beach. For a slightly longer run, you can start farther west, where the San Francisco River meets the lake. Either way, run east, in the direction of Santa Catarina Palopó. You’ll start out on a road, running past vendors and cars, but before long it will become a dirt path populated mostly with houses and swimmers. When the path eventually becomes too narrow and awkward, double back. It’s only a half-mile run in each direction, so repeat until you’ve gotten your fill!
Barrio Norte loop
This one begins as a road run and transforms into a more solitary experience. Start on Calle Principal and head north, past the municipal government building, past the market, past Panajachel Colegio Internacional, all the way until the buildings on the right cease, about a quarter of a kilometer before the bridge. Here you can jump on the dirt part that runs along the San Francisco River and run back toward the lake. Stop when you near your starting point to complete the loop, or continue all the way to the lakeshore to end with a refreshing dive into the water.
Hill to the mirador
If you like hill running with a view, this one’s for you. Simply follow the road that leads to Santa Catarina Palopó until you come to a sharp curve with a small adobe building to the right. It will be about 2 kilometers after you leave Jucanya, and 1 kilometer before Santa Catarina, just at the crest of the hill. This is the mirador, where you can stop for a view that will take away any breath you have left after the steady climb. If you’re up for more, continue on to Santa Catarina and its natural hot springs. Otherwise, turn back for a nice downhill jaunt into Pana.
Steep climb to San Andrés
If the above routes aren’t enough challenge for you, the road to San Andrés Semetabaj will be more your style. To get to this mountain town from Pana, you’ll run 5 miles and ascend 1,400 feet. But you can turn around at any time to make it a shorter trip, of course! To start, pick up the road to San Andrés by crossing east on either the main bridge into Jucanyá or the larger bridge at the top of Barrio Norte. Take an immediate left. Follow this winding, busy road up and up until you notice pine trees, cooler air, and signs welcoming you to San Andrés. Treat yourself to refreshments in town before starting the trek back down… or before you pay for a ride on the back of a pickup truck! Be extra cautious running this route, as drivers love to speed around the corners.