In many cities in the world, finding a house or apartment to rent is as simple as visiting sites like Craigslist or Realtor.com. The housing search in Panajachel is a bit less streamlined, but with a plenitude of distinctive options here, it won’t be long before you find a place you love.
Here are the best ways to find housing in Pana:
Facebook & Online Resources
On Facebook, search groups like “Atitlan Rentals,” “Lake Atitlan Buy Sell Trade,” “Panajachel Community Group” and “Panajachel, Comunidad, Community” for posts about houses or apartments. (It’s a good idea to search for both English and Spanish keywords). You could also try stalking vacation rental websites like VRBO or Airbnb to see if anyone will offer you a reduced rate for a long-term stay.
Real Estate Agents
If you don’t feel comfortable searching on your own, you can enlist the help of a professional. Mayan Lake Realty and Atitlan Solutions are two companies that offer support finding rentals. The Atitlan area also has many independent real estate agents, so ask your contacts for recommendations.
Flyers
Keep your eyes peeled as you travel around town; signs advertising places for rent often hang from inconspicuous doors or gates. In addition, the bulletin boards at stores like Sandra’s, Almendro’s and Despensa Familiar are often filled with flyers.
Word Of Mouth
As with most topics in this small town, word of mouth is your fastest mode of staying in the loop on housing options. Ask around indiscriminately; some of the best houses in Pana are in unassuming neighborhoods, hidden beyond high walls and curving alleys.
Additional Tips
- It’s best to find a place during the rainy months, when demand and prices aren’t quite as high.
- Consider what’s most important to you in a location: being near the market, near restaurants, near the lake, or away from the hubbub.
- First and last months’ rent are typically required before move-in, but many things are negotiable.
- Questions you may want to ask: Does the home have hot water? If so, where? (Often only the shower is hooked up.) Does it have an Internet connection? Water purifier? Window screens? A washer? (Dryers are almost unheard of in rentals in Pana). What about safety in the area? Is dog noise a problem? Mold? Spiders or scorpions? Is it easy to hail a moto-taxi here? Don’t assume anything.
Home hunting in Pana is an adventure. Often, houses will surprise you with unique features like a papaya tree, a spiral staircase, indigenous artwork or an outdoor shower. Try to enjoy the process, with all its peaks and troughs! And if you don’t find your dream home the first time around, keep looking; Pana residents (particularly the expats) are often switching abodes, in search of the colorful home just right for them.