Panajachel is the main road gateway to Lake Atitlán. Shared shuttles run from Antigua, Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, Chichicastenango, and other traveller hubs. Local buses connect through Sololá above the lake, where you transfer down the steep road to town.
Once in Panajachel, the lake villages are reached by lancha from the Tzanjuyú dock and other waterfront landings. Boats run frequently during the day but become sparse or stop after dark. Afternoon winds can make crossings rough, so travel early if you are carrying luggage.