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Published: 28-12-2021
San Pedro la Laguna can be found on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. The village has a population of approximately 13,000, and are mainly of Tzutujil Mayan descent. The village can be found nestled between Lake Atitlan, the San Pedro volcano, and craggy forested cliffs. This area is the perfect retreat for self-reflection, meditation and the perfect base to explore some of Guatemala´s other attractions. San Pedro is a lot less touristy than Panajachel, and why many foreign visitors decided to call the village home, at least for a while. There are a number of Spanish schools and San Pedro La Laguna is becoming the second-best place to learn Spanish, after Antigua. The stunning lake side location is definitely an added bonus as you perfect your Spanish!
Sunset over Lake Atitlan
What to Do
San Pedro la Laguna may be small, but due to its impressive location and large international community, there are a number of things to do
Take a dip in San Pedro’s thermal springs: The hot springs in San Pedro la Laguna are a unique and impressive natural attraction. Relax in soothing volcano-fed pools as you dine on inexpensive, organic cuisine.
A peaceful Lake Atitlan
Explore Lake Atitlan: Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle into the lake, or join the San Pedro la Laguna locals and jump off the dock for a refreshing swim.
Hike the San Pedro volcano: The hike up the 3,020-metre-high San Pedro volcano, takes four hours. If you don’t fancy the idea of a strenuous hike, you can also ride a horse part of the way. However, you prefer to climb the volcano, always go with a local guide, as robberies have been reported on the volcano trails.
San pedro Volcano
Visit other villages: Tere are many other Mayan villages on the shores of Lake Atitlan, some are more well-travelled than others…. such as Panajachel and Santiago Atitlan. Other are better options if you are looking for a more relaxed experience, such as Santa Catarina, San Pablo, and San Juan.
View from a hammock
When to Go
San Pedro la Laguna takes Semana Santa celebrations very seriously, as is the case for the Festival of San Pedro on the 24th June, both offering vibrant, colourful religious processions.
Mayan deity, Maximon
In general, the climate of the Lake Atitlan region is among the best in all of Central America. It doesn’t usually get extremely hot and when it’s cold, you will only need a windbreaker. The rainy season takes place between May and October, which is generally a night time event and when the heaviest rains fall. The sun will generally shine for at least some part of the day.
Getting There and Getting Around
To get to San Pedro la Laguna from Panajachel, take a lancha (speedboat) from the main dock. The speedboats leave as soon as they’re full from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and cost about 15 Quetzales ($1.95). Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay more than the Mayan woman behind you. Depending on stops at other Lake Atitlan villages, the boat ride to San Pedro should take twenty minutes to half an hour.
Fishing on Atitlan
It is possible to get to San Pedro la Laguna by local bus from Guatemala City, Antigua, and Solola, but go prepared for some of Guatemala’s famously bad highland roads. Direct minibuses are also available in Antigua and Guatemala City. San Pedro la Laguna is perfect to walk around with everything within walking distance. Once you arrive at the main dock in San Pedro La Laguna, you can head right to the scenic San Pedro restaurants such as “Restaurante al Meson” and “Restaurante Valle Azul” at the Valle Azul hotel. If you go left, you will follow a winding path past some more humble hotels, restaurants, and the San Pedro thermal springs, on the way to the Santiago dock. If you head straight up the hill, you will find the town´s market.
View of the volcano from the pier.
Handy information and Practicalities
The restaurants in San Pedro la Laguna restaurants reflect the village’s melting pot of cultures. Enjoy such culinary delights as organic vegan food, Asian food, or a more typical indigenous Guatemalan dish, whatever takes your fancy!
Accommodations in San Pedro are budget, as low as $3 USD for a dorm room and $10 USD for a private bathroom with hot water.
The Banrural Bank in the centre of town has an ATM. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted in Guatemala, but it is always a good idea to have some local Quetzal currency too.
Atitlan sunset
It’s worth a mention: if you plan on hiking up the San Pedro volcano, or trekking the trails around the lake, travel in a group and hire a guide. Robberies have happened on these remote trails.
San Pedro la Laguna is well-known for its international expats. Americans, Europeans and other nationalities have been hanging out in this Lake Atitlan village for decades, falling in love and finding themselves unable to leave this little gem of paradise in Guatemala!
