San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro La Laguna is in Guatemala . It is a fairly laid-back small town across Lake Atitlán from Panajachel . A major mochilero (backpacker) hub. Great food, small and walkable, and safe. Expect anything touristy to be priced touristically. San Pedro is best avoided the last week or so of June and the first week or so of July when simulated artillery shells are set off day and night, and amplified noise never stops.

If arriving by bus, you will be dropped off in the center of town, next to the market. Most hotels are near the lake so you'll need to make your way downhill to find the hotels. When arriving in San Pedro by boat, you'll be greeted by people offering you hotels, kayaks, horseback rides, taxis and drugs. This can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming. If you get them to lead you to a hotel, the hotel owner pays them a commission (normally Q5 per person) based on the number of people who arrive and stay. Some hotels don't pay them a commission so the they will try to get you to go to a hotel that does. The price of the hotel room sometimes becomes more expensive if you let the tout follow you, because the owner has to pay him for supposedly bringing you to the hotel. However, if you a

On foot

The area near the water is very walkable, and most things here are no more than a 10 minute walk away.

By tuk-tuk

There are plenty of tuk-tuks if you wish, but they are probably only necessary if you want to go up the hill into neighboring San Juan, or to the main part of the town.

To enjoy the great views around the lake, use the village guides as the foliage can be dense and the route can be tricky to find. San Pedro has many roads that cut into hidden areas and so on, and there have been cases of armed robberies on rural roads and hiking trails, so it is best to hire a guide as you hike. There are many of them in San Pedro, and they work for more than reasonable rates. They are friendly, and will gladly find you a horse to ride also. There is much to see from kayak also, and there are available rentals at Q20/hour (by 2023) if you choose to travel by water alongside the coastline.

Hikes . There are a number of popular hikes departing from San Pedro, including the hike up the nearby Volcano San Pedro. Visitors will be informed at the base of the trail for the Volcano that they must pay the fee for a guide, regardless of whether they want one or not; this, however, is false. It is a very small town, so you will see people making money in this way, as there is limited opportunity here.

Another popular location for hiking is Indian Nose, or Mayan Face (Nariz de Indio o Cara Maya). For both locations a guide is recommended, if for nothing else, personal safety. There have b

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Shanti Shanti

( 100m from the Panajachel dock ).

Inexpensive place to chill; good view of the lake.

The Pool Bar & Grill

( beside the Santiago Dock ),

☏

+502 4252 7227 .

Daytime chill place. Free pool use for customers. Bar food and lots of drink options. Free pool table, Boccie (pétanque) and a great treehouse. Famous for i

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The Alegre Pub ,

Panajachel dock .

British pub that also serves good food. Free movies on the roof at 19:30.

Nick's Place

( just left of the Panajachel dock ).

See under

Accommodation options in San Pedro La Laguna are limited but adequate for travellers passing through. Small hotels and hospedajes (guesthouses) may be available in or near the town centre. For a wider selection of lodging, the departmental capital or larger neighbouring towns offer more choices. Advance planning is recommended during local festivals and holiday periods.

Local shops and markets in San Pedro La Laguna sell everyday goods, fresh produce, and handicrafts. The weekly market day is the best time to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and household items. Basic supplies and locally produced goods are available from small family-run stores throughout the town.

Neighbouring towns and the Sololá departmental capital are reachable by bus or microbus. The region offers opportunities for further exploration of Guatemala's diverse landscape. Check local transport schedules for onward connections to other departments and major cities.