Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Atitlán, San Pedro La Laguna rests in the shadow of the San Pedro Volcano and packs a lot of energy into a small space. It has a well-earned reputation as a backpacker hub, but there is more here than cheap beer and late nights, the hiking is excellent, the coffee culture is thriving, and the Tzutujil Mayan community gives the town a cultural depth that surprises most visitors. It’s a wierd dichotomy of culture and a party scene.
San Pedro is also one of the best places in all of Guatemala to learn Spanish and many people come here and spend a few weeks learning the language.
Want more guides to Guatemala or other parts of Central America? Check out our most recent itinerary.
You can also find our complete guide to the towns of Lake Atitlan if you are trying to decide where to visit and stay.
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How to Get to San Pedro La Laguna
San Pedro is one of the two main gateways to Lake Atitlán, along with Panajachel. Getting there requires a bit more effort than reaching Pana, but it is very doable, although most people drive to Panajachel and then take a boat across the lake for about 30 Q (price in 2026).
From Antigua or Guatemala City the most common option is a tourist shuttle to Panajachel followed by a boat across the lake. The shuttle to Panajachel takes around 3 hours from Antigua; the boat from Panajachel to San Pedro adds another 30-40 minutes. Direct shuttles to San Pedro do exist and are becoming more common ask your hostel or hotel in Antigua to help you book although the slower ferry that makes stops doesn’t take that much longer.
By Boat from Panajachel once you are in Panajachel, head to the public dock and look for the lanchas (water taxis) heading south along the lake. Boats stop at several towns, so confirm that yours is going all the way to San Pedro before you board. The docks tend to be chaotic and is one of my least favorite parts of the lake as people are yelling at you about getting a ride.
By Tuk-Tuk from San Juan if you are already visiting neighboring San Juan La Laguna, you can take a cheap tuk-tuk between the two towns rather than a boat.
Once in San Pedro, the lakeside area near the dock is where most restaurants, cafes, and tourist amenities are concentrated. The town climbs steeply uphill from there, tuk-tuks are your best friend for getting around, especially if you are heading to the upper part of town. As of early 2026, a tuk-tuk ride runs about Q6 per person for most in-town trips and a bit more if you are going over to the next town.
What to Do in San Pedro La Laguna
San Pedro is not just a place to pass through, there is genuinely good stuff to do here. That said, the real magic of Lake Atitlán is in exploring multiple towns, so plan to take the boats out and visit neighbors like San Marcos and other villages around the lake while you are based here. Each town has it’s own vibe and you can easily spend 5 days exploring the different towns.
Hike the San Pedro Volcano
This is the big one. San Pedro Volcano rises to about 3,020 meters and the hike to the summit takes roughly 3 to 5 hours each way. The trail starts right from town, which is a huge convenience. The views from the top across the lake to the other two volcanoes, Atitlán and Tolimán are spectacular on a clear morning.
Important: Hire a local guide. There have been safety concerns on this trail over the years, and while the situation has improved, a guide is still strongly recommended. Do not bring anything you would be devastated to lose. You can book a tour through Viator or with your hotel or in town.
Hike Indian Nose (Rostro Maya)
Indian Nose is one of the most iconic sunrise viewpoints on all of Lake Atitlán and many people like to visit it for sunrise. You can see the profile of a Mayan face in the ridge from across the lake, and from the top you get a sweeping panorama of all three volcanoes reflected in the water.
Most people do this as an early-morning guided excursion. As with the volcano, go with a guide and take caution when waiting for early shuttle pickups in the dark.
Learn Spanish
San Pedro is Guatemala’s second most popular Spanish school destination after Antigua (which is where I studied), and for good reason classes here are affordable, the setting is beautiful, and many schools offer homestays with local families that give you a real window into daily life. This is a great way to experience the town and enjoy a longer visit. Even a week of classes goes a long way. Guatemalans speak clearly and relatively slowly, which makes it an ideal environment for beginners.
Kayak the Lake
Kayaking is a lovely, low-key way to explore the shoreline. You can rent kayaks right from the lakeside in San Pedro, and morning is the best time to go before the afternoon winds kick up and the water gets choppy.
You can rent kayaks or join a guided tour.
Explore the Town’s Coffee Culture
San Pedro has a surprisingly rich café scene. Tornado’s Coffee is well known for excellent locally-grown beans and a beautiful garden setting. Café Panorama, perched high above town, has some of the best views of the lake in the area. Orbe Café is another popular spot right on the water.
Birdwatching in San Pedro
Most of the bird watching tours are ot right here in San Pedro, but they will offer pick up for an early morning excursion. Whether you want to see your first Quetzel or are an experienced birder, this is a fun tour.
Where to Stay in San Pedro La Laguna
Accommodation in San Pedro runs cheaper than in many other towns on the lake, which is part of its appeal, and makes it popular with backpackers. The lower part of town near the dock is most convenient for getting around, but places higher on the hillside tend to have better views and a quieter feel. We did not actually spend the night in this town, but I did research a few places to stay prior to our trip – here are a few places that come up again and again as good options.
Mid-Range: Mikaso Hotel is a beautiful traditional Guatemalan property right on the lake with stunning views. It is one of the most recommended spots in town for travelers who want comfort without the party scene.
Budget: There are plenty of solid budget hostels in San Pedro. Mr. Mullet’s is the famous party hostel, but if you are looking for something calmer, Hotel Amigos is a popular and well-liked option. Hostel dorms typically start around $8-10 USD per night.
Exploring Beyond San Pedro
San Pedro works well as a base for exploring the rest of the lake. Lanchas run regularly between the main towns and are the primary way to get around. Some of our favorite excursions from San Pedro:
- San Juan La Laguna is just a short tuk-tuk ride away and has a completely different feel: quieter, more artisan-focused, with weaving cooperatives and coffee tours worth exploring.
- San Marcos La Laguna is the yoga and wellness hub of the lake, popular with a slightly different crowd. It is also home to the famous cliff jumping spot at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve: one of the most adventurous things you can do on the lake.
- Santa Cruz and Jaibalito on the northern shore are our personal favorites for a more rugged and remote feel. We highly recommend the cliffside trail between Santa Cruz and Jaibalito for one of the best hikes on the lake, quiet, scenic, and a world away from the busier towns.
What We Didn’t Love
San Pedro’s reputation as a party town is not entirely undeserved, and if that’s not your scene, it can feel like background noise. The lower part of town can get loud on weekends, and the maze of narrow alleyways near the dock can feel a little disorienting at first. If you don’t want this scene, don’t stay in this part of town. Since we were visiting with our kids this didn’t feel like the right vibe although we did many of the activities during a day trip to town.
Safety is worth taking seriously here. The steep streets can be tricky at night, especially in the rainy season, and it’s worth walking with others or taking a tuk-tuk after dark. The volcano and Indian Nose hikes also have a history of safety issues, so please do not skip the guide (although many of these issues are traced back to misunderstandings).
