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.

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. Like anywhere you might travel, San Pedro has many roads that cut into hidden areas and so on, which could be dangerous 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 Q15/hour (by 2018) 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.

Trek for Kids is a local hiking company that pays their guides fair wages and uses their proceeds to help local children pay for their schooling.

• Yoga. A locally run yoga space. Classes are run daily Mon to Sat. Usually at 9-10:30AM and 4-5:30PM. Lovely setting to practice yoga under the skies and on the earth. Price Q40
• Spanish-Language School San Pedro La Laguna become a language school center around the Atitlán Lake as the beautiful location drawing more and more students each year. Quality of instruction is varied so you might want to shop around. The people of this area speak Tz'utujil as there primary language. They learn Spanish in school which gives them the advantage of knowing the process of learning the language. They also have a noticeably technical way of speaking that is easy to learn as it is simple to understand. Some to check are Flor Del Maiz Orbita Cooperativa Corazon Maya, Casa Rosario, San Pedro Spanish School, and Elmer Cortez Spanish School.

Private lessons are also available at reasonable rates. Jennifer, a qualified local teacher, has an office located just past Buddha Bar on the main trail, and comes highly recommended. "Clases Privadas 'Fe'" offers teachers with significant experience, materials, and activities all included in a very reasonable price.[mailto:misschapina07@yahoo.com] They can be very flexible with scheduling during the off-season, and will tailor lessons to your interests & needs.

• Kayak rentals available on the far east side of town, on the lakeshore. A pleasant way to explore the lake. Q15/hour. If you go down to the lake and try to rent one, they will usually try to charge you twice as much as it would cost if you bought from an agency.
• Paragliding At least two instructors operate around the lake, one from Panajachel and one from San Marcos. Ask at the tourist office near the Pana dock or in any tourist agency. The price is around US$90 for 10-40 minutes of flight (depending on the weather : the warmer the better).
• Climb the volcano San Pedro Guide is "required" but unnecessary. Price Q100
• Free Movies (various locations) -Allegre Pub (located at the main intersection by the Pana dock) shows movies nightly at 7:30PM on the rooftop terrace

-Amadaeus (on the main road, down from Allegre if heading to the main trail) shows movies nightly at 5:30PM and 7:30PM

-D´Noz (by the Pana dock) is one of the original traveller restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna and has great breakfast, lunch and dinners with free wireless internet. They also show free movies nightly at 8:30PM. When you get to town stop here first and get some great tips on where to stay and whats going on. Closed Sunday.

-Bistro Nueve Sol (main trail, past El Barrio heading to the Santiago dock) shows movies and documentaries nightly at 7:30PM. Closed Sunday.

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.

Yoga. A locally run yoga space. Classes are run daily Mon to Sat. Usually at 9-10:30AM and 4-5:30PM. Lovely setting to practice yoga under the skies and on the earth. Price Q40

Spanish-Language School

Kayak rentals available on the far east side of town, on the lakeshore. A pleasant way to explore the lake. Q15/hour. If you go down to the lake and try to rent one, they will usually try to charge you twice as much as it would cost if you bought from an agency.

Paragliding At least two instructors operate around the lake, one from Panajachel and one from San Marcos. Ask at the tourist office near the Pana dock or in any tourist agency. The price is around US$90 for 10-40 minutes of flight (depending on the weather : the warmer the better).

Climb the volcano San Pedro Guide is "required" but unnecessary. Price Q100

Free Movies (various locations)

• Caza Suenos (up the road to the market from the Panajachel dock). This locally owned shop has jewelery, clothing, and hand-crafted leather goods. If you have time to wait (3-5 days), you can commission a custom-made pair of sandals or moccasins for about Q250.

Caza Suenos (up the road to the market from the Panajachel dock). This locally owned shop has jewelery, clothing, and hand-crafted leather goods. If you have time to wait (3-5 days), you can commission a custom-made pair of sandals or moccasins for about Q250.

• Cafe Luna Azul: a little bit west of the Panajachel dock. Great lakeside location with a good place for swimming and tanning. Try the chocolate fudge cake!
• Humus-ya : the best hummus and falafel in town, they also have other Mediterranean food. Cool staff and friendly vibe. Just a few meters away from the main crossroads near the Pana dock, across from the Gym.
• Smokin' Joes' BBQ. Every Sunday at the Deep End Bar & Pool.
• Nick's Place: it's by the Panajachel dock. Probably the most popular place in town due to its great location. Meals are reasonably priced.
• The Buddha:. In San Pedro's hip 'Otro Lado' a 5-minute walk from the main dock. Extremely good Asian & gourmet local dishes at very reasonable prices in an astoundingly beautiful setting. It's a three-story bar, restaurant, lounge, cinema & cabaret with an amazing fusion of local and faraway exotic. Great place for travelers to mingle with each other & locals over a game of pool.
• Jarachik: Jarachik is a hostel and a restaurant. Good food here. Every night (weather permitting) there is a bonfire in the garden and restaurant area. Great food. Jarachik is on the path between the Pana and the Santiago docks.
• Le Jardin:. Run by French expats, this place has one of the coolest patios you'll ever see, with a variety of seating options from a candlelit table to a big group table with pillows for seats. Serves delicious French and Italian food. They use local ingredients and make everything in-house. Pretty expensive for the town, but you can get an amazing meal for under Q83 per person.
• ZooLa, path (watch for the red-lettered signs. 9AM to 9 PM, closed Monday. "Laid back" in Hebrew, offers one of the most comfortable places to lounge around with your friends while you enjoy good food and drink at reasonable prices. Has some Israeli items, including falafel, on the menu but the coffee is locally-grown and doesn't include the ground cardamom that you'll find in some middle eastern restaurants. low to moderate.
• Streetfood. Cheapest food in town, roasted sausages and chicken with beans, guacamole and tortillas. Q8.
• El Otho Hollo. Food from Israel, very nice and affordable food.
• Lole's Place is open for breakfast and lunch only, They have great-tasting food for Q15 - 20 a plate. A few meters away from the main crossroads near the Pana dock, under the gym.
• The Clover. 8:30AM-11PM. With magical views of Indian Nose and the lake from the patio and bar, the only Irish bar and restaurant has international food and real Irish stew (a big bowl full of meat, potatoes and carrots in a thick sauce - tasty and filling). All meals include large portions, made from delicious ingredients, great drink specials, live music on weekends.
• Cafe Atitlan. 7AM-11PM. Follow the trail of colorful coffee beans painted on the cobblestone beside Buddha Bar, and you’ll discover one of San Pedro’s most secluded and peaceful restaurants. The garden offers privacy beneath a big palapa with comfortable seating, as well a table with a big umbrella. Upstairs, the Canadian-style house (lots of wood) has indoor seating and a long terrace with a beautiful view of the lake and lots of flowers and trees. Even better, you get a free espresso with any meal or drink, plus there is free Wi-Fi for customers.
• Art Café El Colibri, Zona 2, Xetagual (behind Zoola and Colegio Bethel, +502 5115 0927. Very nice and tranquil place with beautiful garden near the lake. Serves breakfasts and snacks. It has WiFi, computers and laundry too. It is connected with charity project to help local students to go study university. By painting a cup, you can support this project.

Cafe Luna Azul: a little bit west of the Panajachel dock. Great lakeside location with a good place for swimming and tanning. Try the chocolate fudge cake!

Humus-ya : the best hummus and falafel in town, they also have other Mediterranean food. Cool staff and friendly vibe. Just a few meters away from the main crossroads near the Pana dock, across from the Gym.

Smokin' Joes' BBQ. Every Sunday at the Deep End Bar & Pool.

Nick's Place: it's by the Panajachel dock. Probably the most popular place in town due to its great location. Meals are reasonably priced.

The Buddha:. In San Pedro's hip 'Otro Lado' a 5-minute walk from the main dock. Extremely good Asian & gourmet local dishes at very reasonable prices in an astoundingly beautiful setting. It's a three-story bar, restaurant, lounge, cinema & cabaret with an amazing fusion of local and faraway exotic. Great place for travelers to mingle with each other & locals over a game of pool.

Jarachik: Jarachik is a hostel and a restaurant. Good food here. Every night (weather permitting) there is a bonfire in the garden and restaurant area. Great food. Jarachik is on the path between the Pana and the Santiago docks.

Le Jardin:. Run by French expats, this place has one of the coolest patios you'll ever see, with a variety of seating options from a candlelit table to a big group table with pillows for seats. Serves delicious French and Italian food. They use local ingredients and make everything in-house. Pretty expensive for the town, but you can get an amazing meal for under Q83 per person.

ZooLa, path (watch for the red-lettered signs. 9AM to 9 PM, closed Monday. "Laid back" in Hebrew, offers one of the most comfortable places to lounge around with your friends while you enjoy good food and drink at reasonable prices. Has some Israeli items, including falafel, on the menu but the coffee is locally-grown and doesn't include the ground cardamom that you'll find in some middle eastern restaurants. low to moderate.

Streetfood. Cheapest food in town, roasted sausages and chicken with beans, guacamole and tortillas. Q8.

El Otho Hollo. Food from Israel, very nice and affordable food.

Lole's Place is open for breakfast and lunch only, They have great-tasting food for Q15 - 20 a plate. A few meters away from the main crossroads near the Pana dock, under the gym.

The Clover. 8:30AM-11PM. With magical views of Indian Nose and the lake from the patio and bar, the only Irish bar and restaurant has international food and real Irish stew (a big bowl full of meat, potatoes and carrots in a thick sauce - tasty and filling). All meals include large portions, made from delicious ingredients, great drink specials, live music on weekends.

Cafe Atitlan. 7AM-11PM. Follow the trail of colorful coffee beans painted on the cobblestone beside Buddha Bar, and you’ll discover one of San Pedro’s most secluded and peaceful restaurants. The garden offers privacy beneath a big palapa with comfortable seating, as well a table with a big umbrella. Upstairs, the Canadian-style house (lots of wood) has indoor seating and a long terrace with a beautiful view of the lake and lots of flowers and trees. Even better, you get a free espresso with any meal or drink, plus there is free Wi-Fi for customers.

Art Café El Colibri, Zona 2, Xetagual (behind Zoola and Colegio Bethel, +502 5115 0927. Very nice and tranquil place with beautiful garden near the lake. Serves breakfasts and snacks. It has WiFi, computers and laundry too. It is connected with charity project to help local students to go study university. By painting a cup, you can support this project.

• Alegre Pub, Panajachel dock. British pub that also serves good food. Free movies on the roof at 7:30PM.
• Nick's Place. See under Eat.
• Shanti Shanti. Inexpensive place to chill; good view of the lake.
• The Buddha. Free pool table, dart board, Free large screen movies in second floor lounge/cinema, hookah pipes, three floors. Happy Hour from noon-5PM and 8PM-9PM.
• The Deep End Bar & Pool. 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 its Sunday BBQ with Smokin' Joes' barbecue.
• El Barrio. A cozy and laid-back bar and eatery on the main path, toward the Santiago Dock. A favorite with local expats.
• Jardin Net, On the way to Zoola, +502 5115 0927. 8AM to 8PM. Nice internet cafe offering salsa and art lessons, WiFi, international calls and Skype. They offer breakfast, hot and cold drinks, massage and laundry service.
• Art Café El Colibri, behind Zoola and Colegio Bethel (Xetaual, +502 5115 0927. 8AM-11PM. Very nice and tranquil place with beautiful garden near the lake. Serves breakfasts and snacks. It has WiFi, computers and laundry too. It is connected with charity project to help student to go study university. By painting a cup, you can support this project!

Alegre Pub, Panajachel dock. British pub that also serves good food. Free movies on the roof at 7:30PM.

Nick's Place. See under Eat.

Shanti Shanti. Inexpensive place to chill; good view of the lake.

The Buddha. Free pool table, dart board, Free large screen movies in second floor lounge/cinema, hookah pipes, three floors. Happy Hour from noon-5PM and 8PM-9PM.

The Deep End Bar & Pool. 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 its Sunday BBQ with Smokin' Joes' barbecue.

El Barrio. A cozy and laid-back bar and eatery on the main path, toward the Santiago Dock. A favorite with local expats.

Jardin Net, On the way to Zoola, +502 5115 0927. 8AM to 8PM. Nice internet cafe offering salsa and art lessons, WiFi, international calls and Skype. They offer breakfast, hot and cold drinks, massage and laundry service.

Art Café El Colibri, behind Zoola and Colegio Bethel (Xetaual, +502 5115 0927. 8AM-11PM. Very nice and tranquil place with beautiful garden near the lake. Serves breakfasts and snacks. It has WiFi, computers and laundry too. It is connected with charity project to help student to go study university. By painting a cup, you can support this project!

• Mikaso hotel is quite expensive, considering it's way off the beaten path closer to the Santiago dock than most of the other places listed, but the coffee is only Q5 a cup and you can use the wifi free on their terrazza overlooking the lake.
• The restaurant Jarachik also has free WiFi for those who buy something to eat. They have a very friendly staff, and great food.
• For coffee lovers try Cafe Cristalinas. They have free WiFi, and an internet cafe for those who do not have computers. The menu is limited, but the coffee is roasted on site. Ask the staff about when they roast their coffee and an explanation of the process.
• D'noz restaurant offers the fastest WiFi in town to its customers and offers a pretty good meals for your buck.
• Cafe Atitlan offers wi-fi internet to customers.
• Pinocchio (hotel/hostel) offers wi-fi internet to guests.
• Orbita Spanish School has free wifi.

Mikaso hotel is quite expensive, considering it's way off the beaten path closer to the Santiago dock than most of the other places listed, but the coffee is only Q5 a cup and you can use the wifi free on their terrazza overlooking the lake.

The restaurant Jarachik also has free WiFi for those who buy something to eat. They have a very friendly staff, and great food.

For coffee lovers try Cafe Cristalinas. They have free WiFi, and an internet cafe for those who do not have computers. The menu is limited, but the coffee is roasted on site. Ask the staff about when they roast their coffee and an explanation of the process.

The prices in most of food stores, everyday consumables, have fixed prices. Fixed prices may also be found in the public buses (chicken buses). However, stores and street vendors selling art or craftwork expect people to engage in bargaining. Arriving at an agreeable price is simply part of the process, and you congratulate yourself on your bargaining abilities. The same holds true in the market place in San Pedro, and indeed throughout Guatemala.

However, not all prices are subject to bargaining. For example, hotel rooms, and shuttle buses. All hotels and tour companies must register their services and their prices with INGUATE, the national tourism board, and must pay taxes based on those prices. The business owners are no different from other business owners around the world. They have loans to pay off, investments to recuperate, etc. Remember, "Act locally, but think globally."

The best way to get to Antigua is to take a minibus. Minibuses are available at 8:30AM in front of the travel agency, Maya Tztujil. It is best to book your space at least one day in advance. At Maya Tzutujil it only costs Q50. There is also another one that leaves from in front of Casa Verde every day at 9:30AM. It costs Q70 and takes about 3 hours, including a 15 minute restroom break. With a group you might negotiate the price till Q50. It is best to buy your ticket the day before you leave, at Casa Verde, the green building near the main dock. (Tel: 58379092) There is a travel agency inside. They use newer Toyota minibuses.

This is cheaper and faster than paying Q25 to take a boat to Panajachel, and then Q70 to get from Panajachel to Antigua.

The cheapest way to get in/out are the buses leaving to Xela Monday till Saturday mornings at 4:30, 5, 5:30, 6, 7, 8:00 and 11AM across the street from the Catholic church downtown (top of the hill) Q20-30, or to Guate (Guatemala City) other hours starting from 3AM. if travelling to Antigua let the bus attendant know where you are going and he will let you know where to change buses in Chimaltenango.