5 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in San Pedro, Lake Atitlán

Planning a trip to Lake Atitlán?

In this post, I’ll reveal the top 5 best coffee shops in San Pedro La Laguna.

Guatemala is a charming and vibrant country, and San Pedro La Laguna is no different.

Located around the magical Lake Atitlán, San Pedro is a colorful and lively town that attracts backpackers and local tourists with its laid-back vibe and stunning scenery.

But San Pedro is more than just Lake Atitlán’s backpacker hub — it’s also a true gem for coffee lovers.

After spending two weeks exploring the town, I’ve put together this guide with the best coffee in San Pedro La Laguna.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to work, a family-run café with stories to tell, or a place with stunning lake views, keep reading for my top picks.

*This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through a link on my site, I earn a small commission. Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you – check my full Privacy Policy here.

Top Coffee Shops in San Pedro Laguna

San Pedro La Laguna is absolute heaven for coffee lovers.

Beyond serving delicious cups, the cafés on this list each have stories to tell, offering a genuine glimpse into Guatemalan coffee culture, from family-run farms to locally roasted beans.

Exploring the different coffee shops on offer is one of the best things to do in San Pedro La Laguna.

⚠️ Looking for flexible backpacker insurance? I personally use SafetyWing and couldn’t recommend them more for their affordability and flexibility. Get a quote below.

Tornado’s Coffee

Tornado’s Coffee feels like a hidden oasis tucked away just a short walk from the lakeshore.

Step inside, and you’ll find a lush garden filled with greenery and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle of the town center.

This family-run café has been harvesting coffee for decades, and it shows in every cup – I had one of the best flat whites I’ve ever tasted.

The staff are incredibly friendly and happy to share stories about their history and coffee-growing traditions, which adds a lovely personal touch to your visit.

Beyond coffee, Tornado’s serves a small but delicious menu of bites and baked goods — I highly recommend trying their fresh fruit for refreshing start to your day.

With wifi available, it’s also a fantastic spot to work remotely or unwind after exploring the town.

If you’re searching for coffee shops in San Pedro La Laguna that feel like hidden gems, Tornado’s should be at the top of your list.

Café Panorama

Café Panorama is easily one of the best coffee shops in San Pedro Laguna if you’re looking for incredible views of Lake Atitlán paired with great coffee.

Perched on a hill above town, it’s around a 30-minute uphill walk from the centre, or you can hop in a tuk-tuk for around 15Q ($2) — which is exactly what we did on the way up, before walking back down.

But, trust me, the extra effort is worth it.

The panoramic lake views are jaw-dropping, and honestly rival the view from the Rostro Maya hike.

This is another family-run café, and the owner kindly took the time to explain more about the production of coffee in the region.

All of their beans come from their own local farm, resulting in a cup that’s rich, smooth, and full of flavour.

This is more than just a coffee stop. With hammocks, board games, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the kind of place you come with a book and end up staying for hours.

And don’t leave without trying the banana bread — it’s genuinely one of the best I’ve ever tried.

For delicious coffee and views that will take your breath away, do not miss Café Panorama in San Pedro La Laguna.

➡️ You might also like: San Pedro La Laguna Nightlife: Top 5 Best Bars

Orbe Café

Orbe Café is another must-visit café in San Pedro La Laguna, especially if you’re looking to escape the busy tourist strip.

Located just a short walk outside the main centre, it has a calmer, more local feel and offers beautiful views over the lake (although certainly not as unobstructed as Café Panorama).

It’s quiet, with a peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for remote work or slow mornings.

Orbe is also well known for its beautiful coffee art, and they offer a solid food menu to pair with your drink, whether you’re stopping by for breakfast or a light lunch.

If you’re searching for the best coffee in San Pedro La Laguna in a peaceful setting, Orbe Café is well worth adding to your list.

Sababa

Sababa features on my list of the best restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna, but it absolutely deserves a mention here too.

While one half operates as a delicious restaurant, the other side functions as a bakery and coffee shop, offering a completely different, more relaxed vibe.

Set right on the waterfront in the heart of town, Sababa boasts some of the best views of Lake Atitlán you can enjoy while sipping your morning coffee.

➡️ Recommended: 10 Must-Visit Restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna

Whether you choose a lakefront stool or kick back on one of the cozy sofas, the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming.

The baked goods are delicious, and the coffee is strong and reliable, with alternative milk options available.

While it is slightly pricier than other spots on this list, the coffee and views make it a must-visit coffee shop in San Pedro Laguna.

Cotuc Mayan Specialty Coffee

Rounding up this list of the best coffee in San Pedro La Laguna is Cotuc Mayan Specialty Coffee.

This is the only spot on this list that I didn’t visit myself, but it has been highly recommended for authentic locally-produced coffee.

Cotuc is a family-run café that grows and produces its own beans on their farm, offering a range of brewing methods that highlight the quality and flavour of Guatemalan coffee.

It’s a great place to experience coffee that’s deeply connected to the land and Mayan traditions of the region.

For an authentic Guatemalan coffee experience, Cotuc is one of the best coffee shops in San Pedro La Laguna for locally-grown, specialty coffee.

🌍Want to travel the world for free? Check out Trusted Housesitters for free accommodation worldwide (use code TRUSTED15 for 15% off your annual membership)

Where to stay in San Pedro La Laguna

There are many amazing accommodation options in San Pedro La Laguna.

From stunning lake view resorts to affordable shared dorms, there is something for every type of traveler and budget.

San Pedro is fairly concentrated, and most things can be accessed on foot or by tuk-tuk, no matter where you stay.

As a rule of thumb, if you’re staying near the waterfront, you can expect things to be pretty loud at night. Stay a little further out if you’re hoping for more peace and tranquility.

Amigos

Amigos is the perfect place to stay in San Pedro for those traveling on a budget.

Despite being called a hotel, Amigos has a hostel vibe. It is very social, without being a party hostel – it is one of my favorite hostels I’ve ever stayed in.

Depending on your budget, there is a choice of dorms or private rooms. The dorms are clean, spacious, and super affordable. There are two rooftops for socialising.

Amigos is perfectly located in the center of San Pedro, directly opposite the popular bar Sublime. The only downside to this is that it can get a little loud at night.

The price for dorms is 60Q ($8) per night and private rooms start at 300Q ($38).

Sababa Resort

Sababa Resort is the best accommodation in San Pedro for the luxury traveler.

With lakeview suites, beautiful decor, and exceptional amenities, Sababa is designed with relaxation in mind. There is a pool, spa, a delicious restaurant, and bar, as well as heaps of activities to enjoy.

Private rooms start at about $130 per night.

How to get to San Pedro La Laguna

The nearest airport to San Pedro La Laguna is Guatemala City.

Getting to San Pedro La Laguna is super straightforward, with connections from most popular destinations in Guatemala.

The most common route is from Guatemala City or Antigua, with daily shared shuttles available.

Most shuttles drop you in Panajachel, where you’ll then take a short boat ride across the lake to San Pedro.

However, direct shuttles to San Pedro do exist. We booked ours through a lovely man named Marco, who organised all of our transport and secured great prices throughout our trip.

You can contact him on +502 5437 6307.

➡️ Full Post: How To Get From Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan

San Pedro La Laguna Tours

Check out these highly-rated tours in San Pedro and other surrounding villages –

FAQs

Is San Pedro La Laguna worth visiting?

San Pedro La Laguna is well worth visiting and absolutely deserves a spot on your Guatemala itinerary.

I was lucky enough to spend over two weeks in San Pedro, and having visited many of the towns around Lake Atitlan, it was by far my favourite.

Known as the backpacker town, I was worried that San Pedro would lack authenticity and be full of tourists.

I was, however, pleasantly surprised. Whilst there is certainly a lot of international influence, this seems to work harmoniously with the local traditions and culture.

Personally, I think San Pedro La Laguna is the perfect base to explore the surrounding towns, and it feels like getting home whenever you come back.

➡️ Recommended: 10 Must-Visit Restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna

What is San Pedro, Guatemala known for?

As with other towns around Lake Atitlan, San Pedro La Laguna is home to the Tz’utujil people.

This indigenous community makes up one of the 22 Maya ethnic groups that live in Guatemala.

However, in recent years, San Pedro has grown as a popular tourist destination. It has been coined Lake Atitlan’s ‘backpacker town’.

San Pedro is a magnet for like-minded travelers looking to deeper understand Mayan culture and marvel at the beauty of Lake Atitlan.

It is known for its affordable Spanish schools, buzzing nightlife scene, and is a popular jump-off spot for nearby hikes.

➡️ You might also like: 15 Incredible Things To Do in San Pedro La Laguna

How to get around San Pedro La Laguna?

Getting around San Pedro La Laguna is easy and affordable.

The town is pretty compact, and most of the main restaurants, cafes, and activities can be reached on foot.

However, if you do want to venture a little further afield, there are tuk-tuks for short journeys.

If you want to visit other towns around the lake, San Pedro is fantastically connected. You can reach all other towns by small boat (lancha).

➡️ Further reading: Lake Atitlan Boat Schedule: Panajachel to San Pedro & Other Towns

Is San Pedro Guatemala expensive to visit?

San Pedro La Laguna is generally very affordable, especially for budget travelers and backpackers.

With cheap local food, low-cost transport, and reasonably priced accommodation, it’s easy to visit without spending much.

Coffee Shops in San Pedro La Laguna: Final Thoughts

Well, that’s it! This post has detailed everything you need to know about coffee in San Pedro La Laguna.

If you have visited San Pedro La Laguna, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!