15 Amazing Things To Do in San Pedro, Lake Atitlán

Planning a trip to Lake Atitlán?

In this post, I’ll reveal the best things to do in San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlán’s backpacker hotspot.

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 alike.

After spending two full weeks in San Pedro, I had the chance to experience the town beyond the typical backpacker highlights, and I’m going to be sharing that all with you today.

Keep reading to discover exactly what to do in San Pedro La Laguna, combining must-see highlights with slower, more authentic moments that truly define life on Lake Atitlán

*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.

What To Do in San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro La Laguna is full of vibrant experiences, from adventurous hikes to cultural discoveries and lakeside relaxation.

Keep reading for my roundup of the best experiences and activities in San Pedro La Laguna, to help you make the most of your time on Lake Atitlán.

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

🌋 Adventure & Nature

Lake Atitlán’s dramatic landscape makes it a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.

Here are the top things to do in San Pedro La Laguna for anyone looking to get outdoors and fully immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings.

Rostro Maya Hike (Indian Nose)

For sunrise views that truly take your breath away, do not miss the Rostro Maya (Indian Nose) Hike.

Not only is this one of the best things to do in San Pedro, but it is a must for anyone visiting Lake Atitlán – it was one of the highlights of my entire trip to Guatemala.

From the town of Santa Clara, the Rostro Maya hike takes about 40 minutes. It is not particularly strenuous but does get steep towards the top.

Tours depart from San Pedro and stop off in nearby San Juan before reaching the town of Santa Clara, where you’ll begin.

From the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Atitlan, the different towns, as well as the dominating volcanoes that surround it.

✅ Book your Rostro Maya Tour in advance here

Kayaking on Lake Atitlán

Kayaking on Lake Atitlán is a great way to experience the beauty of the lake and its surrounding towns from a different perspective.

Simply hire your kayak from one of the many lakefront cafes/restaurants and paddle to your heart’s content – we hired our kayaks here.

From San Pedro, you can kayak to nearby San Juan or Playa La Finca.

Hike San Pedro Volcano

For those looking for a more challenging adventure, hiking San Pedro Volcano is one of the best things to do around Lake Atitlán.

Unfortunately, I did not get time to do this hike myself, but I’ve heard that it is extremely rewarding with stunning views from the summit.

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

Relax in thermal pools

If you’re looking to unwind after a busy day hiking, or perhaps cure your hangover after a crazy evening enjoying San Pedro’s nightlife, thermal pools are the perfect solution.

While the pools themselves are man-made, they’re filled with naturally heated spring water, channelled in from nearby geothermal sources and rich in relaxing minerals.

Los Termales is a small wellness centre that also offers massages and saunas, alongside a series of hot and cold pools with beautiful views over Lake Atitlán.

Visit nearby towns

San Pedro is perfectly located for exploring the other lakeside towns, with fast and affordable boat trips that run all day.

Each town has a unique charm and vibe, offering different cultural experiences.

➡️ To navigate the towns with ease: Lake Atitlan Boat Schedule: Panajachel to San Pedro & Other Towns

Here are some towns I’d recommend visiting on a day trip from San Pedro –

• San Juan – a colourful, artistic town with a strong local feel, known for its murals, cooperatives, and Mayan culture (only a 10-minute tuk tuk ride away)
• San Marcos – a laid-back, hippie hub famous for yoga retreats, vegan cafés, a 12-metre cliff jump, and a nature reserve perfect for swimming
• Santa Cruz – amazing viewpoints, lake diving, chill vibes, less touristy
• Tzununa – great for nature lovers, organic farming & permaculture, underdeveloped, more local vibe

➡️ For more details: Where To Stay in Lake Atitlan: 9 UNMISSABLE Towns & Hotels

🎨 Art & Culture

If you’re a lover of art and culture, you’ll be in your element in San Pedro La Laguna.

There is a vibrant artistic and cultural scene here that reflects its strong Indigenous roots and creative spirit.

Visit the Tz’unun Ya’ Museum

For history lovers wondering what to do in San Pedro La Laguna, a visit to the Tz’ununa Ya’ Musuem is a must.

This small but impactful museum offers valuable insight into Tzʼutujil Maya culture, showcasing traditional customs, daily life around the lake, and the geology and formation of Lake Atitlán.

The museum is a community-run cultural space, so your entrance fee goes directly back into supporting local projects and communities.

Visiting the Tz’unun Ya’ Museum is, therefore, not only fascinating but also a meaningful way to give back to the communities around the lake.

Admire street art & murals

Another great thing to do in San Pedro La Laguna is to admire the street art and murals dotted throughout the town.

You’ll spot some impressive pieces as you wander the streets, especially as you head further up the hill, where the area becomes more local and less touristy.

If you’re particularly into street art, it’s well worth hopping on a tuk-tuk or lancha to nearby San Juan, which is known for its vibrant murals, artistic cooperatives, and strong cultural identity.

Creative workshops

Another one of the best hands-on activities in San Pedro La Laguna is to participate in one of the many creative workshops available.

The town has a strong artistic and spiritual scene, with many opportunities to tap into your creative side and take home some meaningful gifts.

Here are some creative workshops in San Pedro worth checking out –

• Painting classes – I’d recommend checking out Art Cafe el Colibri
• Weaving classes – Community-run workshops teaching traditional Mayan weaving with local women artisans (check this one out)
• Escuela de Artesania

👩‍🌾 Local Life

At first glance, San Pedro La Laguna can feel very touristy and backpacker-oriented.

However, the further you venture up the hill and away from the lakeshore, every day local life begins to unfold, offering a more authentic glimpse into life around Lake Atitlán.

Visit the local market

Visiting the local market in San Pedro is a great way to experience everyday life and pick up fresh produce, street food, and affordable clothing.

The main market is located up the hill near the cemetery, away from the lakeshore, and is best visited in the morning when it’s busiest and most authentic.

Learn Spanish at a local school (with homestay)

For travellers who benefit from a long time around Lake Atitlán, learning Spanish at a local school with a homestay is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Living with a local family allows you to practice Spanish daily while gaining a genuine insight into local routines, traditions, and way of life.

This isn’t something I dizd myself, as I’m already fluent in Spanish, but many friends I made raved about how fantastic the classes are and how much they learned in a short amount of time.

Here are some Spanish schools worth checking out –

• San Pedro Spanish School
• Semilla Spanish School
• Cooperativa Spanish School

Watch a local football match

For sports fans wondering what to do in San Pedro La Laguna, attending a local football match is a must.

Football is hugely popular in Guatemala, and catching a local game lets you see the community come together and experience the lively atmosphere firsthand.

During my trip to San Pedro, I went to a match at the small pitch just up the hill from the town centre, and it was such a memorable way to connect with the local culture.

Take a traditional Guatemalan cooking class

Taking a traditional Guatemalan cooking class is another one of the best cultural experiences in San Pedro La Laguna.

You’ll learn how local dishes are prepared from scratch and often start with a fresh market tour before cooking.

This is such a fun and interactive way to dive into local food culture and give back to local communities.

I’d recommend checking out the Mayan Kitchen Cooking – start by browsing the market for fresh ingredients, then cook authentic Guatemalan recipes alongside a local chef, all with a breathtaking backdrop.

☕ Food, Coffee & Bars

San Pedro La Laguna is also a great destination for food, coffee, and bars, with everything from traditional Guatemalan dishes to international and vegan-friendly spots.

Try Guatemalan coffee

Another one of the best things to do in San Pedro La Laguna is try authentic Guatemalan coffee.

While there are many incredible coffee shops in San Pedro, the stand out for me was Panorama Cafe.

This family offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Atitlan, locally produced coffee, and the best banana bread you’ll ever taste.

We ended up speaking to the owner, who kindly explained more about the coffee-making process, making this not just a coffee stop, but a truly immersive and meaningful experience.

Go on a culinary journey

There are many amazing restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna, with a diverse range to suit every taste and budget.

Many places blend traditional Guatemalan flavors with Western-style dishes, and there’s also a surprising number of vegan options.

Whether you’re craving local specialties or international cuisine, going on a culinary journey is a delicious way to discover what to do in San Pedro La Laguna.

➡️ Read the full post: 10 Must-Try Restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna

Experience San Pedro’s vibrant nightlife

As the backpacker hotspot, it should come as no surprise that San Pedro’s nightlife is absolutely buzzing and a draw for many when visiting the town.

From laid-back lakeside bars and live music spots to all-night pub crawls and boat parties, there is something here for every type of traveller.

If you’re a party person, you’ve know doubt heard of Mr Mullet’s Hostel, one of the centers of San Pedro nightlife and the best place to meet other backpackers.

➡️ For my full list of bars: San Pedro Nightlife: Top 5 Best Bars

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.

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.

Things To Do in San Pedro La Laguna: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed exactly what to do in San Pedro La Laguna.

With its balance of adventure, culture, affordability, and community, it’s one of the most rewarding places to slow down and experience Lake Atitlán properly.

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!