San Pedro La Laguna is Lake Atitlán’s backpacker hub. Travellers most commonly come to San Pedro to learn Spanish (the Spanish schools here are amongst the best in Guatemala), climb volcanoes, and/or enjoy the laid-back lakeside atmosphere and party at the renowned Mr Mullet’s Party Hostel. Despite all of this, there’s more to San Pedro than meets the eye, and there are loads of really fun things to do here.
Traditional Mayan life continues in the upper part of town, while the lakeside area buzzes with cafes, restaurants, and bars that cater to international visitors.
Ellie and I made San Pedro our Lake Atitlán base when we were travelling in Guatemala, and we stayed here for a few nights. Most of our nights here were through the week and we did find that the party vibes were very much contained to Mr Mullet’s Party Hostel and/or the weekends. Outside of that hostel, there wasn’t much going on during the week party-wise.
🇬🇹 Read more: A Travel Guide to San Pedro La Laguna
Contents
9 Things to Do in San Pedro
1. Climb Volcán San Pedro
The San Pedro Volcano towers over the town and offers one of the more challenging but rewarding hikes around Lake Atitlán. The trek takes about 4-5 hours up and 2-3 hours down, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. You can do the hike independently but it isn’t recommended for safety reasons – bandits on the trail keep a look out for unsuspecting tourists.
2. Take Spanish Lessons
San Pedro is famous for its Spanish schools, and for good reason. The schools here offer some of the most affordable one-on-one Spanish lessons in Guatemala, and they often include cultural activities, exchange socials, and can arrange homestays with local families for full immersion.
3. Visit the Coffee Farms
The volcanic slopes around San Pedro are perfect for growing coffee (did you know that coffee has to be grown at a specific altitude!?) and several local farms offer tours. You can learn about the entire process from bean to cup, and most tours include a coffee tasting, too.
4. Explore the Local Market
The traditional market in the upper part of San Pedro La Laguna offers a genuine glimpse into local life. Unlike the tourist-oriented shops and market stalls by the lake, this is where the locals do their shopping. It’s especially lively on weekends, when more vendors from surrounding villages come to trade.
5. Take a Traditional Cooking Class
Several cooking schools offer classes in San Pedro, where you can learn to make traditional Guatemalan dishes with the help of a local. Classes usually start with a visit to the local market to buy ingredients followed by a hands-on cooking class (but check what your tour includes before you book). You’ll learn to make dishes like pepián, chiles rellenos, and tamales.
6. Take a Kayak Tour
Kayaking is a really great way to explore Lake Atitlán’s shoreline. You can rent kayaks by the hour or join guided tours that take you to hidden beaches and cliff jumping spots. Early morning is the best time when the water is calmest, although it rarely gets really rough on Lake Atitlán. Be aware that this is the deepest lake in Central America, so this might be a bit daunting for you if you have a fear of open water.
7. Take a Yoga Class
While not as focused on wellness as San Marcos, San Pedro has several yoga studios that offer yoga classes throughout the day, and many have beautiful views over the lake.
8. Head to Mr Mullet’s Party Hostel
As I mentioned earlier in this blog post, San Pedro is quite well known for its backpacker vibes and party scene, so it would only be right to join in on some of the fun, especially if you’re here on the weekend. You can join in a lot of the events at the hostel even if you’re not staying there, although I would recommend booking in if you really want to get stuck in.
Looking back, I think a good way to do it may be to stay somewhere else in Lake Atitlán as your base, like Panajachel or San Juan, depending on what you want to do, and then coming to San Pedro just for one night on a weekend to experience the nightlife.
9. Take a TukTuk Tour
For a fun overview of San Pedro, you can take a tuktuk tour through the upper parts of town. Drivers will take you to various viewpoints and local spots you might miss otherwise. You can also take a tuktuk across to San Juan, San Pedro’s neighbouring town.
🇬🇹 Read more: Where to Stay in San Pedro La Laguna
FAQs About Things to Do in San Pedro
How do I get from Panajachel to San Pedro La Laguna?
The most common way to reach San Pedro is by public boat (lancha) from Panajachel. Boats run frequently from around 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM and take approximately 30-40 minutes. The fare is typically 25 quetzales (£2.50). The last stretch of the journey can be choppy, so sit towards the middle of the boat for a smoother ride.
Is San Pedro La Laguna safe for tourists?
San Pedro is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the main tourist areas near the lake. However, hiking Volcán San Pedro should only be done with a licensed guide due to reported robberies on the trail. As with any tourist destination, take normal precautions, especially at night, and keep valuables secure.
How long should I stay in San Pedro La Laguna?
For a basic experience of San Pedro, 2-3 days is sufficient. However, if you’re planning to take Spanish lessons or want to use it as a base to explore other Lake Atitlan towns, consider staying 1-2 weeks. Many visitors end up extending their stay due to the laid-back atmosphere and variety of activities available.
How much do Spanish lessons cost in San Pedro?
Spanish lessons in San Pedro typically cost between $150-200 per week for 20 hours of one-on-one instruction. This often includes additional activities like conversation practice and cultural excursions. Prices can vary between schools, and many offer package deals that include accommodation.
What’s the best time to climb Volcán San Pedro?
The best time to climb Volcán San Pedro is early morning, starting around 6:00 AM. This allows you to complete most of the ascent before the day gets too hot and ensures clearer views from the summit. The dry season (November to April) offers the most reliable weather conditions for hiking.
Conclusion
San Pedro La Laguna offers something for everyone, from adventure seekers and volcano hikers to language students or cooking fanatics. While it may be more touristic than other towns around Lake Atitlán, it maintains an authentic charm and can make a perfect base for exploring the region. Ellie and I stayed here for several nights and had no regrets at all – there was plenty to do here!