Top Things to Do in San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala

About the City

Nestled on the sun-kissed shoreline of Lake Atitlán, hugged by lush green hills and a necklace of volcanic guardians, San Pedro La Laguna is a vibrant tapestry of old traditions and backpacker's bliss. Here, the air is fragrant with the aroma of street vendors selling tantalizing local foods, from tostadas to irresistible pupusas, offering a feast for the senses. Colorful murals turn the town into an open-air gallery, where walls whisper tales of ancestry and artistic ingenuity. The streets thrum with a symphony of languages, as visitors from across the globe come to study Spanish, dive into the sapphire waters, and hike the rugged trails, discovering vistas that steal breaths away. When the sun dips behind the conical silhouettes, night brings a different beat—lively bars and lakeside firepits host a melting pot of global friendships, with the clink of glasses underscoring the buzz of conversation. Yet, amidst its charm, San Pedro can wear a frayed edge. Its narrow streets can get clogged with tuk-tuks, and at times, the tourist gleam may outshine local culture. And, oh, the challenge of uphill battles—literally! The town's steep terrain turns a simple stroll into a mountaineer's session, making it a 'choose your own adventure' of either navigating the slope or hailing a ride. But even with its quirks, San Pedro remains a quirky stencil of beauty, etched against one of Guatemala's most mesmerizing backdrops.

Things to Do in San Pedro La Laguna

Gobble up Yuca con Chicharrón

Food & Drink

Dive fork-first into Yuca con Chicharrón. Imagine tender yuca (cassava) roots paired with crispy pork skin - it's a textural tango that just gets your taste buds dancing!

Zip-lining Through the Treetops

Outdoors

Zip through the lush canopy of San Pedro and let out your best Tarzan yell as you fly from platform to platform. It's high-flying fun, and you don't need wings or a pilot's license to do it!

Mayan Cooking Class

The Unexpected

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to sizzle, chop, and taste your way through a traditional Mayan cooking class. Join local chefs as they teach you the secrets behind those mouthwatering Guatemalan d...

Lakeside Reading Retreat

The Unexpected

Grab your favorite book and head to the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlán for some lakeside literature time. Imagine the soft lapping of waves as your background track while you dive deep into other wor...

Ceramic Craftsmanship Workshop

The Unexpected

Get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing in a ceramic-making workshop. Discover the local pottery traditions and create your very own ceramic keepsake—under the skilled guidance of a master po...

Lakeside Mural Quest

The Unexpected

Embark on a vibrant journey through San Pedro as you scout out the most breathtaking street art and murals around town. It's a blend of a culture trip and a colorful scavenger hunt where every mural t...

Rock On, Cliff Jumping

Outdoors

Test your guts and leap into the crystal clear waters from a towering rock. The thrill of the jump and the chill of the splash will leave you feeling alive and kicking!

Volcano Vista Picnic

Outdoors

Pack a basket, grab a blanket, and head for a picnic with a view. Feast on local goodies as you gaze upon the stoic volcanoes. Remember to pack your trash!

Serenade the Sun on a Sunset Cruise

Outdoors

Nothing says 'vacay mode: on' like sipping something cool onboard a boat cruising Lake Atitlán. Catch the sunset painting the sky as you wave a cheery 'bye-bye' to Mr. Sun and 'hello' to a starry nigh...

Discover San Pedro on a Guided Nature Walk

Outdoors

Lace up your most adventure-ready sneakers and hit the trails with a local nature guide. They'll dish the deets on the local flora, fauna, and folklore while you soak in the fresh air and natural beau...

Nosh on Pupusas

Food & Drink

Get your hands on Pupusas, the thick, handmade tortillas that are all the rage. Stuffed with beans, cheese, or chicharron, they're like little pillows of happiness for your taste buds!

Coffee Farm Crawl

Sights

Get your caffeine fix straight from the source! Take a tour of the local coffee farms and watch how those magical beans transform into your morning savior. Bonus: you'll get to taste the freshest cupp...

Explore the San Pedro Church

Sights

Check out this old-school beauty! San Pedro Church is a historic spot that's sure to give your camera a workout. Stand in awe of its architecture and feel the stories seep into your soul.

Stroll Through Chiya Art Gallery

Sights

Wander amidst the most stunning indigenous artwork at Chiya Art Gallery. Each piece tells a unique story, and you'll definitely want to snag a selfie with the vibrant masterpieces. It's a no-sweat cul...

Dive into the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve

Sights

Get wild and free in Cerro Tzankujil! Dare to jump off the famous diving platform or simply chill in nature’s lap. This place is Insta-gold and eco-friendly fun all rolled into one.

Learn at the Maya Traditions Herbal Garden

Sights

Unearth the secrets of ancient herbal remedies at the Maya Traditions Herbal Garden. Get ready to be an herb whisperer and impress your friends with knowledge bombs of natural healing!

Snack on Tostadas

Food & Drink

Crunch into the world of Tostadas, these crispy flat tortillas are the ultimate edible plates, topped with a mountain range of beans, guac, and salsa. It's a texture party in your mouth!

Savor the Guatemalan Enchilada

Food & Drink

Take a bite of the Guatemalan Enchilada, not to be confused with its Mexican cousin. This masterpiece is a tower of beetroot, veggies, ground beef, and egg on a crispy tortilla. It's a rainbow of flav...

Bite into Garnachas

Food & Drink

Experience the crunch of Garnachas, little bite-sized tortilla discs loaded with seasoned ground beef, piled high with fresh toppings, and a sprinkle of cheese. It's like a savory party on a tiny plat...

Cacao Ceremony Delight

The Unexpected

Get choco-zen with a spiritual cacao ceremony! Sip on the sacred brew, let the rich flavors melt stress away, and feel groovy with the ancient vibes.