Everything you need to know about getting here, getting around and making the most of your stay at Lake Atitlán.
These are some of the questions we get most often from our guests before and during their stay at La Cocina Bonita.
We want to make your visit as easy, enjoyable and memorable as possible. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help!
Getting to San Pedro La Laguna
How do I get to San Pedro by public transportation?
Several travel agencies offer shared shuttles directly to San Pedro La Laguna from Antigua and Guatemala City.
Here are two options:
Maya Tz'utujil Travels
Offers three daily departures from Antigua and Guatemala City.
From Antigua: approximately Q125 per person
From Guatemala City: approximately Q225 per person
WhatsApp: +502 4770-7990
Casa Verde Tours
Offers daily shuttle services between Guatemala City and San Pedro.
Price: approximately Q200 per person
WhatsApp: +502 3659-9231
You can contact both agencies directly via WhatsApp to check departure times, availability and current prices.
Prices are based on information from March 2026 and may have changed.
Can I book a private shuttle or Uber?
Absolutely! A private transfer is a more comfortable and flexible way to travel, especially if you're traveling with children, carrying lots of luggage or arriving on a late flight.
Private transfers typically start at:
From Antigua: Q600
From Guatemala City: Q800
You can also book an Uber, although prices are often a little higher.
Private drivers we recommend:
Regular car: +502 3914-3804
Minivan: +502 5131-3398
Let us know if you'd like help arranging transportation.
Should I travel directly to San Pedro or take a shuttle to Panajachel?
We generally recommend traveling directly to San Pedro unless you're certain you'll reach Panajachel before the last public boat departs at 7 pm.
Traffic in Guatemala can be unpredictable, and we've had quite a few guests miss the last boat because their shuttle was delayed.
The boat ride from Panajachel to San Pedro takes approximately 40 minutes and is particularly beautiful during daylight hours.
If you're arriving late, a direct shuttle or private transfer to San Pedro is usually the safer choice.
How do I get to San Pedro by boat from another village?
Public boats, known locally as lanchas, connect San Pedro with Panajachel, Santa Cruz, San Marcos and several other villages around Lake Atitlán.
Boats generally operate from early morning until around 7:30 PM, depending on the route.
Expect to pay approximately Q15–30 per person.
Need a private boat?
We recommend contacting Rolando:
WhatsApp: +502 5467-9084
Private boat transfers typically start at around Q400–500, depending on the distance and time of day.
I'm coming from San Juan La Laguna. Should I take a boat or tuk-tuk?
A tuk-tuk is usually the easiest option.
Take a tuk-tuk from San Juan to San Pedro, where you can transfer to another tuk-tuk heading towards Camino a la Finca, the street where La Cocina Bonita is located.
Just tell your driver where you're going, and they'll usually help you find the next tuk-tuk.
The normal fare is approximately Q10 per person for each ride, or Q20 in total. The price may be double if you carry a lot of luggage.
How do I get to La Cocina Bonita from the dock or shuttle stop?
You'll usually find tuk-tuks waiting when you arrive in San Pedro.
Just tell the driver:
“La Cocina Bonita, Camino a la Finca, frente a Casa Lobo.”
The ride takes approximately 5–10 minutes from the town center.
The regular fare is around Q10 per person, although drivers near the docks sometimes charge Q20–25 per person, particularly if you have luggage.
We recommend agreeing on the price before getting in and having small bills ready.
I have an early flight. Should I spend the night in Guatemala City?
Not necessarily.
Many of our guests arrange a private driver to take them directly from San Pedro to Guatemala City's international airport early in the morning.
The drive is often much faster at night or in the early morning, when there's less traffic.
Under good conditions, the journey takes approximately 3½–4 hours. However, we recommend allowing at least 5–6 hours, and potentially more during holidays or periods of heavy traffic.
Always leave plenty of time for unexpected delays and airport check-in.
Private driver: Rolando
WhatsApp: +502 5467-9084
Can I book shuttles to other destinations in Guatemala?
Yes! San Pedro has plenty of travel agencies, and it's generally easy to arrange onward transportation.
Whether you're heading to Lanquín, El Paredón, Tikal or somewhere else in Guatemala, you can usually book your trip locally.
One option is Guatemaya Travels, with two offices in San Pedro.
Exploring San Pedro & Lake Atitlán
What should I do in San Pedro La Laguna?
Our first recommendation is simple: Take it slow!
San Pedro is a wonderful place to relax, explore and experience everyday life in a traditional Maya town.
Enjoy the beaches and beautiful nature, discover the local markets, eat at some of the many excellent restaurants and drink coffee grown right here in the surrounding mountains.
Take time to walk through the neighborhoods, greet the people you meet and experience the unique atmosphere of the town.
We've put together a few guides to help you discover our favorite places:
The Ultimate San Pedro La Laguna Travel Guide
Our personal guide to the town, including beaches, markets, restaurants, transportation and local life.
Why San Pedro Is the Best Place to Stay at Lake Atitlán
Six reasons why we think San Pedro makes the perfect base for exploring the lake.
Alternative Hikes & Nature Experiences at Lake Atitlán
Our favorite walks, hikes and outdoor adventures around the lake.
What can I do in the other villages around Lake Atitlán?
Every village around Lake Atitlán has its own character, and we definitely recommend exploring beyond San Pedro.
From the colorful art and traditional crafts of San Juan to the wellness community of San Marcos and the rich Maya culture of Santiago Atitlán, there's plenty to discover.
Most villages are easily reached by public boat, making day trips simple and affordable.
See our guide to other destinations around the lake.
Can I hike Volcán San Pedro without a guide?
The hike to the summit of Volcán San Pedro is a beautiful adventure.
The trail begins outside town, and you can take a tuk-tuk to the trailhead.
Allow approximately 3½–4 hours each way, depending on your fitness level and trail conditions.
Volcán San Pedro Trailhead:
Google Maps
How do I hike Indian's Nose?
Indian's Nose is one of the most popular sunrise hikes around Lake Atitlán.
The easiest option is to book a guided tour the day before.
We recommend Casa Verde Tours, located near the dock in San Pedro.
A typical tour costs approximately Q100–150 per person and includes:
Transportation from La Cocina Bonita
Transfer to the nature reserve near Santa Clara
Entrance fee
Local guide
Return transportation
You'll be picked up very early in the morning and usually return around breakfast time.
Casa Verde Tours: +502 3659-9231
Can I hike Indian's Nose without a guide?
It's possible to organize the hike independently, but getting to Santa Clara early enough for sunrise can be complicated.
For this reason, we recommend booking a guided tour. It's usually much easier and allows you to enjoy the experience without worrying about transportation or finding the trail in the dark.
More or less all of the tour operators organize tours to Indian’s Nose - just make sure they provide a shuttle that picks you up at our gate, so you don’t need to find your way downtown in the dark.
Can I swim in Lake Atitlán?
Yes, swimming is one of the great pleasures of staying in San Pedro!
One of our favorite local beaches is located just outside the gate of La Cocina Bonita.
It's a beautiful place to relax, enjoy the views and, when conditions are suitable, take a swim.
Water quality in Lake Atitlán can vary, so we recommend checking current local conditions before swimming.
Staying at La Cocina Bonita
Do you have a guest kitchen?
Yes!
We have a small shared kitchen available for our guests, equipped with:
Refrigerator and freezer
Stove
Cooking utensils
Basic kitchen essentials
You're welcome to prepare your own meals during your stay.
Where can I buy groceries?
San Pedro has plenty of small grocery shops, known locally as tiendas.
There's a little shop just outside our gate, and several others along Camino a la Finca with a wider selection of groceries.
For fresh fruit, vegetables and other local ingredients, we highly recommend visiting the daily markets in town.
They're generally open from around 7 AM until noon.
If you're looking for something closer to a supermarket, try:
Mini Super Andy – In the town center.
Johanna's – In the tourist area near the dock.
Where can I buy good bread?
For excellent sourdough bread, we recommend Al Tempo.
Another good option is Idea Connection, which generally has more regular opening hours.
Do you accept credit cards?
No. Like many smaller businesses in San Pedro, La Cocina Bonita accepts cash only.
We recommend bringing enough Guatemalan quetzals for your stay.
Can I exchange US dollars at La Cocina Bonita?
Unfortunately, we don't offer currency exchange.
However, several businesses in the tourist area near the dock exchange US dollars.
Where can I find an ATM?
There are several ATMs in San Pedro, both in the town center and near the docks.
The closest ATM to La Cocina Bonita is near Banrural, approximately a 20-minute walk or a short tuk-tuk ride away.
We recommend withdrawing cash before you need it, as ATMs occasionally run out of money or experience technical problems.
Is San Pedro La Laguna safe?
San Pedro is generally a welcoming and relaxed town, and we've hosted many solo travelers, including women traveling on their own, who have enjoyed their stay here. We have never felt unsafe anywhere in San Pedro, and neither have our kids.
Our neighborhood along Camino a la Finca is particularly peaceful.
As with any travel destination, we recommend taking ordinary precautions. Be mindful of your belongings in busy areas, especially around the docks and nightlife district.
We have had reports about people having unpleasant experiences on guided tours to e.g. Indian’s Nose (which is in Santa Clara, not San Pedro). We recommend not bringing valuable belongings on such trips.
If you're unsure about a particular area or activity, just ask us.
Can you arrange an early-morning tuk-tuk?
Of course!
If you need transportation very early in the morning, we can help you arrange a tuk-tuk in advance.
We usually recommend Clemente, a kind and reliable local driver with fair prices.
Clemente: +502 4830-1067
Still Have Questions?
We're always happy to help you make the most of your time at Lake Atitlán.
Whether you need advice about transportation, recommendations for a day trip or help finding a beautiful place to swim, just ask.
La Cocina Bonita WhatsApp: +502 5069-6584.
We look forward to welcoming you to La Cocina Bonita!
