Everything you need to know about getting around, exploring the town and experiencing local life in San Pedro, Lake Atitlán.
When we moved to San Pedro La Laguna in 2025 and opened La Cocina Bonita, we quickly fell in love with this lively, colorful and wonderfully down-to-earth little town.
San Pedro is much more than the backpacker destination and nightlife hotspot it's often described as. It's a real Maya town, with a fascinating culture, beautiful nature, friendly people and a way of life that, in many ways, feels refreshingly uncomplicated.
Here's our personal guide to the town we now call home.
Getting Around San Pedro La Laguna
San Pedro - or Tz’ununya as it’s called in the local language, Tz’utujil - is a relatively small town, and can easily be explored on foot. Just be prepared for some steep hills!
If you don't feel like walking, tuk-tuks are everywhere.
A typical tuk-tuk ride within town costs around Q10 per person, and most drivers are happy to take you wherever you need to go.
You can also take a tuk-tuk to neighboring San Juan La Laguna. See our guide to San Juan here.
At the edge of town you can switch to tuk-tuks that will take you to San Pablo, and from there you can go all the way to San Marcos if you prefer to go by land instead of the most usual: by boat.
Tuk-tuks generally operate from early morning until late evening, although availability varies. If you're staying at La Cocina Bonita and need transportation outside normal hours, check our noticeboard for numbers - or ask us.
Exploring Lake Atitlán by Boat
One of the best things about staying in San Pedro is how easily you can explore the other villages around Lake Atitlán. They are all reached by boat.
San Pedro has two main public docks.
The Panajachel Dock connects San Pedro with villages along the northern side of the lake, including San Marcos, Santa Cruz and Panajachel. The boats run every 15 minutes from 7 am, and the last boat towards Panajachel leaves at 5.30. The last boats back to San Pedro leaves Panajachel at 7 pm. The price is 15-20Q to go to San Marcos, and 25-30Q to go to Panajachel.
The Santiago Dock serves boats traveling towards Santiago Atitlán. The boats start running around 7 am and until it gets dark. They only leave when the boat is full, so expect some waiting time. The price is 25Q per person.
Discover the Real San Pedro
San Pedro is home to a predominantly Tz'utujil Maya community, and the local language is Tz'utujil, although Spanish is also widely spoken.
Most families maintain traditions that have been passed down through generations.
You'll see women wearing beautiful traditional clothing, families shopping at the markets, people carrying firewood through the streets and small shops selling everything from fresh tortillas to household necessities.
One of the things we love most about San Pedro is how closely everyday life remains connected to the surrounding landscape.
Most of the fresh produce sold at the markets comes from farmland around the lake, and small-scale farming is still an important part of local life.
For us, this is one of the most fascinating things about living here: experiencing a community where resourcefulness, family ties and traditional knowledge remain so visible.
Remember to Say Hello!
One of the loveliest things about San Pedro is how people greet each other in the street.
Try it yourself!
Buenos días — Good morning.(Untill noon)
Buenas tardes — Good afternoon. (From noon and until it gets dark).
Buenas noches — Good evening. (After it gets dark).
And, of course, a simple hola works anytime.
Especially along Camino a la Finca, where La Cocina Bonita is located, you'll find that a friendly greeting is often returned with a big smile.
It's such a small thing, but it makes everyday life here feel wonderfully human.
Explore the Town Center and Local Markets
If you want to experience everyday life in San Pedro, head to the town center in the morning.
This is when the markets are busiest, the streets are full of activity and local families are out shopping for the day.
We particularly recommend the smaller market near Banrural, where you'll find fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and other local produce.
After exploring the market, walk up to the central park and visit the Catholic church.
The park is also a lovely place to visit in the early evening, when families gather and street food vendors begin setting up their stalls.
San Pedro also has a small museum, Museo Tz'unun Ya', where you can learn more about the area's history and culture.
Our tip: Go early as the markets in San Pedro close at noon.
Beaches and Swimming in San Pedro
One of the things that makes San Pedro special is its access to beautiful stretches of lakeshore.
While the waterfront around the busy docks isn't particularly inviting for swimming, you'll find much quieter beaches as you move away from the center.
Some of our favorite spots are along Camino a la Finca, just a short walk from La Cocina Bonita.
Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes, relax by the water and go for a swim.
Our tip: The sun disappears behind the mountains relatively early on this side of the lake, often around 4 PM. Plan your beach time accordingly.
Walking, Hiking and Exploring Nature
San Pedro is a wonderful place for anyone who loves spending time outdoors.
The town sits at the foot of Volcán San Pedro, with numerous trails leading through the surrounding countryside.
You don't have to climb all the way to the summit to enjoy the landscape.
Some of our favorite walks are along the quieter paths outside town, by the end of Camino a la Finca, the same street as La Cocina Bonita.
From the hotel, you can reach some of the gravel paths on the lower slopes of the volcano in around 15 minutes on foot.
For a bigger adventure, you can arrange a guided hike to the summit of Volcán San Pedro. It’s also possible to climb it yourself without a guide. Just take a tuk-tuk out to the trailhead.
Other outdoor activities around San Pedro include kayaking, horseback riding and exploring the surrounding villages on foot.
For more inspiration, see our guide to alternative hikes and nature experiences around Lake Atitlán.
Sports, Yoga and Everyday Activities
San Pedro has a surprisingly active local sports scene.
Football is especially popular, and most afternoons you'll see people gathering to play at the local cancha.
We love joining in!
There are also several gyms around town, as well as places offering yoga classes.
Our neighbor, Casa Lobo, has offered morning yoga sessions, making it a convenient option for guests staying at La Cocina Bonita. Ask us for the current schedule.
Whether you enjoy a challenging workout or a peaceful morning stretching with a view of the mountains, you'll find ways to stay active here.
Shopping, Groceries and ATMs
San Pedro doesn't have large supermarkets, but its many small shops, known as tiendas, carry more than you might expect.
You'll find basic groceries, snacks, drinks and everyday essentials throughout town.
For a larger selection, try Mini Super Andy in the center.
There are also ATMs around the town center, including near Banrural.
We recommend carrying some cash, as most places don't accept cards.
Where We Buy Our Vegetables
Whenever possible, we buy fresh produce directly from local growers.
One of our favorites is Gerónimo, who grows beautiful organic greens and herbs in a small garden near the Santiago dock.
You'll recognize his little garden by the enormous kale and basil plants!
Buying directly from people like Gerónimo is one of the pleasures of living in San Pedro – and one of the ways we source ingredients for our kitchen at La Cocina Bonita.
Is San Pedro La Laguna Safe?
Like most destinations, San Pedro has areas that feel quieter and others that become busy, especially after dark.
The tourist area around the docks can get lively at night, and petty theft is something to be mindful of.
Our own neighborhood along Camino a la Finca is generally peaceful and safe, also at night.
Where to Stay in San Pedro La Laguna
If you want to enjoy San Pedro's restaurants, nightlife and lively atmosphere but also appreciate a peaceful night's sleep, consider staying a little outside the busiest tourist center.
That's one of the reasons we love our location on Camino a la Finca.
At La Cocina Bonita, you're close to beautiful beaches and nature walks, while the center of San Pedro is only a short tuk-tuk ride away.
We have eight comfortable guest rooms, a rooftop terrace with views of Lake Atitlán and a restaurant serving homemade food made with carefully sourced ingredients.
And we're always happy to share our favorite places and help you discover a little more of the San Pedro we love.
Welcome to San Pedro La Laguna. We hope you'll love it as much as we do.
