What a town! What a people! Jarachik has very good food and music combined with a bonfire in the restaurant, excelente! Studied Spanish with Brenda and Tosho, the best Spanish teachrs in town! We hiked the vlcano with a full moon...like a dream, so beautiful! Next time in Guatemala, straight back to San Pedro!
I spent a month in San Pedro and it is a really cool place! They've got good people, good food, and nice bars. I really enjoyed a little bar called "Al Suave" owned by a really cool guy. If you go there, check out this bar -- it's worth it!
While in San P. definately go to the Freedom bar & resturaunt, Amy cooks a mean vegitarian breakfast! I too was 'trapped' by San Pedro's laid back - "I'll do it tomarrow" attitude. Getting sick is just one of the unavoidable lowlights of travelling, but I couldn't think of a better place to rest back to health than lake Atitlan. I'll see everyone again next winter!
Although a quick stroll through the upper part of town in San Pedro might make you think otherwise, The Buddha is Lord in San Pedro. They have the hottest babe bartenders, delicious food, fun drinks, and a Halloween party complete with Quetzalteca punch, jello shooters and a Simpsons marathon.
I can't believe the negative comments that I have read about my newest home. I have lived here, in San Pedro, for the past 4 months and could never think of anything bad to say about this place. The lake, Lake Atitlan, is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. The local people here are nothing but welcoming. The way the travellers and locals mingle together is quite a shock -- we all love each other. The weather is beautiful, the food everywhere -- especially in D'noz -- is delicious, the rooms are cheap, and the people are some of the nicest in the world. If you can't kick back and enjoy San Pedro - you don't belong in the travel community!
San Pedro la Laguna is an amazing place to visit and still very inexpensive. The views are epic and most of the locals are friendly and full of laughter. The accommodations, restaurants, and services have come a long way since the first time I visited six years ago (you couldn't find peanut butter back then). There is something for everyone there. You can learn Spanish or weaving, kayak, hike, party, volunteer, lounge in a hammock. Sure there is a drug scene but that is not nearly as obvious as the colorful and traditional pueblo up the hill with its market and mostly indigenous population. Bad things happen everywhere and it's awful and no one wants it to continue. And no, tourism won't stop, because most travelers who venture into Guatemala are smart and not afraid. For me, kayaking two hours a day, eating the freshest fruits, vegetables and meats, drinking fine rum, and lounging in my hammock on a budget of $15 a day is just where I like to be. That is the San Pedro I know and love.
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