San Pedro Hostels

This is a complete list of all known hostels in San Pedro. If you know of a San Pedro hostel that isn't listed here, please use the "Add a New Hostel" link at the bottom of the page.

(Solola)

Buenas Nuevas

"Buenas Nuevas is one of the only accommodations in town with a full kitchen. I lived there for two months and the family that runs the hostel, David and Lola, are a lovely couple and work very hard to maintain their property. The rooms are cleaned regularly and the rooftop area has a great view of town - excellent for a morning tea and late night hangouts." … "Buenas Nuevas is clean and well kept, also relatively expensive when compared to the hotel San Francisco or Tikaaj. This is the...

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San Pedro Travel Tips & Suggestions

Comment by Anonymous

I enjoyed San Pedro, although the drug scene is a bit tiring. So many of the people that say they came for a few days and just got stuck, mean they got addicted to cocaine and couldn't afford the addiction back home. Many of the expats are friendly in the evening and zombie-like and rude in the daytime. Anyone who says that there are no gangs there is naive. This is a drug mecca -- of course there are gangs! If you want to check out San Pedro, stay ten minutes away in San Marcos and take the boat across for the day. Females, be careful at night. Rape is common (somewhat accepted) in San Pedro and outside the Full-moon parties. The locals are awesome folk, but they live in the shadows of the four cocaine-running families and the Russians bringing in the ecstasy. If you drink at Freedom bar you run the risk of being caught up in a raid as the power in town shifts. It has happened in the past when they brought in police from five different towns to take on the Russian Mob. While it may seem "Bohemian" on the surface, it is corrupt and violent just beneath.

Comment by Anonymous

I lived and worked in San Pedro for four months. It is the most amazing place I have ever lived and I'm planning on another trip soon. I highly recommend anyone traveling to go to Lake Atitlan and don't leave unless you really have to!

Comment by Matt.

I´ve been here for nearly five months and have never been robbed or even heard of anyone being mugged. A girl did get raped a couple of months ago. Travelers should be aware of that. However, she was walking home, drunk and alone at 4 a.m. Many locals I know came up to me in the weeks following this incident to express their disgust and, to be honest, shame that something could happen in their village. Nowhere else that I´ve been are the people so friendly. There are a lot of drugs, they are easy to find but they won´t be thrust upon you. Tolerance and respect run high here and it´s well worth a trip, if only to sit and watch the "magic half hour," just as the sun sets over the crater wall and the only light in the lake is reflected off the clouds. The light goes a beautiful pinky-orange and everything looks incredible. Go to San Pedro and have fun struggling to leave like the rest of us!

Comment by Anonymous

San Pedro is cool for drogas and if you want to feel the groove with some burned out ex-pats. Be careful though, it's April 2008 and just a couple of months ago a foreign girl who was a bartender in San Pedro was robbed, raped, and beaten severely almost to death.

Comment by ashuaan suk'

I just got back after a month in San Pedro (Feb. 2008). The town is very safe, the Pana dock is really quiet. There are a couple of drug dealers just up from the dock. Breakfast on the weekends at the Alegre is wonderful and their Sunday English roast beef dinner is so popular that it sells out early Sunday afternoon (or morning). This place is extremely honest and will make a real effort to make you happy. At the Santiago dock, The Beach restaurant is as honest and even cheaper than the inexpensive Alegre. Clara and her son run this peaceful place in a beautiful setting. It took me two weeks of paying turista prices before finding this place with local prices for good food, beer, cuba libres, and cokes. Finally, if you are looking for a good language school, there are only two schools rated five stars in Guatemala and one of the two is in San Pedro, Flor del Maiz. I did a lot of research before I came down and this school is the best available in 2008. I have no doubt that there are other honest, good, and friendly bars and restaurants in San Pedro and good schools as well but Alegre, The Playa (at the Santago dock) and Flor del Maiz are the best of the lot.

Comment by Anonymous

Several people here tend to recommend the "Freedom" Bar & Restaurant, but there is a sad part of the success. Most evenings they are playing extremely loud (techno) music, and, apparently, the neighbours living closest to this place have complained. First directly to the owners, who diminish the volume slightly, but only for a few minutes, before turning it up again. Then to the police, who upon arrival get bribed by free drinks. Both things obviously shows that the owners of Freedom don't care about the local people, and that they even abuse their economic situation to do things, that less fortunate, poor local people can't afford.

Comment by drogadura

The Buddha is the best party spot at the lake. They don't serve breakfast -- that's a bummer!

Comment by Theo Drysdale

Never has a spontaneous destination equaled such a great experience! San Pedro la Laguna is a traveler's haven. Exotic in all the ways a travel experience should be, but filled with an incredible array of the creature comforts of home to make staying a long time nice. The gang at The Buddha on the other side of town provided a family like hospitality. The staff hailed from Canada, the U.S., France, Australia, Honduras and, of course, Guatemala.

Comment by Jake Austin

Coopertiva was the school I chose for Spanish. It was a great time -- even when it rained every day at 4 o'clock! My instructor was courteous and extremely helpful. I hope to visit again.

Comment by Anonymous

I have never been to a place as magnificent as San Pedro. I went there for the weekend with my brother and ended up staying there for three months without him. It is so easy to get lost in time and space. I became completely removed from reality as I knew it and entered a new world. I finally left at Christmas to complete my complete a degree. Not a day goes by that I don't think of San Pedro, I will have to return. The food is amazing! I had breakfast at Dnoz every day -- their hash browns are phenomenal. I didn't have a single bad food experience. I did get sick as to be expected -- a quick and easy trip to the pharmacy took care of it. The Spanish school was the best and cheapest I've ever been to. I could go on, but I'll stop there.

Comment by Anonymous

There are some "gangs" in San Pedro, but I'd use the term quite loosely in the sense that groups of young men do get together with some sort of agenda and do bad things and/or try to mislead, harass or rob people. I don't think there's anything more to be concerned over as a traveler than similar, loosely joined together individuals one might find in most major cities in the world. I didn't know there was a name attached to the "guides" at the dock. If you don't want to deal with them, then ignore them as you come off the boat and climb up the hill into town. Most of the times they are drunk or needing to get drunk and the latter conditions make their behavior a bit more desperate.

Comment by Gretchen

We had some of the best food in Guatemala in San Pedro. The beef medallions and chicken rolls at Jarachik were amazing. Try the falafel at Tin-Tin. Their homemade, hot pita bread is to die for. After dinner drinks at the Barrio is a must. We loved the laid-back atmosphere, great food, and whimsical crowd in San Pedro.

Comment by Anonymous

There are no gangs in San Pedro. I've lived here over three years now.

Comment by Angie

The guys near the dock that insist on helping you find a hotel are violent criminals. Even if you say no, they will follow you and insist that you pay them, and even threaten you. The gang MS-13 is active in San Pedro -- just look at the graffiti that says MS on some buildings.

Comment by George

San Pedro is great -- the locals are so friendly and genuinely welcoming, and the ex-pat community is an interesting group of people. Enough though with the hippies -- I just don't get it. You have a culture of proud dignified people here and yet some foreigners seem to think it's all cool to walk around unwashed, undressed, and consuming drugs openly. Wake up to where you are and show the true residents of this town some respect -- by acting like the company you are.

Comment by sarah

I loved it, friendly people, great food, cheap accommodations, lots of inexpensive Spanish schools. It's very laid back and I felt extremely safe. The locals were great.

Comment by Anonymous

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!

Comment by arizonajoe

If you can't have fun in San Pedro, you don't know how. If you can't enjoy good food anywhere in San Pedro, you won't any where else in the world. If you don't like the people you meet in San Pedro, you don't like people. TheTzu'tu'jil Mayans are wonderful. Go to every restaurant -- the owners maybe foreign, but the cooks are Guatemletecan. Love the local people, respect their culture, and they will respect you. If you are looking for a place to live like you want, try San Pedro. Everybody does what they want. Relax. Just show your love.

Comment by Anonymous

Go to Shanti Shanti, Buddha, Nick's Place. Avoid El Barrio, Dnoz, Jarachik, Fata Morgana, and Freedom. Check them out yourself.

Comment by tommy156

Simply, San Pedro is worth visiting. I've been there five different times.

Comment by Anonymous

Go to El Barrio, Dnoz, Jarachik, Fata Morgana, and Freedom. Avoid Shanti Shanti, Buddha, Nick's Place. Check them out yourself.

Comment by Anonymous

Just because a bar or restaurant or hotel is owned by a foreigner in a place like San Pedro doesn't mean it's inherently bad or anti-local. Choose a place to go because you want to go there regardless of ownership. Guatemala permits foreigners to own land and run businesses just like the U.S., for example, permits this. Cash is infused to the local and greater economy by foreign investors and jobs are created as well. If the business is legitimate and respecting the law, it should also be paying taxes.

Comment by Mike and Kelly

We have been in San Pedro for two months and love it! We are in our thirties and love the blend of backpackers and friendly locals. We have been eating in a new place run by an expat American called Bistro Nuevo Sol and have never had better food. We have dined in many other places and we still have nothing more than your standard travelers' problems. If you have a relaxed and friendly attitude about life in general, San Pedro is for you -- if you are a whiner, go elsewhere!

Comment by Ima

San Pedro is the best place on earth. I visited there twice and plan to go again in 2007. The locals are friendly, the food is great, I ate most of the time at the Zula -- I recommend this place.

Comment by Allen

My advice is this -- if you go to San Pedro or any of the villages at the Lake, blend in and respect the people and culture. Most of the druggies are European and American, all of the egomaniacs are! The worst thing about the Lake area mostly relate to European and American visitors and settlers who think they somehow own the place or know what is best.

Comment by mark s

San Pedro is rocking and rolling. Absolutely worth a visit! Try the food in this town! There are parties all over the place -- the weekend is seven days a week! It's sunshine and happiness!

Comment by travellernr1

There is way more in San Pedro than an American-owned bar. Try some other with some more atmosphere.

Comment by huan

i just visited San Pedro la Laguna and fell in love with it. I only had a week to spend, at the end it was so hard to leave.

Comment by Ariel Bergan

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.

Comment by jake

San Pedro is highly recommended for backpackers and also for people who want to have a holiday for a few weeks. It is a beautiful village with different areas -- zona viva,direct at the dock is very noisy. For more tranquility, take a walk to the other side of town, through the unpaved roads where some bars and restaurants with the best food are situated. Check out Jarachik for beef medallions and stuffed chickens -- food that will make your mouth water by seeing. Service is excellent! Barrio is a very nice bar with a bonfire and great liquors and toasties for snacks. There are not really places to avoid, because it is a great town.

Comment by Rick

Spent a couple of weeks studying espanol in San Pedro in May 2005. The drug scene is fairly open, but it's not like folks are lying in the streets with needles in their arms. Dirty? No dirtier than most Latin American pueblos, maybe less so. Yes, I got sick -- had the runs for two months following my return, but had I been a bit more cautious (and sought immediate medical attention), this might not have happened. I would definitely go back to San Pedro, and would recommend others to visit before it becomes another overcrowded, over-rated Panajachal. (Personally, I think the San Pedro we know and love will soon disappear.)

Comment by An SP fan

Just my favorite spot in the entire world -- the scenery, the people, good vibes, and good times. It has everything and still lacks the massification and "touristy" thing that goes around everywhere around the world. The perfect spot for the traveler, not the tourist. If you get the chance to go, just relax and enjoy since San Pedro is the type of place that "traps" you and is difficult to let go. Once someone said to me if you come to San Pedro for a week you'll surely stay for a month, if you come for a month you'll stay forever. I can't hardly wait to go back.

Comment by Anonymous

Everybody come to San Pedro! Relax and let the experience take you to another level.

Comment by Anonymous

Remember, travelling and hostelling are best served by releasing yourself from expectations. Once you achieve this state of wandering your certain to really discover a place. This comment is one of the best I've seen for San Pedro, "San Pedro is an experience. It stands for cultural activities, community, quality food, arts, music, and nature." Come discover it for yourself, it's one of the best "one stop" places I can imagine in Guatemala.

Comment by Anonymous

San Pedro Spanish School is the nicest and most professional. Davinci's is a nice restaurant. The Buddha is great and Pinocchio's is now El Puesto. San Pedro is fun but beware of new people who have different karma as the one now at the Nirvana.

Comment by Anonymous

Travellers that complain about specific restaurants "giving" them food poisoning are irresponsible and building bad karma.

Comment by Anonymous

San Pedro is an experience. It stands for cultural activities, community, quality food, arts, music, and nature.

Comment by Aurora

I just got back from San Pedro in mid-July and am still daydreaming about my incredible adventures there. I visited San Pablo, watched the men and women weave from the agave plant, rode the collectivos, and got to see the most beautiful lake in the world. I had heard and read about the dangers of Guatemala but never for a minute did I feel anything but safe in San Pedro (and in all of Guatemala, as well). I kayaked and rode horses into the jungle. This sixty-year-old woman felt like she had a new lease on life. I plan to return next summer or sooner if I can.

Comment by dave one of many

Love it or leave it. I have lived there for six years. I've never been robbed and rarely sick. Best months are between October and April. Three pair of shorts and T-shirts plus a light sweater and you're ready. It's a great place.

Comment by Cammy 8 @ hotmail . _com

I spent almost two months coming and going from San Pedro in October-December 2005. I highly recommend the direct chicken buses between San Pedro and Guatemala City for all of your travelling needs. I went to Honduras, Tikal, and to the Guate City airport from San Pedro and taking the chicken bus directly from San Pedro to Guate City is super cheap. The locals on this bus are also very nice and very friendly, and they never once tried to rip me off. Usually, I was accustomed to seeing one rate quoted for a gringo on a chicken bus and one rate for locals on the chicken bus and I would have to argue with them in Spanish to get the local price. But not in San Pedro -- they always asked me for the local rate, every time. I recommend avoiding the Pana dock side of town. Alegre has awful food and expensive drinks. Nick's place is dirty and it's likely you'll get parasites from the food there, plus it's populated with drunken and drugged-out locals looking to sell to gringos. Chile's has a decent mojito, but lacks character and the bartenders can be drunken. Also gets more than its share of drunk/drugged locals. Jarachik and Buddha have some of the best food in San Pedro. If you want to avoid food poisoning, just don't get sushi at Buddha and stick with cooked soups/entrees. Jarachik's beef medallions and fried chicken is delightful. The soup is an excellent, cheap meal. I didn't have particularly good luck studying spanish at San Pedro Spanish School but the extracurricular activities and volunteering at the English program they have there for the local children can be great. D'Noz has good food, though it's super touristy. For bars, I really enjoyed Freedom (great bands and great dancing, though the drinks are really expensive by San Pedro/Guate standards), Jarachik (nightly bonfire! great roofdeck), and Barrio (nice bonfire at Barrio -- Barrio also has good all-American greasy sandwiches and burgers served until very late - quite tasty if you're in the mood!). As a single female, age twenty-five, travelling solo, I experienced zero problems in San Pedro, aside from getting giarrdia (went to the pharmacy and got medicine that completely cured me) and then getting infested with two types of parasites in the days after Hurricane Stan. Be very careful about where and what you eat. Remember that cooking your own food in a hotel is always always your safest option.

Comment by Paul

I first visited San Pedro La Laguna on a weekend chicken bus trip from my language study in Xela in February 2004. I liked the place right off and put down a deposit for study at Casa Rosario a week later. When I returned, Casa Rosario matched me up for a home stay with a very friendly family high up the hill in the center of town. The family is Evangelical but did not seem to disapprove of my nights out on the town. The Spanish lessons were adequate to my needs. I tried out the small flat bottomed canoes on the lake. If you are a true canoeist (Canadian canoeist to you Europeans) you should bring your own paddle and knee pads (or sand on fiberglass may well limit your boating experience). Alegre Pub has a library of old football games and their Yorkshire pudding might be the best in the hemisphere (find out when you arrive which night of the week it is available). Other than the thoughtless behavior of some tourists, the only negative I experienced in San Pedro was the evening loudspeaker duels between competing religious sects. Some of the loudspeakers are mounted on the churches and others are mobile truck mounted affairs. They really do mess with the tranquility, but are a fact of life. The early morning bus ride from the square in front of the Catholic Church to CA 1 has some of the best views anywhere. If leaving San Pedro via the lake, be sure not to miss the last bus which leaves fairly early in the afternoon. I got stranded once at El Cuchillo with nothing going back to Xela so late in the day. In 2005 I dropped into San Pedro to take some presents to my hosts from the previous year. There was a large gathering coming together for the full moon and the Yorkshire pudding was still several days away, so I paid my respects and took the Walloping Window Blind (that lake can get rough in the afternoon) back to Pana for an early start to Antigua next morning. The experience of this sixty-year-old traveler has been very positive. All the trash is not the fault of tourists. There are areas in the town, well away from tourists, where plastic bags and other non-biodegradable rubbish is begining to concentrate. Some of this is getting into the lake as well. Perhaps a joint effort between the locals and the expats can turn this situation around before it is too late. Xela made noticable strides in clean up between 2004 and 2005.

Comment by FREDI

The things that suck in San Pedro include fullmoon party at the beach. It's way too cold and no atmosphere. The foodpoisoning in buddha. There are too many drugs! The good things in San Pedro include the chocolate, the lake, nature, kayaks, people, volcano, music, Spanish, the weather -- enough reasons to come back!

Comment by Anonymous

San Pedro is a wonderful town where I spent four months. In rainy season it is beautiful and green. Very, very friendly people and good food. Unfortunately I got foodpoisonning in the new Buddhabar. The rest of all other restaurants are very good. I will be back san pedro soon!

Comment by jo

I thought I would be in San Pedro for just one week but I never left. Everywhere I went in Guatemala was amazing but I always wanted to return to San Pedro. There are many fun places to dance, eat, and hang out -- but my favorite was Chiles Latina cafe. They have the absolute best cafe in the world (grown right in San Pedro) and awesome mojitos as well. But the best part of this place was that they offered free salsa lessons! I never knew anything about salsa but now I'm addicted to it. The people who work there love to dance and will do it any time of the day. So yes, San Pedro rocks!

Comment by Anonymous

If you wait at Los Encuentros or the Santa Clara turnoff from the carretara long enough, a San Pedro La Laguna bus will come. Direct buses run to/from San Pedro from both Xela and Guate, just not as frequently. Be patient, as its less of a hassle and much cheaper than changing buses twice in Solola and Pana and then shelling out more money for the boat ride across the lake.

Comment by lisa

I just returned from Guatemala (May 06) where I spent five weeks in San Pedro. I am now a huge fan, and I don't even party or do any drugs, but obviously if you do you'll like it even more. 2 Lunas -- a local restaurant -- has great tacos with a fresh salsa bar, otherswise if you are hungry, have some tostadas or tamales from the market in the daytime, and papas fritas in the nighttime. The lake is beautiful, the people are great. I prefered staying on the Santiago Dock street for a more local experience, but it's nice if you need a Western fix or a movie to go over to the other bars and restuarants too. San Pedro is a progressive and thriving indigenous town. In fact I've heard that most of the real estate in San Marcos is owned by people in San Pedro, which would explain why San Marcos is much more depressed and hurting in terms of El Centro. Don't be fooled by the new age paradise perched on the banks of the lake.

Comment by Mike from israel

The best place in the world.

Comment by Casey

If you can't take a place that is a little rough around the edges, everyone in San Pedro (locals/hippies/travellers/etc) prefer that you stay home. Lake Atitlan is the most spectacular natural site in Central America, the Mayan culture remains prominent, and it is a place where it can be as much or as little as you want it to be. If you're looking to relax, learn Spanish, meditate, write, or escape your life for as long as you want -- you can do it San Pedro. I went to San Pedro and intended to stay for a week. I left a month later.

Comment by julio

San Pedro is a great place if you like parties, also if you like to relax, or if you like drugs. The people in San Pedro are very nice and treat you well.

Comment by saul ( guatemalteco)

San Pedro is the best place for chill out for a while. It is true the drugs are everywhere but all the countries had drug dealers and junkies.

Comment by ernesto

San Pedro is the most beautiful and wonderful place. It's a great connection with nature. And for those who like LSD, mushrooms, marijuana, drops, cocaine, etc., you can find the best in San Pedro.

Comment by LOCAL

San Pedro is a place to relax and do whatever you want to do. If you like to "party," San Pedro is the place. If you like nature and great views, San Pedro is the place. All the garbage, drugs and bad habits are consequences of the tourists. If you are coming any time of the year be ready to fall in love with the town.

Comment by Richard

I just got back from 2 weeks in San Pedro over the Christmas and New Years holidays - wowsa - what a party scene it was! On the dock area, Dnoz is good food, the new pizza place run by true Italians is great, and Allegre pub is a friendly place to hang- freedom had a great Christmas Eve party that went til 3am. On the 'other side' of town is where the bigger partys happened. The new Buddha Bar/Restaurant has the best chef in town and the owner Mike has really created a hip asian atmosphere in his 'zen lounge.' But the big events there are the sunday night parties. The one I went to on Christmas day was totally packed and heard it went 'til 4am on the rooftop dance floor. I went back there for the New Years party and obviously everyone in town was there because you couldnt hardly breathe it was so packed-- they had built this huge video screen on the roof for a video DJ to go along with the music DJ,it was awesome! I stumbled out at 6am and it was still going. San Pedro is a great place and seems to have become a new stopping point for Central American travelers in the last couple years. Just remember to pace yourself-- it is real easy to visit for a few days and stay a few months. That would be real dangerous to your liver...

Comment by Andres

San Pedro is amazing. For food go to Jarachik, for dance to Freedom, for Spanish to brenda and tosho. San Pedro is one of the best places I have been in Central America. Highly recommended.

Comment by Bill Wyman

I just spent 3 of my 4 months of backpacking in Guatemala in San Pedro. I guess I got trapped there just like the other longtime folks I met because of the atmosphere, ambience, diversity of good times, the local people's mysterious ways, the natural beauty, the diversity of activities., etc... Basically the place has it all as far as having an "authentic" Guatemalan experience. San Pedro is the next new spot in Guatemala and the introduction of more upscale places like The Buddha and Mikaso, the upcoming new museum, the new hiking center for climbing Volcan San Pedro and the dozens of construction sites both foreign and locally owned goes to show that people are preparing for the next big step in San Pedro's evolution. Maybe certain places are becoming "trendy," but I think a new trend (or option) for San Pedro will dictate that not everybody wants to go to places with dirty kitchens, unsanitary food preparation, unbathed , stoned &/or drunk wait and kitchen staff, or places with up to 2 hours of waiting for mediocre food, or the same bland cookie-cutter hotel room, etc... San Pedro is growing and becoming more diverse and thankfully there's finally some new, fresh, organized, well thought out places emerging to cater to a broader spectrum of travellers. I really wish I didn't have to leave.

Comment by akuux

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!

Comment by Xquic

Well we just got back from San Pedro and the weather did not comply. Sunny mornings, but it did rain every afternoon. If you like the smell of herb stay at Mansion del Lago, where the smell just wafts in from off the streets. Otherwise head for the other side of town. My daughter studied Spanish for three days and learned alot. We drove there this time and saw the most amazing views we've ever seen in our lives. Also bought lots of cool art from Cafe Arte.

Comment by Anonymous

As for Spanish Schools be wary there are about 5 million of them in this tiny town and one new one popping up every 5 minutes. Don't ask a local guide down at the dock when you get off the boat, they have no idea of the differences in schools, only care about their tip and will probably just take you to the closest one or the one their cousin owns, etc. Casa Rosario and San Pedro Spanish school are the oldest and best trusted although they occasionally fill up in the busy season so good to make reservations if you can. Try the co-operativa, run by experience ex-teachers from the San Pedro school they started this school as a co-op effort, so all the money you pay goes directly to your teacher's pocket. Another good one is Brenda and Tosho private lessons, close to Sak'cari, most of the other schools aren't that great.

Comment by Anonymous

For bars check out Dreedom... DJs on Fridays, live music on Saturdays, open mike on Tuesdays, food isn't bad either, try breaded shrimp, awesome shakes and fresh fruit daiquiris. Punto Rojo also big party spot, usually trance though, also serve amazing pizza and homemade pastas, also check out Barrio on the other side, cute neighbourhood pub type place, excellent burgers, and other barfood or try the salad or lentil soup for healthier option, bonfire, good music and friendly atmosphere. Places that suck include the New Buddha Bar(too trendy for this small town + lacks character), Pinocchio (food is horrible and you are likely to get hassled by the drunk owner if you are female), Jarachik (food takes forever and not worth the wait, loud bad music as well), Alegre Pub (lacks ambiance and will likely only find English people who for some reason insist on travelling when all they do is hang out in English pubs with other English travelers anyways). It's also a good idea to eat at some of the locally owned comedors while you are there, to support the local economy, and they are dirt cheap- the best ones are Comedor Felipe (next to Casa Verde), Pachamama, Comedor del Viajero, and Flor del Café. Chile's is also pretty lame unless you're into the salsa scene, they do offer free lessons on some days, nicks place food sucks and is usually full of snotty obnoxious drunks. Best cup of coffee by far the internet café on the orner, at the bottom of HML, by the Pana dock.

Comment by Xquic

Just a comment about San Pedro. We spent 2 weeks there last summer, and we are on our way back. I am a spanish teacher, and the San Pedro Language school is where our daughter will study Spanish. It is awesome. Cafe Arte is home to Guatemala's most famous indigenous artist. He is also a very good friend. Horseback riding, kayaking, mayan ceremonies, $15.00 massages. Life does not get any better. Believe me I live in Florida, and in July San Pedro starts calling my name with its eternal spring climate.

Comment by Mateo

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!

Comment by Andrea

I visited and I too am a big San Pedro fan! I could say many wonderful things in addition to the above, but instead I will consentrate on one restaurant, two people and one great vibe. I too ended up eating alot at D'NOZ, and though the food was delicious, it was the staff that made me come back for more and more. The cook Indy was a funny, frank, handsome, charming and totally saucy sexy man - and Gabby the waitress/and everything else girl was a beautiful ray of sunshine, a supernova of positive energy, and one of the friendliest, warmest women I think I have evr met. It's people that make a place, and without these two - D'NOZ would be just another good restaurant. They are two people I will remember long after I leave - thanks for the laughs you too, and the memories!!!

Comment by Steve

I spent too little time in San Pedro last month and enjoyed every minute. Trippy's Hostel is great and D'Noz was my favorite restaurant (the view over the lake is unbelievable) althought I did enjoy Rosalinda's as well. We climbed the volcano in the early morning but were very picky about our guide. We got to see the sun rise between Volcans Toliman and Atitlan and felt safe the entire time because our guide was very knowledgeable. Ask about Pedro Gonzales and the Bohemian near Trippy's--that's where we found him. As for roaches and cleanliness, I've worked in restaurants in the US for the better part of 10 years. Even here, all restaurants have roaches and a major chain restaurant closed down near me because of a salmonella incident. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere. If the thought makes you squeamish, you probably shouldn't be traveling in places like Central America as has been said. If you use your head (don't be wandering around at 4 in the morning, don't drink the local tap, etc.) San Pedro is a truly amazing place. As the locals say, "muy tranquillo..."

Comment by Paige

I loved San Pedro and stayed much longer than I planned. As for the possibilities of food poisoning and the occasional cockroach - welcome to Central America!!! I've gotten lucky, but part of the fun is the grit and imperfections. As a woman, I would suggest being weary of hiking between villages and hiking the volcano alone. That's just common sense, and part of the realities of traveling in a less-developed country. My male friend did it without incident, but left everything at home. I enjoyed D'Noz, Tin Tin and the Freedom Bar. Lots of drugs if you're into that, but easy to avoid too. Again - Welcome to Central America!!

Comment by Justin

San Pedro is the greatest place on earth, many of the people you meet there will say that they planned on travelling all over Central and even South America, but once they hit San Pedro somehow they couldn't leave. It is possible to live like a king for less than 600 dollars a month. The food at the tourist restaurants is amazing. The people--local and foreign--are friendly, and the herbs are plentiful and cheap. This is NOT the place to go to Spanish School. This is a place to relax make friends--of all kinds--and then you should go off to somewhere with a less attractive climate if you really want to learn Spanish (I reccomend Xela). While you're in San Pedro, patronize the locally owned businesses--not the stuff owned by white people--as much as you can. Usually it's just as good. I highly recommend Rosalinda's. Any time of day the 5 year old Rosa Angela will come out and flirt with you while you wait and while you eat as well. Give big tips here. It goes straight to Rosalinda's daughter's hospital bills. Talk with everyone and invite everyone to sit at your table. And stay at Hotel San Fransisco. The prices are average but common areas and the view are amazing.

Comment by MVO

A little touristy for better and for worse. Obviously most of the commerce in SP was run by foreigners so this was not the "real" Guatemala, although it comes closer than Antigua. On the other hand, because of the tourist driven commerce, there were actually some very nice places to eat (unlike, say, El Estor, an isolated and non-touristy city where the food stunk). We (my girlfriend and I) dined in various places but DNoz was definitely our favourite. We also both managed to pick up salmonella somewhere but we don't feel like pointing the finger at anyone. As for spanish schools, AVOID CASA AMERICA! The local boss, a midget by the name of Edwin, runs the place as if it were his own kingdom. The only thing he fears is the owner but fortunately for Edwin, he lives at a comfortable distance (in Quetzaltenango). My teacher was rather new and Edwin managed to stick all of her pay into his own pocket and she was too intimidated to do anything about it! As for climbing the volcano, the usual procedure applies: Hire a local guide as they tend to know the potential robbers. Agree on the price before you leave the hotel (standard price is 20Q). Bring an extra 50-100Q to pay off robbers if you happen to meet any of them ...

Comment by Mikael

I was in San pedro for over 1 month to celebrate Christmas and new year and I had a great time, I did not get sick one time and I had a great time, breakfest at D'noz and dinner at Tin Tins. Party at La Otra Lado, but keep away from Goerge's Place... If his still there and alive! That guy is completly nuts! So just don't do exceptional stupid things and you'll have a great time!

Comment by Ali

I lived in San P for four months in 1999 with my daughter who had her 11th birthday there. We are now finally about to return this Christmas. Thanks for all the positive messages. So often a place can change rapidly and going back can be a nightmare. The idyllic place people are talking about is the one I remember and Christmas can't come soon enough for us.

Comment by Anonymous

I spent 5 months in San Pedro and never got sick or knew anyone else who did. Drunk toursits come out of the bars at 2 A.M. and wander around till sunup looking for their hotels and never get mugged. The only problem I saw in the 5 months I was there was the cops shaking down tourists for bribes by pretending they were going to arrest them for dope. They are not actually allowed to make arrests and if you know that and refuse to play the game they will give up and go away. Climing the volcano is risky and robberies have happened there, but not in the village. Also, the whole town is crazy about fireworks in season. That is far worse than a few drunks sleeping it off on the streets. It is not perfect, but San Pedro is about as good a place as you will find. JUST LEAVE THE NATIVE WOMEN ALONE!

Comment by Dan

San Pedro is one of the best places in the hemisphere. If a few cockroaches, some vomit, and the smell of urine bother you, maybe you shouldn't be travelling in the 3rd world? D'noz is a great place, with a clean kitchen, and safe food. Probably some of the best food in the country. I've spent a month in San Pedro twice, and some of the people I met there will be my friends for the rest of my life. Or they better! Oh yeah, and easy on the charlie!

Comment by RiLima

The life in san pedro is great, the people is great, the food is great, etc. Is the living paradise, is a piece of heaven in the earth. Try the freedom, do everything you want to do. To do: try any party.

Comment by Cindy

I loved my stay in San Pedro, but must admit that I ran into one of the strangest characters I have ever met, working at the Beehouse restaurant. August (?) supposedly runs the place - but if there is a more obnoxious, gnarly, cigar stomping bastard wandering this earth - it has got to be his twin brother. The cheesecake on offer was great - it was just that man's constant muttering, and the cloud of smoke that seemed to follow him around that put a damper on my visit...

Comment by Julios Erm

San Pedro is great, especially if you have like the hippy life. Try Punto Rojo, the pizza is excellent. The local people are very lovely, they always are trying to help you.

Comment by Lord Mike III

I've stayed in and out of San P for months on end. It's beautiful, relaxing, hospitable... Those who have a bad experience there, generally, do so through their own making. Respect the locals, enjoy the beauty, and act sensibly - there's nowhere quite like it on earth. Big love to you Deano, if you're reading this....!!

Comment by Kathy

San Pedro is a very beautiful and relaxing place. Go to Freedom Bar for some food and take in the beautiful atmosphere. The Full Moon parties are something to see. Relax and enjoy and take in the fresh water Lake.

Comment by Joel

I just back from SP and I have to say that it was the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The locals are amazing and you couldn't ask for a better climate. The only problem with San Pedro are the hippies who insist on living there. They bring drugs in and ruin the integrity of the place. That being said, the hippies are far and few between and the prestine culture of the Guatemalans far outweighs their intrusion.

Comment by George McLeod

I have travelled quite a great deal in Mexico and lived in Guatemala City for a year and have only found one town that compared in my travels with San Pedro for peaceful gental living. There is about a 90% evangelical Christian indegnous Mayan community living in near perfect harmony with a mix of travellers, hippies and dopers. I ate what I pleased all over town and did not even get diarrea. I am pretty immune to most bacteria. I lived there for 6 weeks in 98 and my heart longs to return.

Comment by Frances

I think ol' Rob above thinks the idea of eating 'local' is a romantic idea - but reality wise you are taking the biggest health risks in these local comedors. Due to a lack of refrigeration meat and poultry is left on open counters till it is sold and any water used in food preparation is straight out of the tap - you are kidding yourself if you think otherwise. As for 'peace and love' Rachel - I have spent months in S.P. and have seen a total of probably 3 drunks on the road, certainly many less than I do on a regular basis in my own country. True a lot of people come to San Pedro to enjoy the relaxed attitude to drugs - and of course a myriad of other things, not least of all the amazing culture and hospitality of the local people-but no one who has been here with open eyes can sum this place up as a 'tip'. If you are going to generalize like this than San Marcos is nothing but a haven for airheaded hippies - searching for their third eyes, getting their chakras rubbed the right way, and making big plans for the next 'rainbow gathering' - oblivious to the fact that a major percentage of the population is living under the poverty level... Peace and love Rachel - don't let the door hit you on the ass when you make tracks for the next 'freak farm'...

Comment by Rob

Surely the point about getting food poisoning in the local restaurants is that there is no food standards agency checking up on hygiene and there are no scientific kits available to backpackers - I think it is good to hear from travellers first hand since they know where they got ill. I didn't get ill after eating at Dnoz, but I didn't need a scientific kit to identify the enormous cockroach that crawled out from behind the bar. My advice would be to look for the places where the local people eat - they tend to be the best ones.

Comment by Rachel

Peace and love aside San Pedro is a tip - rubbish everywhere, drunks asleep in the roads covered in their own vomit and urine... need I say more. San Marcos on the other side of the lake is much more beautiful - most travellers just go to San Pedro to score.

Comment by Gabby

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!

Comment by Klaus

I have spent the last 7 months in San Pedro, and couldn't think of a nicer place to kick back and relax for awhile. For Phil, the guy who got robbed on the dock, you must have been unlucky or extremely stupid (ie you forgot your bag somewhere) for this is a safe place, and the boys on the dock are not gangbangers, but simply local guys touting for hotels. As for climbing the volcano, the only people who get robbed and bitch about it are the foolish ones who take all their valuables up (ie passport, money, tickets, etc), when in their own country they wouldn't think of taking a hike in the woods with all the same stuff on them. Duh. As for D'noz, it is the most well known and popular restaurant in town - and ol Nicola would have a hard time proving where exactly she got sick, unless she had a proper scientific kit to do so. All is all SP is an amazing spot, but please if you are simply a whiner, or someone who would be better off staying at home - please stay there...

Comment by Phil

If possible catch the San Pedrana bus from Guatemala City in and out of San Pedro, as the Dock area for boats coming in from Panajachel is NOT SAFE - loads of mugging and bags getting stolen as people come off the boats and far too much hassle. At night this area is populated with drug dealers and should be avoided.

Comment by Mike

It's hard to recommend this place at all - stay well clear. We were robbed climbing the volcano at gunpoint. Loads of people were complaining of food poisoning in the town, and we met a girl who had been mugged on the road to San Marcos - see Lonely Planet website for more details and warnings.

Comment by Ruth

I stayed in San Pedro for a week while on a missions trip. It's beautiful. I will be going back! Pana and Santiago are so close, just a boat ride away.

Comment by Nicola

I went to D'noz and got food poisoning - I wouldn't recommend it at all - try Tikaaj or Tin Tin's instead much better food and a much shorter queue for the toilets - if you know what I mean.

Comment by Bob

Beautiful place - stunning scenery. I lived in San Pedro for six months - the local people are lovely. One word of warning, everyone gets ill in San Pedro because there are parasites in the water (cryptosporidium) - boil it for at least five minutes to kill them off...

Comment by Zoe

The atmosphere is so relaxed, I was meant to stay for three days and ended up staying for over a month. Don't forget to go to d'noz for a meal, as the food is fab!!

Comment by Anonymous

If anyone is looking for an excellent Spanish school, I highly recommend the 'Spanish School San Pedro'. All the teachers are fully trained, and they have an excellent assortment of language and history books. Lessons take place under palapas outside in a beautiful garden. I spent about 3 month there all together, and learned a huge amount of Spanish. It's located next door to the Solar Pools.

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