San Pedro, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

San Pedro is one of the numerous picturesque villages that line the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan in Guatemala’s Western highlands. San Pedro is accessible by road but the much easier way from Panajachel is utilizing the many lanchas, or small boats that act as water borne colectivos or taxis. They are quick, efficient and inexpensive. They also offer some amazing views of and a glimpse into life on the lake.

On the day that we went the lake was smooth and the weather was comfortably temperate. I have heard that on many days the wind on the lake picks up and can make the ride uncomfortable. I have also heard that during the rainy season it can be a bit chilly but we experienced none of that. The weather was perfect. There are direct routes from Panajachel to San Pedro but we opted to take the boat that hugs the shore and makes several stops including the charming town of Santa Cruz and the apparent “New Age” lake enclave of San Marcos. We also stopped at a few houses that are only accessible by boat.

There is what must have been a fine-looking new dock in San Pedro, made with native hard woods and covered with a huge palapa but unfortunately recent rains have raised the level of the endorheic Lake  Atitlan – a lake which has no outlet to the sea – several feet and has flooded the anchorage. For now a makeshift gangway runs on top of the flooded dock making the poles supporting the palapa potential head bangers.  Never mind, getting off wasn’t difficult (just duck) but it was just a shame to see what was obviously a lot of hard work be temporally at least, out of commission.

Apparently the latest edition of the ubiquitous guidebook “Lonely Planet” has declared San Pedro to be the new fashionable place to be on the lake and the backpacking hordes have followed. That is not to take anything away from San Pedro. Despite the increased tourism the village is charming and seems largely unaffected.

Tuk-Tuk in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

San Pedro is pretty compact. There is a mix of paved roads and unpaved paths for getting around. The areas nearest the lake (mostly unpaved) are a bohemian mix of language schools, internet cafes, restaurants, bars and thermal baths. Further away from the lake is a more commercial district with many shops a small but nice central plaza and a lively indigenous market. The streets are somewhat steep but not obnoxiously so and if you get tired tuk-tuks are available and inexpensive; 5 Quetzales (or about 64 cents) anywhere in town.

Lunch at Shanti Shanti in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

We found a great restaurant, “Shanti Shanti” near the boat dock and spent most of the afternoon talking with our friends Billy and Akaisha Kaderli of “Retire Early Lifestyle” about all of the great places in the world to visit. Among the things we discussed was how the more you travel the more places you want to see. Had we enjoyed the unexpectedly good Asian food and a few beers, one conclusion we came to: San Pedro on this day at least was among the best places to be.

The Square in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

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