Lake Atitlán blew my mind, and San Pedro La Laguna quickly became my favorite spot around these incredible waters. Waking up to that jaw-dropping view of Volcán San Pedro towering over the lake was surreal. The mix of traditional Mayan culture and laid-back backpacker vibes creates an atmosphere I haven’t found anywhere else in Guatemala.
There are so many incredible things to do in San Pedro La Laguna that I ended up staying way longer than planned. Between taking Spanish lessons with a view of the lake, kayaking at sunrise when the water looks like glass, and climbing the volcano (definitely the hardest hike of my life!), this place got under my skin. Let me show you why this lakeside town might just become your favorite spot in Guatemala too.
Top Must-See Places in San Pedro La Laguna
Looking for the coolest things to do in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala? Explore Lake Atitlán, hike Indian’s Nose, take a Guatemalan Cooking Class, and climb San Pedro Volcano. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, here are the top attractions to visit in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala.
1. Cliff Jump into Lake Atitlán
For a mix of adrenaline and scenery, cliff jumping into Lake Atitlán is an unforgettable experience. Just a short walk from central San Pedro La Laguna, there’s a popular ledge near Hotel Mikaso where locals and travelers take the plunge into the lake’s deep blue water. The view from the jump spot alone—framed by Volcán San Pedro and surrounding hills—is enough to get your heart racing before you even leap.
The height isn’t extreme, but it’s high enough to give you a proper rush. A few of us went together one afternoon, and the moment of freefall before hitting the water was wild. Locals often hang around and are quick to point out the safest spots to jump. Afterward, we swam around and soaked in the sunshine with barely anyone else around. If you’re into light thrills and lake vibes, this is an easy win in San Pedro.
2. Hike Indian’s Nose at Sunrise
One of the most rewarding early-morning experiences in San Pedro La Laguna is hiking up to Indian’s Nose. The trail usually starts from Santa Clara La Laguna, and a local guide is highly recommended—not just for safety, but for navigating the right path in the dark. The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace, and isn’t too difficult if you’re reasonably fit.
Reaching the viewpoint just as the sun rises over Lake Atitlán and silhouettes the volcanoes is surreal. We left around 4 AM, sleepy and bundled up, but the moment that golden light hit the lake made it 100% worth it. Bring layers—it’s cold at the top—and definitely pack your camera. This is hands down one of the best ways to start a day in San Pedro if you’re into views that make you pause.
3. Take a Guatemalan Cooking Class
Joining a cooking class in San Pedro La Laguna is one of the tastiest ways to learn about local culture. Most classes start with a visit to the local market, where you’ll shop for ingredients like fresh chilies, tomatoes, and plantains. Then, it’s time to head into a family-run kitchen, where you’ll get hands-on instruction on dishes like pepian or tamales.
I joined a class through Anita’s, and it was unexpectedly fun. We laughed over chopping onions and compared our tortilla shapes (mine were terrible). What I liked most was learning the stories behind the food—like how pepian is traditionally served at special occasions. After cooking, we sat down for a proper meal together. It felt more like being welcomed into someone’s home than taking a class. You leave full—of food and stories.
4. Hike the San Pedro Volcano
For adventurous travelers, hiking Volcán San Pedro is one of the most rewarding challenges in San Pedro La Laguna. The trailhead starts just outside town and winds through lush coffee farms, dense forests, and steep volcanic slopes. It takes about 4–5 hours round-trip depending on your pace, and you’ll want sturdy shoes and plenty of water—it’s a serious climb.
When I hiked it, the uphill stretch was no joke, but the panoramic views from the summit made every step worth it. From the top, you can see the entire Lake Atitlán basin, including surrounding villages and volcanoes like Tolimán and Atitlán. Start early to beat the heat and clouds, and consider hiring a local guide for safety and context. The trail is well-marked but steep in sections. If you’re looking for an intense hike with a massive payoff, this one delivers.
5. Relax at Sababa Resort
Need a break from hostel life? Sababa Resort offers day passes that let you use their pool and facilities even if you’re not staying there. The resort sits lakeside with views of the volcanoes, and their infinity pool is perfect for cooling off after hiking or exploring town.
Day passes cost 50 quetzales (about $6-7 USD). This gets you access to the pool area, hammocks, and outdoor seating with lake views. They also serve food and cold beers at reasonable prices, plus offer morning yoga classes (though you’ll need to check current schedules at reception).
The pool can get crowded with both hotel guests and day visitors, so I recommend arriving early for the best spots. It’s about a 5-minute walk from San Pedro’s main street, or you can take a tuk-tuk for 15 quetzales. Bring cash since they primarily operate on cash payments. I spent an afternoon here after hiking San Pedro Volcano and it was exactly what I needed – cold beer, infinity pool, and ridiculous volcano views!
6. Go Paragliding over Lake Atitlán
For those chasing an adrenaline rush, paragliding over Lake Atitlán is an experience you won’t forget. Launching from the hills above San Pedro La Laguna, you’ll glide above volcanoes, farms, and villages, all while soaking in sweeping views of the lake’s brilliant blues. The feeling of floating silently above such a dramatic landscape is unreal.
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7. Learn Spanish like a Local
If you’re spending more than a few days in San Pedro La Laguna, learning Spanish can seriously level up your experience. One of the best places to do it is San Juan Spanish School, located just across the lake in the peaceful town of San Juan La Laguna. Their classes are fully immersive, and I liked that they offer one-on-one lessons tailored to your goals and schedule.
What makes this school stand out is its focus on cultural integration. You can live with a local host family and participate in weaving workshops, guided hikes, or cooking classes—all in Spanish. The teachers are friendly and experienced, and the quiet setting in San Juan makes it easy to focus. Whether you’re a total beginner or brushing up, it’s a meaningful way to connect with the community.
8. Relax at Los Termales
After hiking and exploring, Los Termales is the ideal place to recharge. Located just outside town, this small thermal bath setup features a few private hot tubs that are naturally heated and surrounded by tropical greenery. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s incredibly peaceful.
I booked a session after hiking Volcán San Pedro, and my sore legs were beyond grateful. The owners provide towels and let you soak for about an hour in a private tub. Some even have views of Lake Atitlán. You can pair it with a cold beer or tea, and it’s especially nice around sunset when the air cools down.
You can walk or take a tuk-tuk from town, and prices are super reasonable. If you’re wondering where to go in San Pedro La Laguna to wind down, this quiet little spot is a local favorite for a reason.
9. Visit the Church of St. Peter
In the heart of town sits the Church of St. Peter, one of the most recognizable landmarks in San Pedro La Laguna. While the exterior is modest, the inside reveals a peaceful and colorful space filled with local character. It’s an active place of worship, blending Catholic tradition with Indigenous cultural elements that reflect the town’s deep-rooted history.
I ducked inside during a quiet afternoon and found a handful of locals lighting candles and praying. The atmosphere was calm, and the stained-glass windows added a warm glow. The church is right by the main square, so it’s easy to stop in while browsing nearby textile stalls or grabbing a fresh juice. It doesn’t take long to visit, but it gives you a great sense of the spiritual and cultural rhythm of the community.
10. Go Kayaking on Lake Atitlán
One of the easiest ways to experience the magic of Lake Atitlán is by paddling through it. Kayaking here is peaceful, scenic, and gives you front-row views of the surrounding volcanoes and hillside villages. I rented a kayak from Kayaks & Paddle Board Hito, a small local spot near the docks in San Pedro La Laguna, and was on the water within minutes. They rent by the hour and provide everything you need to get started.
Once you’re out there, the calm morning waters make it easy to navigate, even for beginners. You can stick close to shore or venture out toward nearby towns like San Juan or San Marcos. There’s something special about seeing the lake from that perspective—it’s quiet, beautiful, and just feels a little more personal. If you’ve got a free morning or afternoon, kayaking is a relaxing and active way to explore.
11. Tour a Local Coffee Plantation
Want to understand what makes Guatemalan coffee so damn good? Café Cristalinas, located just up the road from San Pedro’s main dock, offers coffee plantation tours that take you through the bean-to-cup process on working farms. You can choose between a walking tour (2-3 hours) or horseback riding tour (1-2 hours) through the coffee-covered hills surrounding Lake Atitlán.
The tours show you how volcanic soil creates the unique flavors that make Guatemalan coffee famous. You’ll walk through coffee plants, learn about traditional harvesting methods, and taste fresh roasted coffee while taking in lake views. Café Cristalinas also serves excellent coffee and chocolate, so you can grab a drink before or after your tour.
You can book tours by walking into their café in the morning. They’re located right across from Teixchel weaving cooperative near the dock. I recommend the walking tour if you want more time to really understand the process, or horseback if you prefer covering more ground with lake views.
12. Go Zip-Lining at Canopy San Pedro
If you’re in the mood for a rush, head to Canopy San Pedro, where you can zip-line over lush hills with panoramic lake views. This isn’t a massive commercial setup—it’s a locally run spot that gives you an up-close experience with nature. I didn’t expect much when we arrived, but once I stepped onto the platform and looked out at Lake Atitlán, I knew this was going to be unforgettable.
The course includes several lines of varying lengths, each offering a different angle of the landscape. The staff was super welcoming and walked us through all the safety gear and techniques. It’s a great half-day adventure that doesn’t require a big time commitment. The combination of adrenaline and scenery makes it one of the most exciting things to do in San Pedro La Laguna.
