Town in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
San Pedro La Laguna
Atitlán's budget backpacker village: one-to-one Spanish classes, cheap hostels, volcano hikes and a lively bar strip. Steep tuk-tuk streets and loud nights are part of the package.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$851–1,240Comfortable, one person · Q6,500–9,500Details
- Value for money75/100Better value than 74% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Apr, 26°CDetails
- Internet100 MbpsFixed broadband, Guatemala medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; hostels have jugs.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–46Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundinDriveWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash rules; ATMs exist but run out at weekends.Details
Where to stay in San Pedro La Laguna
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Zona 2 (waterfront and La Orilla) | Bars, restaurants, hostels and boat docks |
| Zona 1 (town center and market) | Locals, Spanish schools and cheaper homestays |
| Sector Pueblo / hillside | Quiet rooms and homestays above the noise |
Apps that work in San Pedro La Laguna
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| inDrive | Not reliably available; use tuk-tuks and boats |
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Tuk-tuks and pickup taxis serve the village. Boats run by day and often stop at dusk, so plan returns early.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Guatemala.
- Mostly cash Cash rules; ATMs exist but run out at weekends. Some hostels and restaurants accept cards, so bring quetzales.
- Currency: Quetzal (GTQ). US$1 ≈ Q7.64 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use 5B (Banco Industrial) or BAC ATMs inside banks or malls; expect a local fee per withdrawal and occasional skimming.
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida'; otherwise leave about 10%. Tip guides and shuttle drivers; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in chains and upscale places; local wallets need a Guatemalan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the online traveller declaration before arrival and before departure and keep the QR code; airport terminals for it are slower.
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Check your passport is stamped on entry; a missing stamp means a fine and delays when you leave.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 122 · Tourist police 1500
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tigo or Claro SIMs from their stores, malls and airport kiosks with your passport; prepaid monthly data bundles are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Guatemala
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.