Eating in San Marcos is like a dream come true for vegetarians traveling in Guatemala. Probably due to the influence of foreign residents, even the street food in San Marcos offers many meat-free options. While higher priced fare seems more abundant than the typical, cheap, Guatemalan fare, the menu options are also more varied, and there is a strong preference for local, organic produce.

Street (Meat Optional):

You have a couple of options for top-notch street food in San Marcos. First, on the main trail leading from the dock, across from the path that leads to Paco Real and La Paz, you’ll find a stand selling Tamalitos, primarily corn meal, with the choice of a few different options inside: chipilin, black beans, or chilis. You should be able to get 2 for less than Q10, and a glass of arroz con leche for a few additional Q.

Near the basketball courts and central park area, if vegetarian food isn’t your thing, fried chicken was the main meal on the streets here. Hot Dogs were also available. However, facing the basketball courts and walking to your right down the main road, we found another table were tostados were sold, piled with shredded and chopped veggies, guacamole, and picante. The price for one tostado and a glass of arroz con leche was Q8.

Also, for those interested in cooking, heading down the path for Paco Real,  you’ll stroll across at least two different vendors selling a variety of fresh produce, even eggs. Sometimes cooked food is available here as well.

Moon Fish:

 

If you are facing the basketball courts and head left up the main road, in a few minutes you’ll be meandering uphill, and will come across the entrance for Moon Fish. Here, a farm supplies most of what is used in the kitchen, which has a definite appeal for those who care about such things as where their food comes from. And though prices are slightly higher than your typical comedor, when your breakfast is served on two plates, you can be sure you aren’t going to be hungry again for a little while.

Il Giardino:

 

Located off the main pathway through town, Il Giardino is a comfortable space to sit, eat, and relax. Again the food here is pricier than a typico style restaurant, but it’s not without a handful of tramper charms: The seating areas are inviting for long periods of lounging, they offer WIFI, and for perhaps the first time in Guatemala, the Q10 coffee included refills. Also, water bottles can be refilled here at no charge (for dining customers, of course.) And finally, their home-made bread is excellent, and only Q20 a loaf. Pick some up for a day trip, a visit to the national park, or to have on hand at your hostel.

Happy Pizza Taco…

…Because, with a name like “Happy Pizza Taco”, seating overlooking the lake, and reasonable prices, who wouldn’t want to eat here?! It’s on the path that cuts to your left as your leaving the Dock. Or from town, take the path to your right before you reach the Dock. Happy Pizza Taco is on your way to Cerro Tzankujil, the National Park.

GETTING // GOING          •          SLEEPING          •          EATING          •         DOING

Take me back to LAKE ATITLAN // Take me back HOME