San Pedro is a town that people seem to like to stay put in. We’re sure it has something to do with the relaxed atmosphere, higher number of tourists, beautiful views, and inexpensive living. Hence, it’s becoming a more popular destination for studying Spanish. If you stay for awhile, you have time to do it all. But for a short trip, hiking Volcan San Pedro or Indian Nose are popular options for taking in some of the best views of the lake. Also here, horseback riding and kayaking are available. There is a tourist information booth just off the Panajachel Dock, and in our experience you can show up at anytime, and book for anytime. One person? No problem! Ten? Sure! Check out more information below:
Spanish Schools
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San Pedro is becoming a choice destination for students studying Spanish. That, or, those who come and aren’t in any hurry to leave decide that they might as well study Spanish while they are here. Sometimes it helps to have a reason to be awake in the morning (or afternoon)… Throughout the main tourist streets in town, their are numerous schools, all offering reasonable rates. And just a few streets away from the main drag is the San Pedro Cooperative of Spanish Teachers (Cooperativa) which we like because they’re doing good work in their community.
The school offers one-on-one instruction in an immaculate setting overlooking Lake Atitlan. Volunteer Opportunities and Homestays are also available. And, you have the option of studying as little as 3, or as many as 6 hours per day. Check out the pictures of their website for more information.
http://www.cooperativeschoolsanpedro.edu.gt/eindex.htm
Hiking: Indian Nose and Volcan San Pedro
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The Volcano is definitely the more difficult of the two hikes, especially if you’re starting in Santa Clara to hike Indian Nose. (For a more challenging hike, or a longer stroll, you can start the trek to Indian Nose in San Juan as well.) It’s several hours to the top of Volcan San Pedro, while Indian Nose is only around a 1/2 hour walk from the town of Santa Clara. It’s possible to do either hike on your own, though closer to Christmas we’ve heard reports of banditos start to increase. Sunrise is usually the preferred time to take in the view at Indian Nose, which means you’ll be leaving San Pedro around 4am, and walking through the dark to find the path. You’re pictures: priceless. But, we’d highly recommend a guide, if only because it would be nearly impossible to find your way alone in the dark. Later in the day you should be fine, but it’s worth asking if there have been reports of robberies or banditos recently.
If you’re heading to Santa Clara on your own, hop on the chicken bus headed toward Guatemala City, and let the driver know you’re headed to Santa Clara, which will be after San Juan and San Pablo. In town, you’ll have to ask around to get pointed in the right direction. There aren’t clear signs for the hike. From town you can head to either the “nose” or the “mouth”. Both have lookout points on top. When in Santa Clara, it’s possible you’ll be asked to pay an entrance fee before you reach the trail. Yes, this is normal, even when the person asking is a young kid.
Oh yeah, and why “Indian Nose?” If you’re viewing the mountain range from across the lake, you’ll see a clear outline of what looks like a person lying on his back. The highest point is the “nose”, and just below that the “mouth”. Try to check out the mountain from below before you make the climb.
In Town: Swimming Pools and Solar Pools
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If you’re looking for a way to relax after your hike, San Pedro has options. Located at the Santiago Dock, The Deep End is a bar and swimming pool bordering Lake Atitlan. Any day is a good day to show up, though Sundays offer a barbeque in the early afternoon, and we’ve heard the chicken wings for Q2 are worth showing up for.
The Solar Pools, located next to the Buddha Bar, closer to the Santiago Dock, is the quieter of the two options. Here, with an hour advance notice, you can have a small pool (between large bath-tub and hot-tub sized) filled with solar heated water, and it’s yours to relax and enjoy until the water’s cold (usually 2-3 hours). There’s also a restaurant in front with local fare at reasonable prices for the neighborhood. Beers are sold also.
GETTING // GOING • SLEEPING • EATING • DOING
Take me back to LAKE ATITLAN // Take me back HOME