Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Pedro La Laguna
POP 11,545 / ELEV 1610M
Spreading onto a peninsula at the base of the volcano of the same name, San Pedro remains
among the most visited of the lakeside villages - due as much to its reasonably priced ac-
commodations and global social scene as its spectacular setting. Travelers tend to dig in
here for a spell, in pursuit of (in no particular order) drinking, fire- twirling, African drum-
ming, Spanish classes, painting classes, volcano hiking, hot-tub soaking and hammock
swinging.
While this scene unfolds at the lakefront, up the hill San Pedro follows more traditional
rhythms. Clad in indigenous outfits, the predominantly indigenous
pedranos
(as the locals
are called) congregate around the market zone. You'll see coffee being picked on the vol-
cano's slopes and spread out to dry on wide platforms at the beginning of the dry season.
Sights
Two museums focusing on local Maya culture operate in San Pedro, both on the path
between the docks.
Museo Maya Tz'utujil
(admission Q10; 8am-noon Mon-Fri)
This humble museum displays the various
trajes
(tradition-
al costumes) worn by San Pedro's predominately Tz'utujil inhabitants and those of other
lake communities, plus some great old photographs. Once a month or so, a Maya priest per-
forms ceremonies here.
MUSEUM
Museo Tz'unun 'Ya
(7a Av; admission Q35; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8:30am-10:30am Sat & Sun)
This museum focuses on the his-
tory of the Tz'utujil people and geology of the region, with a film on the formation of the
lake. For an optional fee, they'll identify and interpret your
nahual
(animal counterpart),
based on your birth date.
MUSEUM
Activities
Ascending Volcán San Pedro
