San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala

Tucked into the lush hills surrounding Lake Atitlan, San Pedro La Laguna is a town that captures the soul of Guatemala. It’s a place where you can chase adventure in the early hours of the morning and find yourself sipping coffee with locals by nightfall. My time here was full of meaningful experiences, ones that left me feeling more connected to the land, language and people than I ever expected.

One of the highlights of my stay was the pre-dawn hike to the top of Indian Nose, a mountain that offers one of the most breathtaking sunrises I’ve ever seen. Guiden by my local Spanish teacher, the journey began in the dark, guided only by flashlight and the quiet crunch of volcanic soil underfoot. As we climbed, the sky gradually lightened, revealing layers of mist curling over the lake and the silhouettes of distant volcanoes. When the sun finally rose, it bathed the landscape in gold and orange hues, casting a magical glow over the entire region. It was worth every step and early wake-up call.

Back in town San Pedro welcomed me with it’s colourful murals, cobblestone streets, and the hum of everyday life. The Mayan culture and backpacker energy, where you can easily blend into the rhythm of local life. I enrolled in a Spanish school run by a local family – classes were held in a peaceful garden overlooking the lake. Learning Spanish here felt personal and immersive. My teacher was patient and passionate, and after class I’d often practice what I learned while chatting with street vendors or ordering food in tiny corner cafes.

What made San Pedro special wasn’t just the scenery or the language lessons; it was the people. Locals are warm and curious, and they made it easy to feel at home. I spent evenings playing soccer with the kids in the town square, sharing meals with my host family, or sitting on plastic stools at local commodores, laughing and exchanging stories in a mix of Spanish and hand gestures. These everyday interactions became the heart of my experience.

The town moves at its own pace – slow, sincere, and grounded. It invites you to pause, to learn, to connect. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of travel, checking off places and pictures, but San Pedro reminded me of the joy in staying still for a moment and soaking everything in. As I watched my final sunset from the lakeshore, I realised that San Pedro La Laguna wasn’t just a stop on my trip, it was a turning point. A place that gently pulled me out of my comfort zone and into a more mindful, human experience. Whether you’re seeking a physical challenge, cultural immersion, or simply a slower way to travel, San Pedro offers all of that and more, wrapped in the warmth of a lakeside town that feels like home.