San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#1628
14.691599, -91.272016
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Pedro La Laguna is a picturesque lakeside town located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 6,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps, which may vary by location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Guatemalan Quetzal (1 USD ≈ 7.75 GTQ). ATMs available, but it's wise to carry cash. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Tigo and Claro, with good coverage in town. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit cards accepted at many establishments; cash is still preferred in most local places. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guest houses, hostels, and rural home stays; Airbnb also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; best to have cash for small local shops and markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used, with various listings ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Hostel Skylight, prices around $10-15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina San Pedro offers a vibrant coworking environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Puerta provides good coffee and Wi-Fi, ideal for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Weekly expat meetups at various local bars and cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'San Pedro Expat Community' host gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available, but local shuttles (collectivos) are more economical. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented locally, often around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is about a 20-minute walk to Playa San Pedro. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers flights to other parts of Guatemala. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines have flights to Guatemala City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Primary access through CA-1, connecting to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San Pedro does not have train services; buses from nearby towns are the main transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Minimal public transport system; local transport is primarily via shuttle buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Chicken buses connect to nearby towns like San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Pedro is the primary healthcare provider in the town. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en la Calle offers daily classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited gym options; some hotels offer basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats available, often charging around $1-2 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Cash-based delivery services are more common; some local restaurants take orders directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Roots & Fruits offers a full vegetarian menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Choco-A-Tierra for delicious local chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide fresh produce and traditional foods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and other online retailers deliver items to Guatemala City. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores might not offer delivery services; shopping is done in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bistro 24 has a lively atmosphere with local drinks and a friendly vibe. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 14 is known for its craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa de las Botas offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer delicious options like tacos, quesadillas, and elote. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Los Amigos serves taco and burger options in a friendly environment. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Check out the Church of San Pedro and the nearby market. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local artisan shops showcase traditional craftwork. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kaqchikel ruins can be explored around the lake. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local church, a centerpiece of the town's culture and community. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiesta de San Pedro in late June celebrates the town's patron saint. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center features vibrant local markets and artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances happen occasionally at local venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets showcase local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music played at local bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals depicting local culture can be found throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops available at local schools focusing on traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display their work in various galleries around town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-style buildings are scattered throughout the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Expressions of indigenous Kaqchikel culture are prevalent in daily life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the lush nature trails around Lake Atitlán. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby parks include Parque Nacional Volcán San Pedro. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths around the lake create great walking or biking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador San Pedro offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Great birdwatching spots along the lakeshore and in forests nearby. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas allow campfires—check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and other services are available in nearby towns. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options for tech repair; basic services available at local shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools provide classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Café La Puerta offers a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural events often take place in community centers around town. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not widely available, but some cafés offer game nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in the area; local gambling activities are minimal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% in Guatemala. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income, but expats can apply for tax exemptions. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% on income exceeding GTQ 300,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Guatemala has specific regulations for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes vary based on locality and evaluated property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% upon property purchase. |