D’noz is the most happening evening hot spot in San Pedro. It is located on the top floor of Nick’s Place as you disembark from the launch from Pana. D’noz has it down pat: A mellow and friendly atmosphere, good food, movies, a few chessboards and an endless supply of alcohol. This combination makes it the place to meet other travelers. Movies are shown evenings at 7 pm sharp. I suggest getting there before then in order to get a seat. The food was very good and a very good value. The Caesar Salad is always good, or the Chow Mein washed down with a bottle of Gallo, Guatemala’s leading beer.

If there is a power outage (and during the rainy season, there usually is), candles are set up on all the tables, which actually adds to the atmosphere. During one evening outage, I watched the D’noz regulars demonstrate an aptitude and determination normally attributed to the Great Explorers (or perhaps, Army Special Forces). Using only flashlights and candles, they quickly gather themselves, some lights, speakers, and a diesel generator, and set up a rave in the jungle within the space of 90 minutes. How can that not impress you?