While daytime tends to be a bit quiet around the village, there is quite a nightlife in this small community where Guatemalans and transplanted travelers live side by side. Climb Volcan San Pedro if you can get out of bed early and have the motivation, guides at the dock will make arrangements to take you. Go early to avoid climbing during the hottest parts of the day. Catch a movie at the various restaurants and bars such as D'Noz and El Otro Lado that show them during the evenings, but be sure to arrive early as seats fill up quickly. Stroll up the hill to the real village of San Pedro and visit the many shops hidden along its streets. Take a boat trip during the day to San Marcos for some great swimming and cliff jumping. Listen to great music and dance the night away at Freedom Bar. If you're there during a full moon, join in the full moon party and dance until dawn. Most importantly, relax, relax, relax.
Quick Tips:
If you're tight on money, San Pedro is a place where you can stay for a while and spend considerably less than other places in Guatemala. I was able to comfortably live on less than a day with a private room and three meals in restaurants. Leave flexibility in your itinerary in case you want to stay longer. Best Way To Get Around:
Take a lancha to San Pedro from Pana and for day trips to Santiago Atitlan and San Marcos. Lanchas to Santiago Atitlan go from their own dock while Lanchas to San Marcos go from the Pana dock. Everyone walks around town as its the easiest way to get around. There are paths leading along the lake, which pass many restaurants, hostels, and bars. There is one cobblestone street on the lakeshore and cobblestone streets up in the village. Be aware that locals do pay less for the lanchas, but it's not worth arguing over; it's just how it is. If you're lucky enough as I was to sit next to an expat that had relocated to San Pedro, ask what the price should be for tourists and hand it to the man on the dock when you get off.