San Pedro La Laguna is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to San Pedro La Laguna?
You should plan to spend around $44 (Q342) per day on your vacation in San Pedro La Laguna. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $19 (Q147) on meals
- $13 (Q103) on local transportation
- $17 (Q128) on hotels
A one week trip to San Pedro La Laguna for two people costs, on average, $622 (Q4,788). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$311
Q2,394
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$622
Q4,788
-
One Month
Per person
$1,332
Q10,260
-
One Week
For a couple
$622
Q4,788
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,243
Q9,576
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,664
Q20,520
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Pedro La Laguna cost?
A one week trip to San Pedro La Laguna usually costs around $311 (Q2,394) for one person and $622 (Q4,788) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to San Pedro La Laguna on average costs around $622 (Q4,788) for one person and $1,243 (Q9,576) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in San Pedro La Laguna will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to San Pedro La Laguna on average costs around $1,332 (Q10,260) for one person and $2,664 (Q20,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is San Pedro La Laguna expensive to visit?
San Pedro La Laguna is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, San Pedro La Laguna can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $18 (Q140) per day, mid-range travelers spend $44 (Q342) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $103 (Q798) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Pedro La Laguna.
Within Central America, San Pedro La Laguna is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Central America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as San Pedro La Laguna.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Pedro La Laguna Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to San Pedro La Laguna?
The average San Pedro La Laguna trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Pedro La Laguna travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Pedro La Laguna cost?
San Pedro La Laguna on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$3
(Q25)
|
$8
(Q64)
|
$22
(Q172)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
(Q45)
|
$13
(Q103)
|
$25
(Q195)
|
|
Food2
|
$8
(Q58)
|
$19
(Q147)
|
$48
(Q372)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$10
(Q78)
|
$22
(Q167)
|
$33
(Q254)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-3
(Q9-27)
|
$3-8
(Q22-65)
|
$6-19
(Q50-149)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit San Pedro La Laguna on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $18 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to San Pedro La Laguna to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $44 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $103. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as PRIVATE SHUTTLE AIRPORT/ANTIGUA - LAKE ATITLAN or VICEVERSA - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in San Pedro La Laguna
In San Pedro La Laguna, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $50, but in peak season, they can average around $93. Prices generally range from $25 to $149, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in San Pedro La Laguna for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $17 (Q128). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $8.30 (Q64) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in San Pedro La Laguna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Pedro La Laguna include:
- Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan starting at $51
- Hotel Sak'cari El Amanecer starting at $52
- Eco-Hotel Mayachik starting at $25
By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in San Pedro La Laguna
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (Q103) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Pedro La Laguna. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Pedro La Laguna is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
Q103
The nearest major airport to the towns surrounding Atitlan Lake is La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City. Buses from Guatemala City to Panajachal leave approximately every hour, from 6AM to 4PM, and cost only a few US dollars. Be wary that these are poorly maintained recycled school buses with drivers who do not always adhere to speed limits. These "chicken buses," as they are called, can be dangerous.
An alternative is to take a bus to Los Encuentros, and change there for a bus to Panajachal. Many tourist agencies will arrange tourist buses or transport shuttles to Panajachel, which is probably the safest way to reach Lake Atitlan. There are also buses from Guatemala City to San Pedro La Laguna.
Once you have arrived in any of the lake towns, there are small boats that provide transport from village to village around and across the lake.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Shared Transfer From Panajachel Atitlan to Antigua for $27 details
How much does it cost to go to San Pedro La Laguna? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in San Pedro La Laguna will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in San Pedro La Laguna
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in San Pedro La Laguna can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Pedro La Laguna is $19 (Q147) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$19
Q147
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Pedro La Laguna is around $19 (Q147) per person, with previous travelers spending from $7 to $48. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in San Pedro La Laguna are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $6
- Lunch: $3 to $8
- Dinner: $6 to $13
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
In any of the lake's villages, you will find a number of restaurants and cafes serving typical food of the region, as well as some international and American options in Panajachal. Guatemalan cuisine prominently features corn, chilies, and beans as key ingredients as well as dishes with rice, pork, beef, chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Tamales are a common local favorite. They come in a variety of ways, but are basically a dish made of masa (or maize), which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf and usually filled with meat, fruits, and/or nuts. Other main dishes include a seafood soup with plantain slices called tapado, a variety of stews made with meat, vegetables, and spices, as well as a kind of stuffed pepper dish called chiles rellenos. Desserts typically consist of banana bread, a Spanish rice pudding called arrroz con leche, and chick peas in syrup, amongst many others.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you want to experience the culture in San Pedro La Laguna, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel for $50 details
- Temazcal sauna and dinner, cultural sharing experience for $44 details
Below are some standard food costs in San Pedro La Laguna, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
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Lemonade
Q16
-
Cake
Q10
-
Ice cream
Q3.00
-
Hot Cocoa & Banana Bread
Q23
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Pedro La Laguna
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Pedro La Laguna typically cost an average of $22 (Q167) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$22
Q167
Atitlan Lake is a volcanic area surrounded by three beautiful volcanoes. Volcan San Pedro is the oldest of the three, located within the caldera, and has been inactive for about 40,000 years. Also within the caldera is Volcan Toliman, which is probably still active though it has not erupted in recent history. Volcan Atitlan on the southern rim is the youngest of the three and is still active with the most recent eruption occurring in 1853. The three volcanos looming above the lake make up the stunning scenery of the area, as well as a playground for hikers and backpackers seeking adventure.
The Indian's Nose at the top of the mountain above the cities of San Juan and San Marcos is a great place to take in the views. There are a few trails as well as organized trips by horseback up to the top.
There are also several Mayan archaeological sites that have been found around the lake region, as well as a number of authentic villages that still practice traditions today. These can be fascinating visits if you are interested in experiencing some of the local culture.
Activities on the lake itself include a full range of options including boat tours ideal for birdwatching and visiting geothermal hot springs, kayaking any time of day, scuba diving to experience unique wildlife and volcanic features down below, as well as swimming in the lake's volcanic waters. Yoga and meditation is especially popular in San Marcos La Laguna, while hiking up to viewpoints like Indian's Nose, Mayan Face, and Volcan San Pedro are also common with visitors. Bike rentals and tours are also available to explore the areas in and around the villages.
A nice way to explore destinations in San Pedro La Laguna is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Lake Atitlán Motorcycle Adventure for $87 details
- 5-Hour Private Birdwatching Experience in San Juan La Laguna for $50 details
- Private Tour of Lake Atitlán by Mototaxi for $50 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in San Pedro La Laguna, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
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Canopy Tour (for 2)
Q300
-
Kayaking (for 2)
Q15
-
Coffee Tour (for 2)
Q54
Nightlife Budget in San Pedro La Laguna
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.63 (Q43) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in San Pedro La Laguna per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.63
Q43
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 5, 2025
Traveling in San Pedro La Laguna
Located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is a beautiful volcanic lake ringed by small towns and villages that are highly frequented by backpackers. Panajachal is one of the best known of the towns, as well as the main entry point of the region, while others like San Pedro La Laguna are quieter and more off the beaten path. Lake Atitlan and its villages attract visitors for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and Mayan culture nearby.
Neighborhoods & Around
As mentioned earlier, Panajachal is Lake Atitlan's main point of entry and most visited of the lake towns. It is also the transport hub, with easy access by boat to any of the other lakeside villages. From this side of the lake you will get great views on the water with two volcanos as a backdrop.
San Pedro La Laguna is a more laid-back town, small and more popular with backpackers seeking outdoor adventure.
San Marcos La Laguna is quiet as well with a focus on meditation, yoga, and massage centers.
Each of the towns has a selection of cafes and restaurants, places to stay, and opportunities to shop. Other villages in the lake region include Santiago Atitlan, Santa Cruz La Laguna, and Jaibalito. San Juan is also an emerging destination known for its dyed fabrics, San Antonio Palopo is a Mayan village known for its ceramics, and Santa Catarina Palopo is an authentic Mayan village with an abundance of traditional Kaqchikel culture.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.