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San Pedro Volcano
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Mountain
San Pedro Volcano is a majestic stratovolcano rising on the southwestern shore of Lake Atitlán in the department of Sololá. With an elevation of 3,020 meters, it forms, together with the Tolimán and Atitlán volcanoes, the distinctive panorama of this world-famous lake. The volcano has been dormant for a long time and is noted for its nearly well-suited symmetrical shape. Its slopes are covered with lush vegetation that transitions into dense cloud forest at higher altitudes. In 2006, a large portion of the mountain was declared a national park to protect its unique flora and fauna. Hikers use well-maintained trails to reach the summit in about three to four hours, offering a spectacular view over the entire lake and the surrounding highlands. The local Tz'utujil Maya population regards the mountain as an essential part of their ancestral territory and cultural identity.
- Location: Guatemala
- Top sights: San Pedro La Laguna · San Juan La Laguna · San Pablo La Laguna
- Nearby: Santiago Atitlán (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 6 | 18 | 64 | 231 | 317 | 234 | 292 | 346 | 302 | 61 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access is typically from the village of San Pedro La Laguna on Lake Atitlán. From there, a short walk leads to the official entrance of the national park.
Best season
The best time for hiking is from November to April. During these months, the trails are drier and the views over the lake are most likely to be cloud-free.
Terrain & paths
The trail is steep but well-maintained, passing through coffee plantations and dense cloud forest. Near the top, the path becomes rockier and slightly narrower.
What to bring
Wear comfortable hiking boots and bring a light rain jacket for the cloud forest sections. Sufficient drinking water is essential for the strenuous uphill climb.
Parking
Public parking spaces are available in San Pedro La Laguna. However, most visitors arrive by boat from other lakeside villages and head straight to the trailhead.
Safety
It is strongly recommended to hire a local guide at the park entrance. This ensures your safety and provides direct support to the local community.
Time needed
The hike takes approximately 5 to 7 hours round trip. Allow yourself extra time at the summit to enjoy the dramatic views over the entire Lake Atitlán.
Geography
Facts
- Summit elevation of 3,020 meters
- Part of the Atitlán caldera formation
- National Park status since 2006
- Popular destination for hiking and climbing
- Geographically located in Sololá Department
- Ancestral home of the Tz'utujil Maya people
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town San Pedro Volcano (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is San Pedro Volcano located?
It towers right on the southwest shore of Lake Atitlán, next to the village of San Pedro La Laguna.
How long does the hike to the summit take?
The ascent takes about 3 to 4 hours, and the descent about 2 hours.
Is the volcano active?
No, it is considered extinct and is completely covered in dense vegetation.
Are there bandits there?
There have been incidents in the past; always hike with a guide and in a group.
What can you see from the summit?
One of the best views of Lake Atitlán and the Atitlán and Tolimán volcanoes.
San Pedro Volcano: where is it located?
San Pedro Volcano is located in Guatemala.
San Pedro Volcano: what is there to see?
Highlights include San Pedro La Laguna, San Juan La Laguna, San Pablo La Laguna.
San Pedro Volcano: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
San Pedro Volcano: why is it worth visiting?
San Pedro Volcano is a majestic stratovolcano rising on the southwestern shore of Lake Atitlán in the department of Sololá.
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Nearby cities
Sololá
Capital of the Sololá department, overlooking Lake Atitlán.
Santiago Atitlán
Largest of the Lake Atitlán villages, center of the Tz'utujil Maya and the cult of Maximón.
Nahualá
A traditional K'iche' Maya town in the Sololá highlands.
Panajachel
Popular tourist town on the shore of Lake Atitlán.
San Pedro La Laguna
A relaxed village on Lake Atitlán, popular with backpackers and Spanish students.
San Marcos La Laguna
A spiritual center on Lake Atitlán, known for yoga, meditation, and its laid-back hippie atmosphere.
Jaibalito
The smallest and most inaccessible village on Lake Atitlán, a paradise for those seeking true peace.
Santa Cruz La Laguna
A steep, picturesque lakeside village accessible only by boat, offering spectacular views of the volcanoes.
Chicacao
A city in the Suchitepéquez department, in the coffee-growing zone.
Totonicapán
Capital of Totonicapán department in the western highlands.
Tiquisate
A large agricultural municipality in Escuintla, formerly a center for the United Fruit Company.
Patulul
A municipality in the Suchitepéquez department.
Sabancuy
A charming fishing village in Campeche with calm turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for nature lovers.
Nebaj
One of the three main towns in the Ixil Triangle in the Quiché highlands.
Momostenango
Known for its woolen textiles (ponchos) and the Maya ceremony 'Wajxaqib' B'atz'.
History & landmarks
More places
Tolimán Volcano
A prominent stratovolcano on the southern shore of Lake Atitlán.
Atitlán Volcano
A high stratovolcano near the lake of the same name.
Guatemalan Highlands
A mountainous plateau that forms the cultural and political center of the highland Maya.
Lacandon Rainforest
One of the last large tropical rainforests in Mexico.
Gumarcaaj Ruins
The last capital of the K'iche' Kingdom, conquered and burned by the Spanish.
Lacandon Jungle
One of North America's largest remaining rainforests, home to the Lacandon Maya and an incredible variety of tropical wildlife.
Sipacate-Naranjo National Park
A coastal protected area with mangrove forests, important for sea turtle nesting sites.
Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs
Natural hot springs on the slopes of the Zunil volcano, surrounded by cloud forest.