• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

20 Best Things to Do in San Pedro La Laguna

Last Updated: January 15, 2023 · Guatemala

With its colorful indigenous Tz’utujil Maya community, challenging volcano hikes, international backpacker vibes, and fun water activities, there are so many things to do in San Pedro La Laguna — one of the understated towns perched on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Sololá, Guatemala.

What can be said about San Pedro? It’s a town that buzzes with life — both local and foreign. For years, it has been a popular pitstop on many a backpacker’s itinerary when traveling in Guatemala and Central America.

While it may seem like a typical party hostel town, much more lies beneath the surface waiting to be discovered by those curious enough to seek it out.

aerial view of San Pedro La Laguna, a Tz'utujil Maya town on Lake Atitlan Guatemala

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

San Pedro La Laguna, like its neighboring lakeside municipalities, has a unique story to share. The pueblo is made up of mostly Tz’utujil Maya.

Here, you can see the majority of women wearing their traditional trajes (clothes) and hear the Maya language echoing between the streets. And while San Pedro isn’t as traditional as Santiago Atitlán — the largest town on the lake — it has kept much of its authenticity despite international influence.

After living in San Pedro La Laguna for two months as a digital nomad, I was able to explore San Pedro and uncover both its popular and off-the-beaten-track things to do. That said, be sure to take this ultimate bucket list with you!

Here’s what you must see and do in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala!

Table of Contents show
20 Things to Do in San Pedro La Laguna
1. Visit the Tzunun’Ya Museum
2. Visit the Teixchel Women’s Weaving Association
3. Tour a Guatemalan Coffee Plantation
4. Sunrise Hike to Indian Nose Summit
5. Swim at a Black Sand Beach
6. Learn Spanish at a Spanish Language School
7. Take a Painting Class at an Art Gallery
8. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
9. Relax in Heated Hot Springs
10. Hike Up Volcán San Pedro
11. Taste Pupusas (Guatemalan Street Food)
12. Ziplining at Canopy San Pedro
13. Tour the San Pedro EcoPark
14. Take in the Views of San Pedro at Mirador Bella Vista
15. Explore San Pedro’s Street Art
16. Shop at the Local Market
17. Go Horse Riding
18. Hang Out in Parque Puerta Hermosa
19. Eat Lava Cake at Sababa
20. Day Trip to Other Lakeside Maya Towns

20 Things to Do in San Pedro La Laguna

aerial view of san pedro la laguna on lake atitlan guatemala

1. Visit the Tzunun’Ya Museum

The Tzunun’Ya Museum is one of the first things you should do in San Pedro La Laguna in order to get a brief yet thorough overview of the town and its history, culture, and symbolism of the Maya.

Here, you can also get your Maya symbol or Nahual explained and printed out according to your birthdate on the Maya calendar.

inside Tzunun'Ya museum in San Pedro la laguna

The museum only takes 15-20 minutes to explore and takes you through three different showrooms: geology, history, and culture.

There are plaques you can read in each, or, you can opt to have the museum operator give you a spoken tour in Spanish (Lola was very helpful and easy to understand as she spoke slowly and clearly for us!). And oh yes, there’s also a sweet little video film at the beginning of the tour that shows what local life in San Pedro La Laguna looked like in 1943.

Tzunun'Ya Museum in San Pedro La Laguna
showroom inside tzunun'ya museum showcasing tz'utujil maya clothes and culture

The cost to enter the Tzunun’Ya museum is only Q35 per person. It’s open from 8-12 PM and 2-5 PM Mon-Fri and is located on 6a Av across from Zoola.

Overall, it’s a quick and underrated way to understand the geology of Lake Atitlán as well as the history and culture of the Tz’utujil Maya.

Fun fact! The names of the town around Lake Atitlán were all converted into Saint names after the Spanish conquest. Before, Lake Atitlán was called Tzunun – which means hummingbird in the Mayan language (colíbri in Spanish).

2. Visit the Teixchel Women’s Weaving Association

woman trying on handmade kimono inside teixchel weaver's association in san pedro la laguna
maya woman sewing blouse at teixchel association in san pedro la laguna guatemala

The women at Teixchel Weaving Association radiate the beauty and culture of the people of San Pedro La Laguna.

If you go, you must speak to mama Bertha, who runs the association with her family (her daughter is pictured above sewing a blouse).

If you understand a bit of Spanish, your time in San Pedro will become all the more special thanks to the women working at Teixchel.

Bertha took her time to explain to us about Teixchel as an association (and about the Maya Goddess Ixhcel), in addition to Mayan beliefs, the Maya calendar, and she even looked up our birthdates and showed us the corresponding Nahual Maya symbols (I bought a handmade little purse with my “future” symbol on it – Kej – for Q25).

maya woman named Bertha handmaking a kimono at Teixchel in san pedro la laguna
table covered in handmade maya textiles, bags, etc at Teixchel in San Pedro la laguna
maya woman handmaking blouse inside Teixchel Weaving Association
handmade maya blankets and shawls at Teixchel Women's Weaving Association
handmade textiles at teixchel association in san pedro

At Teixchel you can learn about the process of how they create their Maya textiles, shop their little store, try on the kimonos, and take a weaving workshop to make your own eco-dyed scarf using the backstrap loom (duration: 6 hours, but you can spread it out across several days).

You’ll find Teixchel located just up the road from the main dock (right across from Café Cristalinas).

3. Tour a Guatemalan Coffee Plantation

woman with coffee sitting at cafe cristalinas in san pedro la laguna

The forested hills surrounding Lake Atitlán are all covered in coffee plants and fields. Coffee is one of the main exports in Guatemala thanks to the rich volcanic soil which allows it to grow so well.

For coffee tours, check out Café Cristalinas. You can walk in and reserve a tour in the morning either on foot (2-3 hours) or on horseback (1-2 hours). You can find this great little cafe just up the road from the main dock in San Pedro. They have delicious coffee and chocolate!

There are plenty of opportunities to try the rich and flavored coffee with a tour around the Maya towns beyond San Pedro. San Juan La Laguna is, in particular, a colorful and tranquil municipality beside San Pedro where you can take local coffee tours as well.

4. Sunrise Hike to Indian Nose Summit

sunset lake atitlan with view of indian nose summit from san pedro la laguna
couple atop indian nose hike summit overlooking lake atitlan

Hiking up to the Indian Nose summit is one of the most popular things to do in San Pedro La Laguna.

The Indian Nose is a mountain summit that resembles the face of a sleeping Mayan man and looks out over the lake, volcanoes, and Mayan towns. In many ways, it’s a rite of passage to any and all nationals and internationals visiting Lake Atítlan.

When in San Pedro, you can’t miss it as it juts out from the skyline just opposite.

There are several tour agencies offering sunrise hikes up to Indian Nose from San Pedro. Most consist of taking a chicken bus to the town of Santa Clara La Laguna in the early hours of the morning and then hiking up the back of the mountain for 35-45 minutes to reach the summit overlooking Lake Atítlan and the surrounding volcanoes.

Alternatively, you can opt to do the long version of the Indian Nose hike which departs from the base of San Juan La Laguna, which I talk about more in-depth in my guide to the Indian Nose hike.

5. Swim at a Black Sand Beach

beach outside of san pedro la laguna in lake atitlan

Swimming in San Pedro La Laguna isn’t the best, especially right nearby the main boat dock, where many locals wash their clothes, bodies, and dishes.

However, there are a few secluded beaches further away from the town where locals and tourists can escape on weekends to spend a day splashing in (somewhat) cleaner water.

The beach I’m talking about is a black sand beach, located about 45 minutes by foot from the end of the Ruta La Finca road heading out of San Pedro.

To get to the trailhead, simply ask a tuk-tuk to take you to the end of the La Finca, nearby the basketball court. You can also say after Refugio del Volcan, which is a well-known Airbnb.

Once at the trailhead, you will follow the natural path around the base of the San Pedro volcano. The trail leading down to the beach forks from the main path to the left. You can’t really miss it, even though there is no signage. You will pass by an abandoned coffee farm (with a large slab of concrete where they used to dry the beans), before passing a local’s home and descending down a semi-steep slope until you reach the beach.

Once at the beach, there is plenty of swimming space and spots to lounge on a towel while enjoying the unhampered views of Volcan Tolimán, with its cute parasitic cone ‘Cerro del Oro’, and Volcán Atítlan.

6. Learn Spanish at a Spanish Language School

tzutujil maya in san pedro la laguna guatemala

San Pedro La Laguna, and Lake Atítlan in general, is famous for its top-quality Spanish Language Schools. People from all over the world come to Guatemala to learn Spanish, thanks to the Guatemalans’ relatively slow-paced and clean speech.

The schools here are renowned for their classes and family homestays, where you can pay to live with a local family while learning Spanish.

The cost to take a Spanish class at one of the schools varies. Prices may also depend on how many classes you want to take, with often the more hours/week resulting in a lower overall cost per class.

Since I couldn’t attend class in a normal setting during my time in San Pedro, I opted for a private Spanish tutor through the Semilla Spanish School. My instructor was a young 20-year-old woman named Billie and every day for a week, she came to my temporary home to teach me B1-level Spanish for two hours.

I absolutely loved working with Billie, who happily spoke with me about life in Guatemala, her family, and the unique customs and traditions of the various Mayan towns surrounding Lake Atítlan.

Should you like to learn Spanish with Billie, or stay with her family for a homestay, feel free to reach out for her contact info or get in touch with the school.

What better thing to do in San Pedro than pick up a bit of Spanish?

7. Take a Painting Class at an Art Gallery

art gallery in san pedro la laguna, lake atitlan guatemala

You’ll see acrylic and oil paintings hanging in art galleries in many of the Maya towns around the lake. And each town seems to have its own style and an array of local artists.

What you see here will be different than in Santiago Atitlán or even San Juan La Laguna just next door.

Painting classes are an affordable and fun way to get familiar with the landscapes, towns, and communities around the lake. Classes cost approximately Q65 per 1-1.5 hours.

The price also depends on the material you choose to use (i.e. canvas size, paint, brushes, etc).

8. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding

stand up paddle board lesson on lake atitlan with San Pedro Paddle

Lake Atítlan is the perfect place to rent a kayak or paddleboard.

The lake’s calm water makes for the perfect sunrise or sunset adventure (avoid going mid-day when it’s windy and the water choppy). Luckily, there are many places around the lake where you can rent both. San Pedro La Laguna is home to a few local kayaking and SUP shops.

For paddleboarding, check out our friends at San Pedro Paddle. They offer certified SUP lessons, fitness classes, and tours! You can find them on the outskirts of town, on the road to La Finca (about 10 minutes away by tuk-tuk). This is a great place to paddle because there are no boats (like near the embarcaderos – boat docks) and you can paddle out just far enough to see the magnificent San Pedro volcano and the Tolimán volcano with its little cone of Cerro del Oro.

paddle boarding on lake atitlan with San Pedro Paddle
couple sunrise paddle board lake atitlan

For kayaking, head down the steps below the popular Sababa Restaurant and speak with the elderly man sporting a traditional hat there. He rents out kayaks for as little as Q20/hour. He has both single and double kayaks.

They’re certainly nothing fancy, and are even a bit bulky, but what more do you need to spend a while paddling offshore? Since you begin paddling just left of the Pana dock, be wary of incoming and departing boats.

You can also book a kayaking tour online with Salvador.

kayaking on lake atitlan with view of three volcanoes

9. Relax in Heated Hot Springs

San Pedro La Laguna has heated hot springs (more like thermal pools or outdoor hot tubs) you can sit and relax in.

So before you get too excited, these are not naturally heated by the volcanoes. For that, check out the naturally heated aguas termales in Santa Catarina Palopó over by Panajachel.

In any case, going to soak in the “Los Termales” is a fun thing to do in San Pedro La Laguna and was a weekly activity for us and our friends.

We’d go every Wednesday night after work at 6:30 PM sharp. It was a great way to split our workweek in half (since we were living in San Pedro as digital nomads).

hot tubs at aguas termales san pedro la laguna
woman bathing in hot springs in san pedro la laguna guatemala
evening at aguas termales with view of palm tree and lake atitlan

To reserve your hot tub, you must contact the owners (who are very sweet) no sooner than 30 minutes – 1 hour prior to the time you want to arrive. The price is Q50 per person (about 6.50 USD or 5 EUR).

The path to reach Los Termales can be found just nearby the El Barrio restaurant in the little backstreets of San Pedro.

There are 5 pools in total with an outdoor shower and a rustic toilet. The owners live on-site in case you need anything. For now, they don’t offer beverages or snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own from the local minimarkets up on the main street.

I’d highly recommend going mid-week to have the place to yourself.

On weekends, it can get busy and can turn unpleasant, especially when people play their music loudly, smoke right next to you, or in some instances, strip down and get butt naked (lol).

10. Hike Up Volcán San Pedro

view of volcán san pedro in san pedro la laguna town in lake atitlan guatemala

San Pedro volcano allures all adventure enthusiasts to attempt the hike up its steep slopes to reach its staggering peak. However, hikers beware!

🚨 Unfortunately, there have been reports of armed robberies at the top of the hike, near the summit camp. Please be cautious as it seems this is fairly common.

You can read testimonials on Tripadvisor and also on AllTrails for this hike. There are accounts of successful trips, where no robberies or assaults took place, and also first-hand accounts of such incidents. It would be wise to go with a hired armed guide or a large group of 10+ but not alone.

Luckily, there are other hikes around Lake Atitlán you can do. If it’s a volcano summit you wish to conquer, then consider hiking up Tolimán or Atitlán volcanoes (Atitlán is far more difficult and going with a guide is mandatory anyhow).

11. Taste Pupusas (Guatemalan Street Food)

guatemalan street food (pupusas) in san pedro la laguna guatemala

San Pedro La Laguna comes alive during festivals, holidays, birthdays, etc, and during these times you can catch a bunch of street food vendors selling their goodies on the main ave.

If you do get the chance to eat street food in San Pedro, make sure to eat where the locals go (an indicator that it’s clean and trustworthy).

We got lucky one evening while strolling around town and saw a lady whipping up veggie pupusas and mini tostadas (forgot the name) and decided to try it out. Filled with zucchini, beans, cheese, cream, and onions, it was delicious and super cheap at only Q10.

12. Ziplining at Canopy San Pedro

Little do people know it, but San Pedro has its own ziplining canopy park! While it’s small, with only 3-5 lines, it is still a fun thing to do in San Pedro if you enjoy adrenaline-packed outdoor activities.

There is also a really cool tire swing with a viewpoint from up here! Book this experience on Viator.

13. Tour the San Pedro EcoPark

sign for san pedro ecopark on ruta la finca

The San Pedro EcoPark is a fairly recent ecological park perched on the slopes of Volcán San Pedro located right outside of the town.

It has numerous outdoor activities like obstacle courses, swings, and games for local families to enjoy together while being immersed in nature.

The park also features a neat wooden swing with a window peering through the forest to reveal an impressive view of Lake Atitlán.

To visit, it costs Q10 for adults and Q5 for kids. Reservations are required at the moment to ensure social distancing.

14. Take in the Views of San Pedro at Mirador Bella Vista

woman overlooking the town of san pedro la laguna on lake atitlan

There is a unique and not very well-known café above the town called Mirador y Café Bella Vista that has arguably the BEST panoramic view of San Pedro La Laguna and the entire southwestern shores of Lake Atitlán.

You can find it by hopping in a tuk-tuk and asking for “mirador café bella vista”, showing the GPS, or by hiking up the hill to get there yourself. The road is paved and steep, but not difficult to find.

Just follow the road all the way up to the top (the road on the GPS seems to disappear but know that it’s indeed there). Keep following the small roads around local houses. Eventually, you’ll get to a 3-story building with a sign on it that says Café Mirador Bella Vista.

They serve specialty drinks and snacks (we got a chilled lemonade which was super good!) that you can enjoy with one of the best views of San Pedro.

15. Explore San Pedro’s Street Art

street art mural of volcanoes in san pedro la laguna
colorful wall street art in san pedro la laguna streets
painted stairs depicting maya motifs and textiles in san pedro la laguna

One thing that you’ll quickly notice when visiting San Pedro La Laguna is its colorful street art.

The town isn’t as colorful as neighboring San Juan La Laguna, and certainly no match for Santa Catarina Palopó across the lake, but it still has at least a dozen or more elaborate art murals that depict local life and Maya textiles and motifs.

You’ll find a bunch as you explore the small streets and plazas.

One of my favorites is nearby the Santiago Atitlán dock and the other is down a tiny street nearby the church up the hill from the main dock.

You’ll notice a lot of small murals with religious quotes and symbols as well. I think I counted at least two dozen the last time we crossed town.

16. Shop at the Local Market

local market in san pedro la laguna town in guatemala

Exploring local markets is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the daily lives of the local culture and community. In San Pedro La Laguna, it’s no different.

Here, you can see the Tz’utujil Mayas selling their fruits, veggies, beans, textiles, shoes, etc, on the street that together paints a rather bustling market scene.

If you live in San Pedro or are planning to stay awhile, you’ll get the best prices here compared to the produce stalls in town.

Market days are typically every day from morning to lunch, but they are especially sights to see during weekends.

I’d highly encourage walking around this part of town (just follow the road all the way up from the main dock or ask a tuk-tuk to take you to the market) on foot to discover a few hidden treasures including art murals, mini plazas, cute streets, and just scenes of authentic local life.

17. Go Horse Riding

horse riding in san pedro la laguna with view of volcán tolimán and lake atitlán

Horse riding is an affordable and fun thing to do in San Pedro. You will no doubt see horses during your time here, even if you don’t end up going riding yourself. There are only a handful of locals who own the horses, too, so you will see the same riders/guides.

You have several horse riding tours that can take you around San Pedro and its environs, to coffee and maize plantations, to viewpoints, and to beaches. The cost varies per group size, but as a couple, we paid Q60 per person for a 2-hour ride.

The path we took was to the viewpoint at the base of the San Pedro volcano which overlooks the town of Santiago Atitlan and the Tolimán and Atítlan volcanoes.

You can also combine coffee tours with a horse riding excursion, in case you want to knock out both activities in one go. For that, inquire at Café Cristalinas just up the road from the main dock in San Pedro (the Pana dock).

18. Hang Out in Parque Puerta Hermosa

drone view of parque hermosa puerta in san pedro la laguna guatemala
statue inside the park in downtown san pedro la laguna (parque puerta hermosa)

Right in the heart of San Pedro sits a beautiful garden and park — the Parque Puerta Hermosa.

Whether you want to take photographs or just escape the tuk-tuk crazy streets, the park is the perfect place to escape to. You can find it by meandering off the market road. It’s hard to miss as it’s the only bit of vivid greenery in the town.

There are trimmed bushes, plants, a statue/fountain, and a small white church decorating the plaza. There’s also music playing which makes the visitor’s experience all the more whimsical.

19. Eat Lava Cake at Sababa

lava cake at sababa restaurant in san pedro la laguna
cafe at sababa restaurant with view of lake atitlan and indian nose mountain

The Sababa cafe and restaurant is one of the best places to eat in San Pedro La Laguna. Partially thanks to its airy decor, but mostly because the food is simple and delicious — especially the lava cake (when not overbaked!!).

If you are looking for just something “chill” to do in San Pedro, then head to Sababa. The atmosphere is welcoming and inspiring and offers an awesome view of the lake and the Indian Nose summit.

There’s a ground floor with sofa benches and a swing bar and an upstairs loft with more tables and an even better (and breezier) view.

20. Day Trip to Other Lakeside Maya Towns

woman walking down Avenida 5ta in San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala
colorful blue buildings painted in santa catarina palopo town in lake atitlan
women washing in lake in santiago atitlan, guatemala
woman looking at san pedro volcano from atop indian nose mountain summit

Last but not least, you can’t visit San Pedro without also sharing your love for some of the other towns around the lake!

Did you know that there are at least a dozen or more municipalities in Lake Atitlán?

Some of my favorites to visit are:

  • San Juan La Laguna — right beside San Pedro and full of weaving associations, murals, and hidden cafés.
  • Santa Cruz La Laguna — ideal for a lakeside lunch or SUP session with views of all three volcanoes.
  • Jaibalito & Tzununa — two small towns with an awesome hiking trail connecting them.
  • Santa Catarina Palopó and San Antonio Palopó — two Kaqchikel Maya towns nearby Panajachel. The first is painted in color and the second is famous for its ceramics and pottery.
  • San Marcos La Laguna — perhaps the most well-known of the towns with an active meditation and New Age community.
  • Santiago Atitlán — the largest of the towns and one that offers a glimpse into the more traditional way of life of the Tz’utujil Mayas.

Among all the towns, I think San Pedro still has the best in terms of food, accommodation options, and things to do. It has both local treasures and foreign pleasures such as international-style cafes, good wifi, and a decent range of hostels and hotels.

Basing yourself out of San Pedro is not only great because of the number of things to do here but also because it is well-connected to the other towns.

I hope this guide helps you get inspired for what to do in San Pedro La Laguna including both popular and off-the-beaten-track activities!

If you have any questions about this bucket list, feel free to reach out and drop a comment below!

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

woman on swing in san pedro la laguna (photo with text overlay)
photos of san pedro la laguna in guatemala with text overlay
  • Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
  • Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
  • Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
  • Share via EmailShare via Email

By: Bri · In: Guatemala

you’ll also love

Woman hiking at Pacaya Volcano on a day trip from Antigua Guatemala10 Best Day Trips from Antigua Guatemala
colorful arts and textile at market in Panajachel in Lake Atitlan GuatemalaTop 10 Things to Do in Panajachel – The Gateway Town to Lake Atitlán
Girl overlooking San Pedro volcano and Lake Atitlan towns10 Amazing Towns to Visit Around Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jon says

    October 27, 2022 at 11:31 pm

    I just arrived for two weeks of Spanish immersion in San Pedro. From the various travel essays including this one, I was imagine something a little less hectic. My first impression is that it is a noisy little concrete jungle. I start Spanish lessons tomorrow, and hopefully I’ll get a chance to get past my initial disappointment. I considered waiting for a few days before sharing this sentiment, but even if the place grows on me and I end up loving it, I think it won’t hurt to put out a “warning” that if one is expecting an enchanting lakeside village, the mood of the place can be initially jarring. All that aside, thank you for all your awesome suggestions – I will be taking some of them to heart, I’m sure!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 28, 2022 at 12:52 pm

      There are definitely hidden gems to be found inside the little concrete jungle! The first drone shot I shared shows the buildings pretty accurately, I think. If you’re wanting a quaint place to eat, go to the Japanese place I mention in my food guide. The owners are the sweetest and have lived in Guate for about 13 years.

      Reply
  2. Irene says

    May 6, 2022 at 2:28 pm

    This is such a lovely and well-informed article, I love it!
    The only thing I could add to this is that pupusas are not Guatemalan street food, It’s from El Salvador. The lady who has the stand there is also Salvadoran, it doesn’t really matter as Salvadoran and Guatemalan food are both Yummy 🙂
    And I also love how you added information about the Mayan community and which type of tribe they belong to, thank you!
    San Padro is a must for sure if visiting Guatemala, it steals a little corner of your heart.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      May 10, 2022 at 8:50 am

      Thank you, Irene! 💛 xx

      Reply
  3. Alexis S. says

    March 13, 2022 at 10:58 pm

    This was an awesome read and inspiring. I’m headed there next week. Can you tell me how to get in contact with someone to make a reservation at Los Termales? Do you think it’s safe to go there alone in the evening?

    Reply
    • Bri says

      March 15, 2022 at 5:44 pm

      Hey Alexis! Thank you so much for reading — I so appreciate that! And yes, I can send you the WhatsApp number later. Can you shoot me an email? As for safety, I would say it’s pretty safe but I’m not there now and can’t “feel out” the situation. The pathway down there is a bit dark, so use your phone light. You could probably ask the owner to meet you up at the street if you don’t feel safe?

      Reply
      • Chelsea says

        November 9, 2022 at 12:55 pm

        I would love if you could whatsapp or email me info about the thermal pools and also horseback riding please! We are here now 🙂

        Reply
        • Bri says

          November 22, 2022 at 9:22 am

          Great to hear! I’m just now seeing this, but I can send you those details! If ever you can’t reach me through a comment, just shoot me a quick DM or comment on Instagram : ) I’m faster there

          Reply
      • Emma Hastil says

        December 12, 2022 at 2:53 pm

        Would also love contact for this! 🙂

        Reply
    • Max says

      September 4, 2022 at 6:23 pm

      Hi, great article! I’m just wondering if you could point me in the direction of one of the painting classes, I’ve searched online but there doesn’t seem to be much information available
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Bri says

        September 7, 2022 at 2:28 pm

        Hey Max! You just have to visit in person to inquire. The painting gallery I mention is located to the left of the pier (when facing San Pedro from the water) and is unmissable if you’re walking down the street. It’ll be on your right-hand side and look exactly like the photo I snapped.

        Reply
  4. Pauline says

    May 15, 2021 at 6:28 pm

    This looks like a great destination, I‘ll definitely keep this in mind! I love that these are not only the typical touristy things to do 😊

    Reply
    • Bri says

      May 17, 2021 at 10:53 am

      Happy to hear that! Thanks for reading Pauline! x

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Discovering the Traditional Maya Town of Santiago Atitlán

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

21 Useful Tips & Tools for Working Remotely From Home or on the Road

12+ Best Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta

13 Best Places to Live in Mexico as a Nomad

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS

Search

Let’s Connect!

@bucketlistbri

Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • Blog Course
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2023 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved

120 shares