Climbing San Pedro Volcano

Matt Purvis

A key activity at Lake Atitlan is climbing San Pedro Volcano. The 3,020-meter high Volcan de San Pedro—overlooking the town of Santiago, Volcans Toliman and Atitlan, Cero de Oro and across to Panajachel on the other side of the lake—has a magnificent view from the top.

The three to four hour climb from the park entrance to the volcano summit winds through coffee plantations, maize fields and pine forest. Halfway, there's a lookout point with a view over the town and across to Indian Nose. This is a good place to consider the rest of the climb. The path gets steeper from here, and it's still over an hour-and-a-half to the top. Hikers in good shape and with proper footwear (boots or hiking shoes, not thongs) can make it without any problems.

Wildlife on Volcano San Pedro

Volcan San Pedro is rich in flora and fauna. You'll see cypress trees, which are used by local fishermen to make their canoes, and the mano de leon, a tree with flowers shaped like lion's paws. If you're lucky (and quiet!) you may see wild turkeys, wild boars, even a rare bird called the horned guan. Local guides are knowledgeable about wildlife and plants and can answer any questions.

Climbing this volcano requires an early start to ensure that you can appreciate the view from the top before the clouds arrive. Leaving at 6 AM should suffice, but your guide may suggest an earlier time to be safe.

Before You Go

It's a 25-minute walk from the town to the park entrance, but you can save time by taking a pick-up truck from outside the Catholic Church or organizing a tuk tuk the night before. Just ask for "al volcan."

Hiking the Volcano: What to Take

Carry a poncho and something warm during rainy season. Few tiendas are open this early, so hikers are advised to buy breakfast and lunch the night before. There are no shops on the trail, so make sure you have enough food for lunch at the top and enough water for the climb, at least a couple of big bottles per person. Don't believe those that say there's a Gallo tap at the top: if you want beer you need to carry the extra weight yourself!

It's important to go with an organized tour or guide because the lower part of the trial splits into many different paths to allow coffee growers access to their plantations. This way you won't take the wrong path and end up on the wrong part of the mountainside.

The local guides' hut, beside the Panajachel dock, organizes trips up the volcano. Prices include local guide and park entrance. If staying in San Pedro or San Marcos, you can book with them directly, with Casa Verde Tours or other agencies. From Santiago, you can go with Aventura en Atitlan (5742-8975).

So pack your lunch and lots of water. Put on your hiking boots and enjoy. And don't forget your camera.