News from San Pedro, Lake Atitlan
News and local events in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan - with new schedules for San Pedro Happy Hours and Movies, news about Spanish-language schools, things to do at Lake Atitlan, and what's new in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. If your bar, restaurant, hotel, tour or travel agency has news of an upcoming event, send us e-mail from the Contacts page.
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February, 2012
Home of the Q10 Mojito, San Pedro is back on the party trail map. Bars have been staying open past midnight, now that there is a new Mayor in town. El Barrio Bar started the craze, and now you can get Q10 Mojitos at Cafe la Puerta, Cafe Atitlan and The Clover, among others.
January, 2012
Friday is the day to dine on Pacific fish at D'Noz, which has Prawrns, Tuna and other selections of the freshest fish in San Pedro.
El Barrio's all-you-can-eat brunch is the place to be on Saturday. A class act all the way. The Wednesday night Pub Quiz there continues to befuddle larger and larger crowds. Sundays, everyone in town is at Smokin' Joes' BBQ at La Piscina, where the pool-side bar is a popular daytime hangout.
Main event of the Month: "2012 Party at the End of the World" at El Barrio in San Pedro. Guest speakers Kenneth Johnson, author of Jaguar Wisdom and Mayan Calendar Astrology, and Shay Addams, author of The Mayan Calendar Users Guide, will discuss Mayan astrology and What Happens on December 21, 2012.
Plus 2012/Doomsday music videos and mini-documentaries about 2012. January 31, 8 PM—the day of the close approach with Asteroid Eros.
December, 2011: Getting Ready for 2012
The countdown until the end of the Mayan calendar has begun, and everyone here is gearing up for a big year. We will have a new mayor in January, so it looks likely that bars and restaurants will soon be staying open as late as 1 AM, like in the old days.
There will be a "2012 End of the World Party" at least once a month until the end of the world. Lots of doomsday videos, mini-documentaries featuring the leading Maya calendar priests in Guatemala, and a lecture about the Mayan Calendar, 2012 and the End of the World by Shay Addams, author of The Mayan Calendar Users Guide.
October and November, 2011
Aside from non-stop rain, nothing happened.
September, 2011: el Barrio Reopens
The same neighborhood bar feeling with a fresh look, el Barrio's new management repainted the entire place, put in a new floor, added a big flat-screen TV and new food specials. Look for the return of the Pub Quiz and other events soon. See more on their site at Bar El Barrio.
In other news, Buddha has become a sports bar. Clover and La Piscina are the top day-time hangouts on 7th Avenue. Fata Morgana and D'Noz are the fund afternoon places, and D'Noz has nightly movies, too. Zuvuya Books is now across from Hotel San Francisco, just off the street down to La Piscina and the dock for boats to Santiago.
Elections are finally over, and the new Mayor appears to be pro-tourism, so it is very likely that the 10 AM closing law for bars and most other businesses will soon be revoked. The rain has slowed down over the past few days. Most businesses are getting geared up for high season, which kicks in around November.
July, 2011: What's New in Town
Not many people in town this month, which means faster service and more drink specials in bars and restaurants like Ventana Blue, The Clover. We're getting rain almost every day or night, but not enough to slow anyone down in this town.
In the Zona Viva, D'Noz and Fata Morgana are the top restaurants, wth a new breakfast menu at Fata that included smoked bacon from Smokin' Joes'.
Freedom Bar closed a few months ago, the reopened as some kind of "Mayan cultural center." (It remains unclear as to exactly whose culture, however.)
El Barrio has been closed all month. But stand by for major changes when it reopens in September. It will be under new management, and the changes we've heard of suggest el Barrio could turn into the town's top bar.
La Piscina remains the best place to hang out at the bar or swim in the afternoon, plus they have great breakfast and lunch. Not to mention Smokin' Joes' barbecue on Sundays. It is now open on Mondays at 11 AM.
Buddha Bar now has CCTV cameras on the street in front and in the bar, so fugitives beware: you are being videotaped.
Top hotel is still Hotel Mikaso, and Jarachick runs the best hostel in San Pedro la Laguna.
August, 2011: Night Club and Bar News
El Barrrio, the classic hangout on 7th Avenue, is closed for remodeling and will reopen in September under new management. That leaves few other nighttime bars in the area, though The Clover has become popular, especially with their drink specials on weekends.
La Piscina is still the best place for lounging around at the bar or pool on weekdays. And the Sunday barbeque is even better, now featuring USDA meats in addition to local smoked meats, chicken and fish.
February, 2011: New at Hotel Mikaso
Hotel Mikaso now has two Jacuzzis. The one on the roof with a knock-out view of the lake and volcanoes can be rented for private parties and relaxing. The one for guests on the terrace also has a fine close-up vista.
January, 2011: New Pool at Zoola
Hostel Zoola just put in a nice swimming pool that is close to the shore of Lake Atitlan.
December, 2010
The bars, especially Buddha, Barrio and La Piscina, saw big crowds through the first half of the month and staying open until 1 AM without problems. Pub Quiz at el Barrio has become one of the most popular promotions (Sunday night). See San Pedro Nightlife for reviews.
Restaurante D'Noz underwent a sweeping renovation with a far more panoramic view of the lake. Dean introduced a new menu featuring dishes such as Acapulco Chicken. Bubulitiz's Deli and Movie Lounge opened this month, with great food and films at 7 PM except Thursdays. La Puerta now has a rooftop terrace.
With the road into Panajachel closed for repairs, San Pedro is now the gateway to the lake, with direct shuttles from Antigua. Santiago is also more accessible than Pana and has boats to San Pedro and Panajachel.
Dog of the Month
El Barrio is proud to announce that Dude is San Pedro's Dog of the Month” December. Mayan day sign: unknown.
November, 2010
After a highly successful Day of the Dead celebration, people in San Pedro are gearing up for high season. Thanksgiving Day dinners are planned at several places in town, and everyone is looking forward to Revolution Day on November 20.
October, 2010
The sun is shining, the roads from Antigua are open, and San Pedro is a happening place once again. Even without recent rain, the water level at Lake Atitlan is higher than it has been in many years. As seen in the photo, it has moved 40 feet closer to shore at the Santiago dock, forcing the closure of Bar La Playa early this month. Cafe La Puerta had to move over a month ago and is now located next to San Pedro Spanish School on 7th Avenue.
Dog of the Month
El Barrio is proud to announce that Sister is San Pedro's Dog of the Month” for October. Mayan day sign: unknown.
September, 2010
The lake's first Pet Hotel opened on 7th Avenue. Pet food, inoculations and pet-related services are available, in addition to kennels.
July-August, 2010
Not much news, after the incessant rainfall, rising water levels and unpassable roads from Antigua hit the town hard and kept most people indoors.
June, 2010
San Pedro was hit by tropical storm Agatha the first week of the month, leading to at least one death and major damage to homes and property. More than 50 local familes remain homeless. Donations are needed to provide food, housing, clothing and medicine. See Donations for Lake Atitlan to contribute.
But tourism facilities were not as seriously affected. Water and electricity has been restored, and hotels and restaurants are back in business. Even better, there are not as many tourists as usual for June, so there's less wait time for meals and drinks, and plenty of rooms available in San Pedro and the rest of the lake. Weather has also been good, with only light rain since June 5.
May, 2010
Mad Hatter's closed up and left town. Most of the snowbirds have flown away. PhatBurger closed, and Restaurante Otro Rollo moved into Phatburger's location to serve Italian and Israeli food.
April, 2010
Promo Party night at el Barrio was a smashing success. People showed up from around the lake and packed the entire bar. Prom Court winners were: King, Asa from San Pedro; Queen, Astrid from Panajachel; Queen of Hearts, Caroline from San Pedro. The rain arrived early, with heavy downpours in the evenings.
February, 2010
Bistro Nuevo Sol is doing a garage sale from 9 AM-Noon on Saturdays.
El Barrio is proud to announce that the “Dog of the Month” for San Pedro and Xela is Pancho. Maya day sign: 1 Oc .
Buddha Bar now lets you you use PayPal, VISA and Master Card to withdraw quetzales or get Buddha Bucks to spend there. Check with the bar for details.
Lots of changes at Freedom Bar: See News from Freedom Bar.
January, 2010
Kayaking is back in vogue, since the algae bloom retreated and the lake turned a brilliant blue again. We've also seen scuba divers in the water off Santa Cruz.
Fata Morgana started serving pasta again, featuring a gourmet Italian chef, Alfredo. Also tiramisu, a luscious pastry. We'll post review soon.
La Piscina now has Thirsty Thursday, which means you get a free beer or drink with Q20 entry to the pool. Lots of changes at Freedom Bar, which now shows movies and has new meals such as the Mystic Pizza.
The 2009 Dog of the Year for San Pedro and Xela was Vicki.
December, 2009
The rooftop Buddha pizza oven is being taken down in a new remodeling project. Jake will return to the house band there next month.
September, 2009
Smokin' Joe's BBQ provides food, and Boccie Ball is the game played under a big, new awning.ypsy's just opened in the zona viva, selling used clothes and jewelry. En Vivo, the live music club, now serves steak dinners.
Freedom Bar's new restaurant specializes in vegetarian meals and other budget food. Another change is the Q5 shots, all day and night.
August, 2009: Zuvuya Books Reopens
Zuvuya’s grand reopening wine and cheese party with flea market will be August 7 from 2-4 PM.
Dog of the Month
El Barrio is proud to announce that San Pedro’s “Dog of the Month” for August is Vicky from Hotel Mikaso.
New at Freedom Bar
The biggest dance club in town, Freedom recently remodeled theinterior and upgraded the smoke and light show with projector visuals on a big screen.
July 2009: New Club in Zona Viva
En Vivo, across from Fata Morgana, opened this month, featurig live music most nights.
June 2009: Happy Birthday, San Pedro
The feriado takes place the last week of June Big day is the 25th. Don't miss the parades and fireworks.
Dog of the Month
El Barrio is proud to announce that Pancho is San Pedro's “Dog of the Month” for June.
May 2009: The Boys are Back in Town
Jake and Brent are back at Buddha for awhile, so don’t miss the latest incarnation of the Blues Revolution band.
April 2009: News from Fata Morgana
The Italian restaurant in the zona viva, Fata Morgana, is under new management. Cody and Andrew were extensively trained by Fata’s founders in coffee roasting, bread making and other facets of the kitchen.
They have added mocaccino (made with their home-made chocolate), carrot juice and shots of ginger juice. Smoothies and fruit salads are coming soon. Quality remains high, and the service attentive and friendly.
Dog of the Month
El Barrio is proud to announce that Coco is “Dog of the Month” for May.
Restaurante La Playa Opens
Near the Santiago Dock, Restaurante La Playa held its grand opening in March with Smokin' Joe's BBQ.
March 2009: El Paraiso, the new restaurant near Phatburger on the main trail, is having a St. Patrick’s Day Party on March 17. La Piscina has a new library and bakery.
Chile’s Restaurant moved down the street from Freedom and has a big deck overlooking the lake. Get a free drink or coffee with your meal (see flyer).
Dog of the Month
El Barrio is proud to announce that Leo is “Dog of the Month” for March.
New Shuttles
Casa Verde Tours now has a 1 PM shuttle to Antigua as well as one leaving at 9 AM, and new return service at 4 PM as well as 2 PM. (These are temporarily suspended until June, 2009.) Casa Verde Tours also offers daily service to Xela, Copan (Honduras), Lanquin And Tecun Uman at 9 AM.
Plus Casa Verde has a big, comfortable bus and a San Pedro new office across from D’Noz and one on San Marcos. You can also buy tickets at Atitlan Adventures on 7th Avenue.
February 2009: No more flyers in the zona viva. The muni is taking down all outdoor flyers in that part of town.
La Piscina now serves chili, nachos and other food full-time. Fata Morgana’s new hours are 8 AM-2 PM. El Barrio Bar is proud to announce Oso is Dog of the Month for February El Picasso closed in January.
Congratulations to Matt and Jennifer, who were married in December.
January, 2009: Boccie ball fever is sweeping San Pedro. At La Piscina, entry is free and the winner gets a bottle of rum.
Smokin' Joe's BBQ will soon offer horseshoes during the barbeque, which will be at Nuevo Sol on the 11th, La Piscina on the 18th and el Barrio on the 25th of January. Winner gets a free BBQ dinner; second place, a liter of beer.
Newest restaurant in town is Ventana Azul, featuring Asian and Guatemalan cuisine in a cozy setting on 7th Avenue.
Restaurante El Picasso is closing its doors the last week of January.
Where to Stay
Budget: San Francisco, Colibri, Peneleu.
Mid-range: Gran Sueno, Casa Lola.
High end: Hotel Mikaso.
Where to Eat
Fata Morgana: Sandwiches, pizza, focaccia. Chile’s: Veggie Crepes, Thai, Italian. el Barrio: Chicken Club Sandwich. Buddha: Pork Tenderloin. Ventana Blue: Cashew Chicken, Jocom.
Flor del Cafe: Hamburgers, quesadillas. La Niez: Churrascos. El Paraiso: Stuffed Chicken, Irish Stew. Nuevo Sol: Meatloaf, Gourmet Pizza.
Where to Party
Live Music or DJs at : Buddha Bar, el Barrio, Freedom Bar
Swimming Pool, Boccie Ball: La Piscina
Tours and Shuttles
Casa Verde in the Zone, Atitlan Adventures on 7th Avenue.
Money
See map for bank and ATMs. The bank will cash traveler’s checks and handle Western Union and MoneyGrams.
Internet
Customers get free Wi-Fi at Buddha, el Picasso, Hotel Mikaso, and D’Noz. Ideas Connection has the top Internet on 7th Avenue.
Books, Music, Movie and Game Rentals
Zuvuya Books carries an eclectic selection of books, music, videos. Ideas Connections rents movies and games, or you can play them there. See Tony on the trail to Mikaso for popular fiction.
Movies in San Pedro
Bistro Nuevo Sol, Mon.-Sat., 7:30
Buddha Bar: Viewers’ Choice on Mon. and Tue. at 7:30, Double Feature Sunday.
D’Noz: Mon.-Sat., 8:30
Hotel Mikaso: Wed. and Sun., 8 PM. Spanish with English subtitles
Zuvuya Books: Wed.-Sun. 1:30, Q10