Nightlife at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: Bars, Clubs, Music in San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, Panajachel.
The nightlife scenes in Panajachel and San Pedro lead the way in nightlife around Lake Atitlan, each home to a dizzying array of atmospheric bars, pubs, discos and clubs.
Live bands play everything from jazz to reggae to merengue in Panajachel, while you're more likely to hear blues and rock in a San Pedro hangout.
Disco action goes all night at Fusion (formerly Socrates) and Disco Aleph in Panajachel. Just up the street, a lively bars awaits: the pioneer Circus Bar.
More clubs with live music and DJs line Avenida Santander. At its end, on the water, the lively Sunset Cafe has Latino music, a festive atmosphere and high prices.
A beer costs a little more than a dollar in most bars, and there are plenty of Mexican and Guatemalan beers lined up in the coolers. San Pedro bars also serve liters of beer for around $3. Drink specials and happy hours reduce the cost of beer, wine and mixed drinks even further.
In the Zone (also known as the zona viva), the lively Alegre Pub shows soccer and other sports. Alegre' has daily drink and food specials. Freedom Bar features live music on weekends, more frequently during high season.
On 7th Avenue, the Buddha Bar features live music and movies several times a week, while farther down the avenue, El Barrio celebrates Tequila Tuesdays with the town's biggest liquor selection. In the daytime, locals and savvy travelers party at La Piscina, the swimming pool near the Santiago dock.
The action in San Marcos is at the Blind Lemon's bar, with live music, movies and a good restaurant.
For the latest news on nightlife around Lake Atitlan, read or download the latest issue of Atitlan Sol, the only English-language travel magazine about the lake.
