| Description: This destination has become one of the favorite localities for birdwatching, because its marked altitudinal range (5200 to 9900 feet above seal level), offers a great experience watching endemic regional birds throughout a varied habitat including Pine-Oak Forest, Cloud Forest, maize and coffee plantations. The trail up the San Pedro Volcano is not easy, but as a reward you will have panoramic views of Atitlan Lake as well as the several bird species present. You can also birdwatch around San Pedro La Laguna bordering Lake Atitlán.
Services: Camping and cabins are offered in San Pedro Volcano. Other services are available in San Pedro La Laguna; you can get more information five minutes away from the visitor´s center. If you contact the Director of the Park in advance, you can coordinate lodging and restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna.
Access: From Guatemala City, take the CA-1 highway until you get to the junction to Sololá. Take a left that will lead you to Panajachel, where you must take a boat to San Pedro La Laguna in the public embarcadero. Another option is to continue after the junction to Sololá until you reach Km 140 and take a right to a road that borders Lake Atitlán; you will pass through several towns before reaching San Pedro La Laguna (be sure the car is in good condition, since the road has a lot of curves and steep descents).
Tourist facilities: Trails from the visitors´ center to the crater of San Pedro Volcano.
Fees and schedule: $14 per person for foreigners and $7 per person for Guatemalan citizens; the fee includes a local guide. It is open daily from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm, but you can call ahead of time to arrange a different schedule.
Other features: From the lookout called the mirador you have magnificent views of Lake Atitlán. You can also visit the craft markets in San Juan la Laguna, wooden crafts in Santiago Atitlán, and all the mysticism of the Maya culture around the towns of Lake Atitlán.
Contact: Director of San Pedro La Laguna Regional Park, Telephone: (502) 5421-8580.
Visitor Center: (502) 5593 8302.
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© Photos: Ronny Mejía
