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Home Away From Home — Staying at Refugio del Volcán in San Pedro La Laguna
- Jessica Seiders
- Mar 21
- 6 min read
Have you ever wanted to wake up to birdsong, sip your morning coffee while watching mist swirl around a volcano, and spend your days exploring a lakeside town brimming with culture and adventure?
If so, let me introduce you to a little slice of paradise: Refugio del Volcán in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala.
This isn’t just another Airbnb but a complete experience. Tucked away from the busier streets of San Pedro, this retreat offers both tranquility and adventure in equal measure.
Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for peace, a couple searching for romance, or an explorer eager to dive into nature and local culture, this place is pure magic.
Let’s take a tour of what makes Refugio del Volcán so special.
Why San Pedro La Laguna Should Be on Your Travel List
If you haven’t heard of San Pedro La Laguna, let’s fix that right now.
This charming town sits along the shores of Lake Atitlán, which has been called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (and honestly, they’re not wrong). Surrounded by towering volcanoes and lush green hills, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to throw your phone into airplane mode and just be present.
Aside from San Pedro La Laguna, you’ll find several quiet towns around this gorgeous lake. One of the most famous is San Juan La Laguna, the official “artsy place.” Hop over to our San Juan La Laguna guide to know more about the area.
Then there’s Panajachel (the gateway to Lake Atitlán), San Marcos La Laguna, Santa Catarina Palopo, Santiago Atitlán, as well as other villages like San Pablo and Santa Clara.
A Town With Personality
Let’s go back to San Pedro La Laguna, this town is known for its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where backpackers, digital nomads, and adventure seekers rub shoulders with the local Tz’utujil Maya community, who have lived here for centuries.
San Pedro La Laguna has a unique blend of authenticity and traveler-friendly vibes, meaning you can enjoy both local traditions and modern comforts.
Spend your days strolling through the markets, chatting with artisans, or grabbing a fresh smoothie at a lakeside café. In the evenings, you’ll find cozy spots to watch the sunset, sip locally grown coffee, or maybe even join a drum circle by the water.
But when you’re ready to escape the buzz of the town, Refugio del Volcán is the perfect hideaway.
Refugio del Volcán — A Stay Surrounded by Nature
A Cozy, Thoughtfully Designed Retreat
Refugio del Volcán isn’t just a place to sleep, it makes you want to slow down and savor the moment.
This small, eco-friendly retreat offers accommodations like La Ganga, a beautifully designed tiny home that makes the most of its space with a comfy queen-sized bed, a loft with a twin bed, and a full kitchen so you can whip up your own Guatemalan-inspired meals.
One of the best parts? The view. Step out onto your private deck, and you’ll be met with a sweeping panorama of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes. Whether you’re drinking your morning coffee or enjoying an evening glass of wine, the scenery never disappoints.
Aside from beautiful small casitas to serve as your home away from home, Refugio del Volcan also has a two-bedroom house that’s perfect if you’re bringing your entire crew along! The holiday home has two spacious bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen to prepare delicious meals.
Peace, But Not Isolation
While Refugio del Volcán feels like a hidden retreat, you’re actually just a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from the heart of San Pedro. You get the best of both worlds — a quiet escape with easy access to restaurants, cafes, and activities.
Things to Do Near Refugio del Volcán
I’m not kidding about wanting to just stay and chill most of the time at your cozy space in Refugio del Volcan, but if you do venture out (I also encourage it!) there’s no shortage of things to see and do while here.
Whether you’re an adventure lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast, San Pedro and its surroundings have something for you.
1. Hike a Volcano for Unbelievable Views
If you love a good sunrise, the Indian Nose hike is a must. A short but steep trek will reward you with one of the best sunrise views in Central America. Think of the sky turning shades of pink and gold as the lake and volcanoes wake up for the day.
For those wanting a bigger challenge, Volcán San Pedro is another epic hike, leading you to a breathtaking 9,900 ft summit. The trail winds through coffee fields and cloud forests that eventually open up to jaw-dropping views of the lake.
2. Explore the Waters of Lake Atitlán
Refugio del Volcán’s location makes it easy to hop in a kayak and explore the lake’s quiet coves or take a boat tour to visit other nearby villages, each one has its own unique vibe.
3. Taste Guatemalan Coffee at a Local Plantation
Guatemala is world-famous for its coffee, and in San Pedro, you can tour local plantations to see how beans go from plant to cup. The fresh-roasted coffee here? Unreal.
4. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture
Want to connect with the local Tz’utujil Maya culture? Take a weaving workshop with local artisans or join a traditional cooking class to learn how to make pepian, a rich Guatemalan stew.
Getting to and Around San Pedro La Laguna
One of the great things about staying at Refugio del Volcán is that getting here is easier than you think.
From Guatemala City or Antigua
Take a shuttle (about 4-5 hours from either Guatemala or Antigua)
For a more scenic route, grab a shuttle to Panajachel, then hop on a public boat across the lake
Getting Around San Pedro La Laguna
Once you've arrived in San Pedro La Laguna, there are several transportation options to make it easy to explore the town and the surrounding area:
1. Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are the most common mode of transportation in San Pedro. They're ideal for short distances, making it easy to get from the docks to hotels, restaurants, or nearby attractions. Tuk-tuk drivers are usually familiar with the area and can offer tips or suggestions on local hotspots.
Cost: Fares typically range from 10 to 30 quetzals (approximately $1.30 to $3.89) for short trips within town.
2. Walking
San Pedro is a highly walkable town with narrow, winding streets, so it’s perfect for exploring on foot. Most of the key areas, including the main dock, local markets, cafes, and restaurants, are within walking distance of each other.
For those venturing into the hillside neighborhoods, be prepared for some steep inclines.
Tips:
Walking is particularly pleasant in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.
Always be mindful of traffic when walking on the main roads, as tuk-tuks and motorbikes share the narrow streets.
3. Private Drivers
Private drivers are great if you want to go for tailored tours to nearby attractions like Indian Nose, San Juan La Laguna, Santiago Atitlán, or Chichicastenango Market.
A lot of private drivers are friendly and can provide insights into the region's history, culture, and best viewpoints.
Cost: Prices vary based on the destination and duration of the trip. Expect to pay around 150 to 300 quetzals (approximately $20 to $40) for short-distance trips, while full-day tours can range from 600 to 1,200 quetzals ($80 to $150), depending on the itinerary.
4. Boats ("Lanchas")
To explore the other villages around Lake Atitlán, public boats (locally known as "lanchas") operate regularly. These small, motorized boats run on a schedule, ferrying passengers between villages.
Cost: Fares depend on the destination but run between 25 to 30 quetzals ($3.25 to $3.89).
A Stay That Supports Sustainable Travel
Refugio del Volcán isn’t just about offering a beautiful place to stay, it’s about doing it responsibly. The retreat is committed to eco-friendly practices and supports local businesses and artisans.
As a guest, you can support sustainability by:
Choosing local, handmade souvenirs instead of mass-produced items.
Taking part in responsible tourism activities like visiting cooperatives.
Using refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.
Ready to Book Your Stay?
If you’ve been dreaming about a peaceful retreat, epic adventures, and a chance to experience the magic of Lake Atitlán, this is your sign.
Book your stay at Refugio del Volcán → La Ganga, Volcano Shelter
Follow them on Instagram for inspiration → Refugio de Volcan
Find them on Booking as well → Refugio de Volcan Casitas
Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience Guatemala’s most breathtaking escape. You deserve it. 💙
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Ready to embark on your journey to San Pedro La Laguna?
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About Jessica Seiders (Founder of Traveling Women Official)
After her daughter left for college, Jessica Seiders sold everything and set off on a journey of self-discovery, leading her to create Traveling Women Official—a community empowering women to explore, embrace new adventures, and reinvent themselves.
Through relocation coaching and her book, she helps women confidently start fresh and build a life of adventure.
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