San Pedro Past and Present

San Pedro's territory has been populated since Pre-Hispanic times (before 1492) when the kingdom Tzutujil had its capital in Santiago Atitlán (former Tzinquinahá). The Tzutujiles were conquered by the Spaniards in 1524 when Pedro of Alvarado, with the help of the Cakchiqueles and Mexicans, defeated King Tepepul. Today the Mayan descendants of the original Tzutujiles make up the majority of the population of the town.

GEOGRAPHY

Its topographical position is at the foot of the volcano (from which the town takes its name) and the western end of the lake of Atitlán at a height of 5,000 feet above sea level. The lake is part of the Department of Sololá which is located in Central Guatemala, and is home to a diversity of customs, legends and traditions.

CLIMATE

San Pedro's territory belongs to the highlands of a volcanic chain with mountains, hills and volcanic peaks. Never the less the climate is subtropical and the sight of snow is impossible. March and April are referred to as summer months with high temperatures and no rain. The rainy season takes place in May thru October during which it may or may not rain at some point during the day, but the sun still shines regularly. Cool winds pick up in November. The rest of the year is considered temperate. During even the coldest months you can comfortably wear shorts during many days and a good warm sweater will be sufficient most nights.

RELIGION

Today there exist two major religions in San Pedro, Catholicism and Evangelical Protestantism. The main fiestas are celebrated on June 29 the date the Catholic Church commemorates San Pedro and on December 8 to celebrate Our Lady of Guadelupe.

TRANSPORTATION

ROADS: San Pedro La Laguna is 185 kms from the Capital along the Pan-American highway. Also it is 78 kms from the Departmental head of Sololá on a regular asphalt road. It is also connected with a dirt road for about 20 kms towards the summits and down to legendary Santiago Atitlán that presents many difficulties during the rains.

FERRIES: From San Pedro and Panajachel you can get to different towns on the lake with hourly boat services by ferries belonging to private companies. The distance by boat from Panajachel to San Pedro is approximately 13 Kms. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes at a cost of 15 Quetzales. Most of the ferries run from 7 am to 5 pm. They leave the dock when they get 12 passengers.

EDUCATION

Kindergarten or Pre-Primary (1 year), Primary (6 years), Basic (3 years) and Diversified (3 years).

In San Pedro are four public schools, three private schools (with classes in the mornings and afternoons), one evening school, one basic school for cooperative and one diversified school.

Many children do not attend classes and many young adults do not finish studying because of the lack of economic resources or because of conflicts related to their work. Very few rural indigenous people have the opportunity to obtain a degree at a university or even have the chance to study in such an institution. That means many well paid jobs and jobs important to the country’s development remain in control of a wealthy upper class.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

CORN: Is widely cultivated and therefore the main produce of the Mayan culture. The production techniques are traditional and in consequence the yields for the cultivated area small.

COFFEE: Is another main product and is primarily produced for sale outside of the municipality. The small amount which is kept back is used for daily consumption by the family. At the moment prices are very low due to heavy competition, mainly from Brazil and Vietnam.

LIVESTOCK: Due to ecological factors and limited space, the raising of livestock does not exist. The raising of smaller livestock (chicken, pigs) and of corral birds is only for local consumption.

FISHING: In the Lago de Atitlán is an activity that provides several hundred fishermen with part time or full time jobs. The product is used for family consumption or for sale in the market.

TOURISM

San Pedro is one of the most attractive municipalities and therefore most visited in the department of Sololá. There are a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, shops selling traditional items, Internet cafés and Spanish schools. Most of the tourist based businesses are located near the lake while the central part of the town of San Pedro is still very traditional. Many of the people who come to stay in San Pedro are backpackers and the lake area is very “traveler” oriented.

Presently tourism brings in needed capitol to the area, but the delicate balance of tourism verses local needs and conservation can, at times, pose a dilemma. Remember you are a guest, the respect you give is the respect you will get.