San Pedro

San Pedro La Laguna: lake boats, cobblestone streets, signage and local transport

San Pedro

The photo set documents everyday life in San Pedro La Laguna on the northern shore of Lake Atitlán. Images include waterfront boats and lanchas that connect lakeside communities, a lone kayaker with Volcano San Pedro in the background, cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, and local transport such as tuk-tuks and motorcycles. Storefront signage visible in the images includes "Drunks R Us", "SE ALQUILA", "FERRETERIA" and "BANRURAL", alongside small galleries and jewelry shops. The photographs emphasize local commerce, movement and the lake’s role in daily life.
A boat on the shore of San Pedro Guatemala
March 3, 2020 — Boats are docked along the shore of Lake Atitlán in San Pedro, Guatemala. This town, situated on the lake's northern shore, is a popular destination for tourists and a vital hub for local transportation. The boats, often referred to as 'lanchas,' provide essential services, connecting San Pedro with other lakeside communities and facilitating commerce and daily life. The structures visible behind the boats house restaurants and accommodations, catering to the town's significant tourism industry.
San Pedro Guatemala motorcycle
March 3, 2020 — A red motorcycle is parked on a cobblestone street in San Pedro, Guatemala. The architecture visible in the image showcases a mix of construction materials, including cinder blocks, adobe, and corrugated metal roofing, common in many developing urban environments. The street itself, paved with interlocking stones, suggests a well-trafficked area within the town. San Pedro La Laguna, located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, is a significant hub for tourism and local commerce in the Sololá Department of Guatemala.
Guatemalan Tuk Tuk
March 3, 2020 — A brightly colored tuk-tuk, a common form of public transportation in many parts of the world, is parked on a cobblestone street in San Pedro, Guatemala. These three-wheeled motorized vehicles, often adapted from motorcycles or scooters, serve as affordable and accessible taxis, particularly in areas with narrow or uneven terrain. The vibrant paintwork and decorative elements on this particular tuk-tuk reflect a common practice of personalization that adds character to the vehicles and the urban landscape. The presence of "BANRURAL" signage in the background indicates a local bank, suggesting this is a commercial area within the town.
San Pedro Laguna Guatemala
March 3, 2020 — A cobblestone street winds uphill through San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala, lined with brightly colored buildings. Many of these structures appear to be shops or residences, indicated by signs such as "SE ALQUILA" (for rent) and "FERRETERIA" (hardware store). The architecture features balconies with decorative ironwork and arched windows, typical of colonial-era influences adapted over time. The presence of overhead electrical wires and parked motorcycles suggests a vibrant, active community that relies on both traditional infrastructure and modern conveniences.
San Pedro and Lake Atitlan Guatemala
March 3, 2020 — On March 3, 2020, a woman walked past a jewelry and art gallery in San Pedro, a town situated on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. The gallery offers a variety of goods, including fine crafts, clothing, paintings, ceramics, and jewelry, reflecting the local artisan traditions. The street, paved with cobblestones, slopes down towards the lake, with the volcanic mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. This area is a hub for both local commerce and tourism, drawing visitors interested in the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Drunks R Us San Pedro Guatemala
March 3, 2020 — A sign for "Drunks R Us" hangs outside a building in San Pedro, Guatemala. The sign features the number "420" in Rastafarian colors and a portrait of Bob Marley, suggesting a connection to cannabis culture and reggae music. The name "Drunks R Us" is a playful, albeit potentially controversial, reference to the children's toy store Toys "R" Us, implying a focus on alcohol consumption. The date March 3, 2020, places this image in the period just before the widespread global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sunny morning at Lake Atitlan Guatemala
March 3, 2020 — A lone kayaker navigates the waters of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, with the prominent Volcano San Pedro forming a dramatic backdrop. Lake Atitlán, formed by a massive volcanic eruption approximately 84,000 years ago, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and the surrounding Maya villages. The lake and its volcanoes are a significant geographical and cultural landmark in Guatemala, attracting visitors and serving as a vital resource for local communities who rely on its waters for fishing and transportation.

Built in Minneapolis

Photographs showcasing change over time

Browse by location, move through long-running series, or start with recent work.

© 1996–2026 Chad Davis