San Pedro Las Huertas is one of those villages that’s always worth a visit if you’re travelling to Antigua Guatemala and want to get off the beaten track. It has a lot going for it – why? Because it’s close by, it blends colonial architecture with rural life, and it offers sweeping views of the volcanoes.
It’s true that this isn’t a destination with grand monuments, nor is it full of tourist hotspots. Instead, its charm lies in strolling through the central park, popping into the church, visiting its old washing places and seeing how the landscape changes as the crops, flowers and slopes of the Agua volcano come into view. Is there not plenty to do?
Where is San Pedro Las Huertas, and what is this village on the outskirts of Antigua Guatemala like?
San Pedro Las Huertas is a village in the municipality of La Antigua Guatemala, in the department of Sacatepéquez. It's located south of Antigua, about 3–4 kilometres from the city centre, making it the perfect spot for a short getaway if you’re already staying in the colonial city.
The village lies at an altitude of around 1,500 metres, in an area at the foot of the Agua volcano. This location partly explains its landscape: its quiet streets, volcanic views, farmland and a more laid-back pace than in the centre of Antigua.
It also holds great historical significance. San Pedro Las Huertas once stood as a separate municipality, but in 1935 it was incorporated into the municipality of Antigua Guatemala. Today, it retains that blend of a close-knit village, its colonial heritage and its agricultural community, making it well worth a visit.
Is it a good idea to stay in San Pedro Las Huertas before or after climbing Mount Acatenango?
Staying in San Pedro Las Huertas might be a good idea if you’re looking for somewhere quieter than Antigua before or after your hike up the Acatenango Volcano. After any hike, staying outside the town centre can help you get a better night’s sleep, especially if you prefer less noise and a more local atmosphere.
That said, it’s important to bear one thing in mind: San Pedro Las Huertas isn’t the usual starting point for the hike up Acatenango. Most organised tours depart from Antigua or pick people up from their accommodation in Antigua first thing in the morning, before continuing on to the trailhead.
So, if you’ve already booked a tour, it’s worth checking whether they can pick you up from here. There are always options, though: if the tour leaves very early, you can spend the night before in Antigua and leave San Pedro until you return to rest.
How to get to San Pedro Las Huertas from Antigua and other nearby areas
Getting to San Pedro Las Huertas from Antigua is very easy. By taxi, the journey takes about 7 minutes and covers around 4 kilometres, costing approximately $5–7. Of course, if you fancy a good walk, you can also make the journey on foot. Just make sure you allow about 45–50 minutes.
If you’re travelling independently, the most direct route is the one heading south from the centre of Antigua, along the road that leads to San Pedro Las Huertas. If you’re using local transport, the best thing to do is ask at the market or at your accommodation about the minibuses heading to the southern villages.
What to see in San Pedro Las Huertas in half a day
Half a day is enough to get a good impression of San Pedro Las Huertas. You can start your visit at the central park, move on to the church, and then explore the old water features, chapels and nearby streets.
This is one of those villages where you should always take your time and savour every corner. Because that’s the only way you’ll really get to appreciate each façade, pop into a local shop and gaze at the volcanoes when the clouds allow.
- We invite you to read our article about Chimaltenango: What to see and do.
Colonial Church of St Peter the Apostle and the central park
The Church of St Peter the Apostle is the village’s most important landmark. The original building dates back to 1541, whilst the current building, with its Baroque façade, was erected in 1672. It suffered damage from earthquakes and was restored in 1984 by the National Council for the Protection of La Antigua Guatemala.
The most interesting thing is to see it as part of the central park complex. The façade, the square and the daily comings and goings of the town help you to understand San Pedro Las Huertas better, without turning the visit into a mere list of monuments.
Water tank, chapels, fountains and historic spots in the village
San Pedro Las Huertas still has areas linked to water and community life, such as washing places, washbasins and public water tanks. In several villages in Antigua, these places served as neighbourhood meeting points, beyond their use for washing or collecting water
Also of note are the ‘chapels with pools’, small religious structures associated with local neighbourhoods and processions. These chapels in San Pedro Las Huertas were built in the tradition of the community oratories of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The best thing to do is to take a stroll around the town centre, ask if you have any questions, and see how these spots remain linked to the town’s religious and everyday history.
San Pedro Las Huertas and the region’s volcanoes
San Pedro Las Huertas is closely linked to the volcanic landscape of Sacatepéquez. Although it isn’t the most famous starting point for major climbs, it's a good place to understand how volcanoes form part of daily life around Antigua.
From the surrounding area, the Agua volcano dominates the skyline. On clear days, you can also make out the silhouettes of the Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes from various points in the Panchoy Valley and along nearby routes.
Views of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes from the area around the village
Without a doubt, the Agua volcano is the defining feature of San Pedro Las Huertas. The village lies within its sphere of influence, south of Antigua Guatemala, and this proximity is evident in the landscape from the moment you arrive. The gentle slopes, the paths leading out to the farmland and the silhouette of the volcano in the background mean that the surroundings have a very direct connection with the mountain.
To get a better view of the landscape, head a little way away from the central park and look for roads leading out towards the countryside. You don’t need to go very far. Often, a 10- or 15-minute walk away from the centre is enough to find a clearer view, with fewer cables, less traffic and more space to see the outline of the Agua volcano.
On clear days, the outlines of the Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes can also be seen on the horizon. They are not always visible with the same clarity, as cloud cover changes rapidly and the mountains are partially obscured depending on the time of day. Even so, when the weather is on your side, the view makes it clear why this part of Sacatepéquez is so closely linked to the volcanic landscape.
If you want photos of volcanoes, it’s best to get up early. The light in the early morning is usually softer and the peaks are generally clearer than at midday, especially during the rainy season. What’s more, setting off early means you can walk in cooler weather and find the streets quieter.
As a practical tip, avoid entering private property or taking unclear paths without asking first. Around the village there are agricultural areas and local access roads that aren’t always intended for visitors. The simplest thing to do is to stick to main roads, ask for directions if you’re unsure, and return to the centre before it gets dark.
Gentle walks around the foothills of the Agua volcano and through rural areas
San Pedro Las Huertas is also a great place for gentle walks through the countryside. We’re not talking about climbing the Agua volcano or tackling a challenging route like Acatenango, but rather short strolls through the streets, past fields and along quiet paths.
There are hiking trails around Ciudad Vieja and San Pedro Las Huertas with significant elevation changes. So, if you don’t want to end up on a rather challenging route, it’s best not to set off on long trails without first checking the distance, altitude and, of course, the difficulty.
A route between Ciudad Vieja and San Pedro Las Huertas, for example, is over 13 kilometres long and is classified as difficult. For a traveller who has just climbed Acatenango, it's best to opt for an easier walk.
Local life in San Pedro Las Huertas: Farming, markets and traditional festivals
Life in San Pedro Las Huertas still maintains a very close connection with the land. Moreover, the village’s name includes ‘Las Huertas’: since colonial times, this area has been associated with the cultivation of maize, vegetables and various other produce that supplied the old city of Santiago de Guatemala.
Furthermore, this vital aspect of agriculture that we have mentioned is reflected in traditional cuisine. Dishes such as tayuyo and drinks such as chicha form part of local celebrations and are linked to family recipes passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, the Tayuyo and Chicha Festival has also served to raise the profile of this culinary tradition.
If you’re interested in the cultural side of things, one of the best times to visit San Pedro Las Huertas is around its patron saint’s festival, held every 29 June in honour of Saint Peter the Apostle.
Even so, you don’t need to be there during a festival to enjoy the village. On a normal visit, San Pedro Las Huertas offers a peaceful stopover between Antigua Guatemala and the volcanic landscapes of Sacatepéquez. It’s a small place, but if you take a walk around the village, you’ll see fields, country lanes and sweeping views towards the slopes of the Agua volcano.
Practical tips for visiting San Pedro Las Huertas on your trip to the Acatenango volcano
San Pedro Las Huertas is a very easy place to visit if you’re already in Antigua Guatemala or if you’re planning a trip around the nearby villages. You don’t really need a whole day to enjoy the place, but it’s best to allow a bit of time so you can stroll around at a leisurely pace.
One of the first stops is the church, as well as the central park and, of course, the views of the volcanoes. It’s also always best to avoid the hottest part of the day if you want to explore the surrounding area. That’s why both the morning and the late afternoon are the best times to visit.
We can’t stress this enough: we also recommend carrying some cash in quetzales. Although you’re close to Antigua, San Pedro Las Huertas has a more laid-back, local feel, and not all small shops or service providers accept cards.
Would you like to combine a visit to this area with a trip to the Acatenango volcano? If so, the most practical option is to use San Pedro Las Huertas as a stopover either before or after the climb. Before the trek, it’s a great way to get you in the mood for the trip and spend a few quiet hours. Afterwards, it can be a good option if you want to avoid the busier tourist atmosphere of Antigua’s city centre.
Of course, you can also combine it with other nearby villages, such as San Juan del Obispo or San Antonio Aguas Calientes. That way, you can put together a half-day itinerary featuring viewpoints, local heritage, crafts and volcanic landscapes, without straying too far from Antigua.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Pedro Las Huertas
Where is San Pedro Las Huertas?
San Pedro Las Huertas is located south of Antigua Guatemala, within the department of Sacatepéquez. It's a village close to the town centre of Antigua, situated just a few kilometres from the colonial centre.
How long do I need to visit San Pedro Las Huertas?
Half a day is enough to see the central park, as well as the church, the water tower and a few other spots in the village. If you want to explore the surrounding area or enjoy a leisurely meal, allow three to four hours.
Is it worth staying in San Pedro Las Huertas?
It might be worth it if you’re looking for a quiet place to stay near Antigua Guatemala. For most travellers, however, it’s more practical to stay in Antigua and visit San Pedro Las Huertas as part of a short day trip.
Is it possible to visit San Pedro Las Huertas before climbing Acatenango?
Yes, it’s a good stop if you’re looking for something low-key before the trek. What’s more, it gives you the chance to explore a local village and get around the area without having to go on a hike that’s too strenuous.
What traditional festivals are held in San Pedro Las Huertas?
The main celebration is the patron saint’s day of Saint Peter the Apostle, on 29 June. Another highlight is the culinary tradition associated with tayuyo and chicha, which in recent years has had its own festival in the community.
