Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Theres not really too much to do in El Paredon, considering its a tiny beach town made up of just one paved road and several small dirt roads. Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Its also located directly on the beach. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. If youre looking for an up-and-coming destination thats good for surfing and having a good time, El Paredon is definitely perfect for you! Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. A guide to the Acatenango volcano hike, Guatemala, The best things to do and see in Guatemala, A San Cristobal de las Casas travel guide, 10-minute inner joy visualisation and journal prompts, Goal setting: How to bring your dreams to life, What is journaling? The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. Despite its tiny size, the whole place feels like a different world, compared to the rest of the country. The average high during this season is between 92.8F (33.8C) and 90.2F (32.3C). Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Read More: Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. They also offer homestays, cooking classes, and more. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. These months see the most precipitation with 10 to 12 days of precipitation per month. Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported. Tourist busses from Antigua to el Paredon are faster and safer and more comfortable, which are three good reasons why you would want to use them. a beach hut with no air conditioning.) I picked one of the very last available when I booked (Sunrise Hostal) and it was perfect for what I was looking for. After a morning surf or if youre just waking up from last nights party, it is never a bad time to relax by the pool. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. When they were open.. the food was amazing! Here are the activities we recommend you check out: Perhaps the best thing to do in El Paredon is to go surfing. Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to, If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. This small, laidback fishing village is located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, about two hours from Antigua and three and a half hours from the capital. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. This means, from November to April. The black sand isnt ideal for sunbathing, so you wont find any parasols or lounge chairs unless you bring your own. A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. When you arrive here it feels so remote but that is why I fell in love with this place. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. With these amazing Guatemalan cooking experiences, youll get a chance to go to a local familys kitchen and learn how to prepare authentic Guatemalan dishes. The owner is a pretty cool guy). If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. The sun gets extremely red and big. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. After witnessing the force of the waves in Puerto Escondido, further up the coast, its safe to say you want to have an idea of what to expect before you book a surf trip! Its a 2- 2.5-hour bus ride from Antigua to El Paredon and although Im normally an advocate of taking public transport its really not worth it. Make sure not to go anywhere around town barefoot as most of the towns streets are made of this same sand, and there is only one major (paved) road that runs through the town. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! I would suggest a minimum of 2 nights so you can take the time to relax as well as get a surf lesson and go turtle watching! Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. For 120 quezales($15), I had a private one-hour lesson with Bagley. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. I was here for three days and it was MORE than enough time. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. While in El Paredon, you need to experience a boat ride through the mangroves and seeing the sunset on the beach at la barra which is the point where the river meets the ocean. With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. Dont come here with the wrong idea. So if you want my advice to give Monterrico a miss and head to El Paredon quickly before everyone else realizes just how good it really is! Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! Located in El Paredn Buena Vista, a 3-minute walk from El Paredon Beach, Casa Zala has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! 7.8K me gusta,98 comentarios.Video de TikTok de Juls (@julsgoes): Quieres ganar 1 noche gratis en Hotel Kaana Surf en Playa el Paredn? Mellow, Driftwood, and Cocori are totally awesome places to book while staying in El Paredon! Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! They guarantee all visitors will have the best experience while taking a tour with them, and all profits are reinvested in their community development projects. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. Youll drive past lots of birds (some of which are migrating up north to Alaska or some that are migrating down south) as pass the mouth to the ocean and then head to a place where turtles have been living for hundreds of years. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! I think its popular because of its undeniably popular location (right on the beachfront) and because word has caught on and lots of people hang out here. Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. Follow your guide through Antigua's main square to learn about its colonial architecture and sleep under the shadow of Pacaya Volcano in its national park of the same name. This tour involves hiking, The Solo Girls Guide To Traveling Without Fear, The Solo Girls Guide To Becoming A Digital Nomad, El Paredon Surfing Where to surf in El Paredon, book transport in Guatemala with them here. Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. I've worked abroad and remotely to support my adventure travel addiction, and now I'm sharing all my travel hacks, travel job opportunities, and ways you can travel longer! El Paredon is super sleepy and honestly can be explored in about an hour of walking around the town. There arent too many things to do here; however, the best thing to do is to chill at a hotel via a day pass unless you are already staying at that hotel. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. Shuttles leave twice a day. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. This activity is one of my personal favorites. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. El Paredon off the beaten path. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. Many hotels here give this advise as well. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! We recommend that you do horseback riding around sunset, so you can enjoy the beautiful colors of the falling sun as you make your way across the gorgeous black sand beaches of El Paredon. If you have a few extra days in Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely worth visiting. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. To no ones surprise at all, Driftwood Surfer is the best hostel in El Paredon. I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! The best option to rent a kayak is at El Paredon Surf Camp for 40 GTQ (5 USD) for three hours. Whether youre an avid surfer, yogi, beach volleyballer or beach bum, I think we can all agree that getting to enjoy the sunrise and sunset light in one day is nothing short of a dream. Ive got you! The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in El Paredon. 2023 Wander Her Way. It had literally all gone. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. This museum, about 2.75km on foot or 5km by vehicle from El Bal hilltop site, comprises a very fine open-air assemblage of Pipil stone sculpture. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. These spots are also where the parties will be if there are any. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. While there isnt too much to do in El Paredon, its a good place to relax and you wont want to rush yourself, so I would recommend staying for at least two nights. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. El Paredon is a small fishing village in Guatemala, with the Pacific Ocean on the South-Eas,t and the Sipacate Mangrove Nature Reserve on the North-West side. You may think to yourself that you want to stay at the party hostel but in reality, the whole town congregates in one area/hostel every night. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. But seriously. I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. Rent a board and surf! El Paredon Buena Vista, 05021 El Paredn Buena Vista, Guatemala - Great location - show map 7.5 Good 65 reviews Our stay was great value for our money. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. I dont think Ive ever travelled to a place where you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the same spot on the same day! El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Between June and October (rainy season) is when youll find the biggest waves in El Paredon so do some research if surfing is something youre keen to do. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . Fro. Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? Everything below is something I currently use and never leave my house without. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. Other travel guides we know you will like: Global traveller @ste_marques shares with us the B, 5 DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. I got you covered! If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Go for it! See more information on their website here. Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. They are more expensive than the chicken bus but I believe safety is worth the cost, which is not outrageously high anyway. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you. There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! Hiking the Famous Acatenango Volcano Near Antigua, Exploring the Nature Park of Hobbitenango, Exploring the Many Hikes Lake Atitlan has to offer, KEEN Durand II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots, Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks, 10 Day Itinerary in Guatemala: The Ideal Route, 3 Week Itinerary in Peru: A Hikers Dream, 3 Week Itinerary in Colombia: A Dream Vacation, The best overall way to travel from Lake Atitlan to El Paredon is by shuttle, This shuttle takes 3 hours and you will have to get off and onto a boat for the last 10 minutes. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. The accommodations here include glamping tents, bungalows, and private air-conditioned rooms. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. Instead, the easiest and still reasonably priced way to get here is to just book a shuttle! You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Almost every place on the beach will have board rentals available; however, some do not rent to people who have never been surfing before because, as we have mentioned, the surf can be dangerous. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. Also. The most popular places to stay in El Paredon are: Surf House (Bit more upmarket but on the expensive side and always full), Surf Camp (cheaper, not so nice and always full), Casa Macano Surf-Yoga(If you want to have more of a retreat-style stay I stayed here so see below for full review), Soul Food Kitchen and Guesthouse (best Thai food in Guatemala! It is accessible via two different routes, either coming via land or via boat, travelling down the canal until you arrive at the community from the Sipacate side. One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. It has a stunning pool and comfortable accommodations ranging from shared rooms to private bungalows to private room with air conditioning. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. The beaches of El Paredon have black sand, which gets extremely HOT in the sun (think walking on paved asphalt in the middle of the day.) Thank you! This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. Remember, they have a bit more of a party vibe going on, though, so as long as you know that and thats what you want, youll be right there in the action. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. It is the lowest . I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! So if you want to hammock it up along the coast, this is the spot. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! One of the guys staying in my dorm told me his friend broke his board the day before and so he was mostly bodyboarding because it was too crazy out there. If you're looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. These cookies do not store any personal information. I spent 4 days earlier this month on the volcanic black sands of El Paredon and so if youre looking for an insight into what to expect, where to stay and the best things to do in El Paredon Guatemala dont move an inch. If youre planning a trip to El Paredon and are looking for how to get to El Paredon, where to stay in El Paredon, where to eat in El Paredonand what do to in El Paredon, this El Paredontravel guide will answer all of your questions. And definitely keep in mind if you book another place, the town is small and you might still here the music if youre close enough. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Super worth it! Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. Choose your slice of paradise! When can you find snow in El Paredon? I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! Most accommodations will offer surf hire and surf lessons to guest and if they dont have the instructors / equipment themselves, they will be able to make arrangements for you. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. Set back just 5 minutes walk from the beachfront, Mellow Hostel also has a wonderful reputation as being somewhere social to stay but without the intense party vibes. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. See average monthly temperatures below. Weather stations report no annual snow. Considering I dont enjoy staying at places that have a lot of people with parties and have dorms to sleep in, I opted to have my private bungalow elsewhere. World Nomads is great for incidents that happen prior to your trip, so if you get sick or are unable to travel due to travel restrictions some of their policies will cover that as cancellation cover. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Solola, Guatemala. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to La Choza Chula as they have plenty of volunteer opportunities. You can choose to keep the fish to cook or donate some of the fish to the local families. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! I know of many people who came to El Paredon for a short time, and then just never left, Here are some other random things to know before you visit, There are no ATMs in El Paredon. The town is at sea level on the pacific coast, which means that during these hotter months most people will either stay in the water for as long as possible, or stay in the hotels and resorts that have fresh air. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. Its never far! It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. We mostly ate at our hostel (Cocori) and they had amazing food. This might be a better option if you would like to get some sleep at night because it can get quite loud at Driftwood Surfer. Did you find this post helpful? Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. Taxis and Uber are much more expensive than using one of the tourist shuttle services, so we dont recommend it unless you have no other choice. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year.