Just 60 meters away from the beach, you can run to the waves straight from your villa's doorstep. This is not the place you can go in the water and play around. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. 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. Depending how many people you have, this isnt too much more expensive than the shuttle and is more convenient. Like the one below. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? a beach hut with no air conditioning.) El Paredon Surf Camp is the surf camp that I went with when I was here, and they were super cool and very reasonably priced. Here are the best things to do. El Paredon Sur Camp is the first original place at El Paredon Beach, it is a great place for anyone from experienced surfers, beginners or travelers with a taste for a rustic, relaxing, hostel-style place to stay on the beach. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. Drfitwood hosts evening events and dinners too (you know, beer pong vibes) have a wander in and just ask one of the many staff here. You might not get quite the array of ex-pat run juice bars and sunset cocktail joints but you are guaranteed a Guatemalan experience. Its a wild feeling and very unique. for nearly as long. So when looking for travel insurance its important to check it covers travel disruption due to COVID-19, World Nomads, Safety Wing, or Travel Insurance Master all provide cover for this. 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. The lazy beach town isn't one that many people think to venture to when visiting Guatemala, as often popular tourist destinations like Tikal and Lake Atitlan fall further up on their lists.However, if you're looking for some beach time, and a destination that will show you a different side of . There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. La Choza Chula has even more activities that are worth checking out, so make sure to head their way during your stay in El Paredon, Guatemala. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. For the tourist bus, its around 125Q and you can either book through the accommodation you book to stay in El Paredon, or book through GuateGo. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in El Paredon (in). Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. You can choose to keep the fish to cook or donate some of the fish to the local families. We mostly ate at our hostel (Cocori) and they had amazing food. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! 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. Since then, I have trekked through the Andes, tested my lungs at over 5,000 meters above sea level, encountered the worlds deadliest spider in the Amazon Rainforest, explored the worlds most catastrophic nuclear disaster. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. This was during peak season in January 2022. This tour involves hiking Volcan Acatenango where you will camp for the night then when you arrive back in Antigua they will organize all of your transport and accommodation as well as your surf lessons. Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. The sky gets illuminated with all sorts of pinks, oranges, and reds, while the water will glisten with the last of the suns light. I did the homework, so you dont have to. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. 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. 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. Unknown to most travelers, Guatemala's best kept secret is home to some of the country's top surfers. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! 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. 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. You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. Shuttles leave twice a day. If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. Its a place on the verge of becoming part of the tourist trail, things are changing quickly there and new hotels, shops, and restaurants are being built quickly. El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. 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. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. I highly recommend Paredon Surf House. Where is El Paredn? So these are the spots offering day passes. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. Rent a board and surf! That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. If you have a portable one then that is even better! If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. The average high during this season is between 92.8F (33.8C) and 90.2F (32.3C). A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. This hostel not only has a lively atmosphere for backpackers traveling in Guatemala, but it has lots of facilities that will make you stay comfortable. Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . The money will help run this site! You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. Mellow, Driftwood, and Cocori are totally awesome places to book while staying in El Paredon! Alex provided a lot of information before . 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! The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. Its never far! 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.) This is one of the most popular spots! Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. The accommodations here include glamping tents, bungalows, and private air-conditioned rooms. So which spots have the best day passes? El Paredon off the beaten path. 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. The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. Cost During the week, its a 100q tab ($13), and on weekends its 150q ($20), but you only get a 100q towards your bar tab. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. More Routes from Antigua Antigua to Lanqun Antigua to San Marcos la Laguna Antigua to Lake Atitlan Antigua to El Paredon there arent many options and many people book before arriving. Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you want the cheapest way, youll be riding on the chicken bus and in that case, it will take around four hours to get here as youll have tons of stops along the way. Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Solola, Guatemala. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. Luckily there are a few little hammock huts along the beach, but those are for guests only; we will talk more about this in a sec! With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. By contrast, its most likely to rain or snow in early to mid October with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of October 8th. 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. If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. If you are also looking for the best places to eat in Antigua, take a look at this post right here where I go through all my favorite restaurants, cafes, and breweries in Antigua. RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. Anything youd add? As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! If youre going to walk on the beach, walk along the wet part and run there because the dry sand will scald you on the way. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! Nights in El Paredon can be relaxing, but when the weekend comes around, the town comes to life with beach bonfires, live music at Cocor Lodge, and drinking games at the Driftwood Surfer. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. Youll get to experience a glimpse of how the local families here in El Paredon live and get to know more about the local culture here. I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. 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. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. They will at the least have drinks going all day and often have DJs mid-day and well into the night, live music, and other events. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. 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. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. If you are looking for things to do in El Paredon at night, then make sure you head to Drift Surfer, the towns most famous beach hostel. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. Keep in mind this town is mega small! The seafood there is a must-try. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. This means, from November to April. 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! The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. To soak up and immerse ourselves in different languages, cultures, tastes and traditions. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. 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. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. I also. Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! Learn more. Ive got you! Before the world wakes up and before the heat of the sun rises, take the time to wander down to the beach and enjoy a meditation, podcast, surf session, walk or run. They offer the following tours: I took the turtle tour and although the turtles were pretty quiet its was a great tour and so interesting to find out more about the organization. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Hammock Living. In this post, I am going to go through how to get from Antigua to the beach El Paredon, where to stay in El Paredon, what to eat and a few not-to-miss things to do. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. Jokes aside - El Paredon is pretty safe. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. See more information on their website here. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. A couple of local places I loved in El Paredon were: There are these 3 little huts located just behind Pakalolo Heladeria Ice Cream. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. 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? Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. Some tours even include classes for you to learn how the locals fish, and youll get the chance to try a new experience on a tranquil part of the mangrove. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here. Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. 10 journal prompts and ideas for you, 14 photos that will make you want to go to Finnish Lapland, The best things to do in Queensland, Australia, An open top car tour of Londons iconic landmarks and landscapes, The perfect winter getaway in a Shepherds Hut in Sussex, UK, The best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy, Gili Island life Saving the best for last, Stoneoven pizzas and cervezas at Olivias pizza (bottom left, duh), El Naranjo wildlife tour 2.5 hours, 250Q, Poza del Nance turtle tour 2 hours, 200Q. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. If the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. This activity is one of my personal favorites. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. A lot smaller than Id imagined. Support local businesses. I didnt see the full menu but I have it on good authority that they have the best Pizza in Guatemala and I can safely say their breakfast waffle was the best breakfast Ive eaten in a long time. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. 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. They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. Take a bracelet making class with some of the local girls from the village. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! 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. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? Wear shoes on the beach. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. 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. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. If you want a break from all the exciting activities we recommended above, then maybe youll want to just lay down on the black sand and relax for a while. There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Best Times to Travel Guatemala El Paredon, Guatemala, Tourism graph is based on Google searches for services used by tourists relative to the rest of the year. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. Also. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. I was here for three days and it was MORE than enough time. The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. This is due to volcanic activity. 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.