Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak If you are looking for a luxurious beach getaway or a beach that you can bask on for hours and hours while being catered to, this is NOT the place to go! There are only about 5 places to stay there (a few more options and it is growing) If you want to surf in Guatemala you need to either go early in the morning or after 5 pm There is little to no wifi in El Paredon Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. This makes El Paredon one of the best places in Guatemala to go surfing. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. Read below for more weather and travel details. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? 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.) 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. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. 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. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. 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. 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. 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! Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. However, the beach really comes to life when sunset approaches. Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. Youll explore deep into the mangrove and see all the different species living there whilst learning about the importance of mangroves here in El Paredon. There is no ATM! Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. La Choza Chula are located in the heart of El Paredon where you can visit their shop to book a tour or to shop the local ecological products made by the local women. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. 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? Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. If you're an independent surfer with a solid experience of surfing on green waves (the unbroken waves), you'll love it here! The last option would be to take a taxi or Uber. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. var Latitude=13.921353;var Longitude=-91.068703;var rootSlug='el-paredon-gt';var PlaceName='El Paredon';var today = new Date();var dd = String(today.getDate()+2).padStart(2, '0');var mm = String(today.getMonth() + 1).padStart(2, '0');var yyyy = today.getFullYear();today= yyyy + '-' + mm + '-' + dd; The best times to visit El Paredon for ideal weather are. I only have one night, which was not enough! RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. One of the main spots to hang out! And What Not To Pack? 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. Below is a list of some of my favorite hiking/travel gear that I bring with me everywhere. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. Also. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. He was super chill. 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. I went to all of them, and the first two were my favorite only because you pay, and have it can go towards a tab. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. Anything youd add? El Paredon is a quiet Pacific coastal town well-known for surfing and features a long, wild, unspoiled volcanic beach. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. La Choza Chula is a non-profit that empowers locals by creating authentic experiences. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. They also offer homestays, cooking classes, and more. This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. Did you find this post helpful? I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. The sun gets extremely red and big. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. The sky gets illuminated with all sorts of pinks, oranges, and reds, while the water will glisten with the last of the suns light. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. 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! Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. 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. They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! 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. I picked one of the very last available when I booked (Sunrise Hostal) and it was perfect for what I was looking for. Unfortunately, there are a lot of riptides, and youll see signs scattered around the beach and all of the hotels warning you to be careful. 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! It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! But seriously. Hotel in El Paredn Buena Vista. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. Shuttles leave twice a day. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. 76 68. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. 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. Im not joking; this town is pretty desolate! So these are the spots offering day passes. And those hippies that walk around beach towns barefooted regret all their life choices when they come here thinking they will do the same. There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! **Intro skips a few seconds due to a re-branding of the channel**Here I show one of the best little paradises I've ever found, El Paredon, Guatemala. 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? As there arent that many places if its full you will be sleeping on the beach as you wont be able to return to Antigua until the next day. On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. These spots are also where the parties will be if there are any. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. 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. This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. The only downside to the place is that it is a little away from the beach, so you dont get any beach access while hanging out here. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. The nice thing about that is, you can lose yourself in your day and then when the light begins to drop and the sunset oranges appear you just drop everything and head to the beach. This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. After being turned away by most of the other places in El Paredon who werent very helpful at all this place was a breath of fresh air. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. Wear shoes on the beach. REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. Weather stations report no annual snow. Its mainly the kind of destination you go to if you want to surf, or just kick back and relax at the beach or pool (and party at night! Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. 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. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon, When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. Yes, you should! RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. Is El Paredon, Guatemala safe? In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. When you arrive here it feels so remote but that is why I fell in love with this place. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. 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 can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. Average temperatures in El Paredon vary very little. This is a really unique experience because you really get to share and experience how the local people here in El Paredon live. Many hotels here give this advise as well. More Routes from Antigua Antigua to Lanqun Antigua to San Marcos la Laguna Antigua to Lake Atitlan Antigua to El Paredon It is one of the best surfing spots in Guatemala, and though you might not be able to do a lot of swimming, the black sand beaches are an incredible sight. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. Before or after the midday sun, take a stroll along the beach and soak up the tranquillity of El Paredon. Within their mission, La Choza Chula also offer local experiences that will immerse you deep into the local culture and will give you the unique chance to see and experience the way the locals do things. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. All rights reserved. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. The warmest time of year is generally late April where highs are regularly around 94.6F (34.8C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 73.7F (23.2C) at night. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! Its highly advised to book accommodation before arriving. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. Disclosure: Where in the World is Nina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. Instead, they use a washing line. I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. These cookies do not store any personal information. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A few of the hotels around El Paredon offer day passes where you can give them X amount of money, and you can use that money as your bar or food tab. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. 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. There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. and offers the balance of tranquil vibes around the pool along with medium doses of lets get in the ocean and surf baby! You can opt for beachfront bungalows, shared dorms (perfect for solo travellers) and sea view suites! El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! However, the water here is a bit intimidating, so you might want to go out with somebody who can help you have more fun and be super safe. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. a beach hut with no air conditioning.) 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. Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? . The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. Like the one below. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. 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. Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. 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! Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. Claires Itchy Feet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. 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. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. Alex provided a lot of information before . But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! 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. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. HomeContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. Thanks for stopping by my blog! As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. If you have a portable one then that is even better! El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. Keep in mind this town is mega small! The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. Take a bracelet making class with some of the local girls from the village. If you are looking for a romantic and unique experience in El Paredon, then consider horseback riding along the beach. 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. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. Thank you! It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. The owner is a pretty cool guy). So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. Unlike other countries, Guatemala does not experience four seasons. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. 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. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. Travel insurance has always been high my list of things to get before I travel but now more than ever its at the top of my list. Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. 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. 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. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! Of course, Guatemala has some of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, but none of them feel quite like El Paredon. Here are the activities we recommend you check out: Perhaps the best thing to do in El Paredon is to go surfing. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in El Paredon (in). They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! 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. Again, you can STAY at these hotels if you want, then you can get free access, but they are also kind of party places and most offer dorms as the budget accommodation. 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. 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. Fro. Crowds naturally gather in this location come sunset so its a very social place to grab a drink and join in with the beach volleyball which, during my stay, seemed to be daily occurance. It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days per month. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. I highly recommend Paredon Surf House. 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. Learn more. If the place youre staying doesnt have its own pool, you can get a day pass at Mellow Hostel for Q150 (which includes Q100 bar tab.) Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. Although it had only just opened and was still a work in progress you can see the potential. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here.