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. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. 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. More Routes from Antigua Antigua to Lanqun Antigua to San Marcos la Laguna Antigua to Lake Atitlan Antigua to El Paredon Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! Not everywhere has WiFi. Here are the best things to do. I only have one night, which was not enough! 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. This was during peak season in January 2022. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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! 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. 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? Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. 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? You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. Pacifico El Paredon, El Paredn Buena Vista, Guatemala Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. 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. This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. 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. They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can see turtles feeding year-round in El Paredon (and depending on the season, you might even be able to watch them hatch!) If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. 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. Its location couldnt be any more central or conveniently located on the beachfront. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. It has a stunning pool and comfortable accommodations ranging from shared rooms to private bungalows to private room with air conditioning. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. 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. Its never far! This is the place to do it. And What Not To Pack? The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Choose your slice of paradise! This activity is one of my personal favorites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! 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. I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! 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. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. For 120 quezales($15), I had a private one-hour lesson with Bagley. 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. RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! 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 . You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. 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. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here. 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. Because of its location, facing entirely South and out of the shadow of the Galapagos Islands, any south swell that comes out of the Antarctic will hit El Paredon in full force. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). Since then the ownership has changed and it is now called, After being turned away by most of the other places in, As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in, This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. 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. 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. You might not get quite the array of ex-pat run juice bars and sunset cocktail joints but you are guaranteed a Guatemalan experience. I didnt see the full menu but I have it on good authority that they have the best Pizza in, Board rental is about 60Q for 3 hours or 100Q for a day, I only have one night, which was not enough! We mostly ate at our hostel (Cocori) and they had amazing food. If you are a big surfer and love relaxing by the pool, then I highly suggest you visit El Paredon in Guatemala. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. All wind speeds are in knots. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 One way to get to El Paredon is by shuttle. Fro. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. So which spots have the best day passes? Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. This is not the place you can go in the water and play around. The highs and lows of spending coronavirus quarantine in paradise If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! 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. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! Below is a list of some of my favorite hiking/travel gear that I bring with me everywhere. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. 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. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. See more information on their website here. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. 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. To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. Hammock Living. 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. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. I was here for three days and it was MORE than enough time. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. 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. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! 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. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. All rights reserved. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! It will certainly be the slowest and least pleasant. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. How to get to El Paredon | La Choza Chula Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. Thanks for stopping by my blog! Things you need to know about visiting El Paredon beach in Guatemala, There are only about 5 places to stay there (a few more options and it is growing), Although there isnt much choice in the way of places to eat, the food is amazing, If you are looking for a quiet time out place, go to El Paredon, If you want a mix of quiet time and party time then you want. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! 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. If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala The least humid month is March (65.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (80.3%). El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. 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. You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. It is among the most popular destinations in the country due to its friendly locals, stunning landscape, and laid-back atmosphere. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. 76 68. The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 The Best Time to Visit El Paredon, Guatemala for Weather, Safety 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. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. Its one of the best surf spots in Guatemala, in fact, The Guardian thinks its one of the t. Where is El Paredon beach, and how do you get from Antigua to the beach? The sand is HOT. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. So these are the spots offering day passes. 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. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! El Paredon is a quiet Pacific coastal town well-known for surfing and features a long, wild, unspoiled volcanic beach. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. Keep in mind this town is mega small! I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. If youve rented a car, then you can easily drive there. 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. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! Its highly advised to book accommodation before arriving. 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. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. I got you covered! If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! Top Tip:Always book before you get there! I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala - a world of destinations They are more expensive than the chicken bus but I believe safety is worth the cost, which is not outrageously high anyway. Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. 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! It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. 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. Theres always something going on! They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. But seriously. 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. Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! Here are the activities we recommend you check out: Perhaps the best thing to do in El Paredon is to go surfing. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. Also, this is pretty much the main thing to do here, as Ive mentioned. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. You can also rent a surfboard at almost any place you stay. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. If you're an independent surfer with a solid experience of surfing on green waves (the unbroken waves), you'll love it here! Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! Coming from Antigua is a much shorter route and should take 2 hours (depending on traffic), There are more options from here such as chicken busses or taking an uber, Shuttle bus is still recommended for most travelers as it should be around Q100, If you are up for an adventure then taking the chicken busses might suit you. Firstly unless you are a good surfer and know what you are doing get at least one lesson before venturing out there on your own! Described as one of the Top 10 Surf Destinations in the World by The Guardian, this little fishing village is only around 2 hours from the well-known colonial city of Antigua.It boasts some of the most spectacularly unspoilt stretches of black-sand beach, dusty village roads, and endlessly diverse mangrove forests. The sand becomes less hot which is also a great time to walk down the beach and explore. 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. 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. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Did you find this post helpful? 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. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. See average monthly temperatures below. 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. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. El Paredon Guatemala - 13+ Cool Things To Do, Where To Stay & Eat Often times you will be sitting on the beach and only be able to see so far because of the darkness of the sand reflecting. In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. 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 my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. See the exact locations of these spots on theGuatemala Google Map Legend. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. 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. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! They do have a huge sea turtle conservation project that is a must to check out if you come during the sea turtle hatching season. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. You will have to transfer busses and then take a tuk-tuk when you get closer to town, This doesnt save that much money and a shuttle is still more cost-effective, If you have a group of people then an uber can be a good choice. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. 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 small hostel is known for its rooftop restaurant and lively nightlife, thanks to the number of backpackers that arent afraid to dance all night and take too many shots of tequila. Take a cooking class and learn to make local dishes so you can recreate them at home! There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. When they were open.. the food was amazing! Shuttles leave twice a day. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. The owner is a pretty cool guy). Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. Depending how many people you have, this isnt too much more expensive than the shuttle and is more convenient. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. Before or after the midday sun, take a stroll along the beach and soak up the tranquillity of El Paredon. 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. If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! El Paredon off the beaten path. With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. Alex provided a lot of information before . The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. 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! 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. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! Happy days! 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.