Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Review of Paredon Surf House, El Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! One way to get to El Paredon is by shuttle. If the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Hey, I am Sean Lau! As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in Guatemala and the cheapest. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. The Best El Paredn Buena Vista Hotels, Guatemala (From $30) ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. 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. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. 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. 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! 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. El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. Now, it is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? So El Paredon is small. 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. 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. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. 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. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Take a tour with La Choza Chula. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. The Best Time to Visit El Paredon, Guatemala for Weather, Safety The last option would be to take a taxi or Uber. If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. The money will help run this site! Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? A Beach Weekend In Guatemala - Central America We were never disappointed. 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. RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Although it had only just opened and was still a work in progress you can see the potential. 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. Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) Happy days! El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. El Paredon, Guatemala: A Beach Paradise Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. 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. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. 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. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. 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. El Paredon, Guatemala Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. 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. 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. One of those times we stopped at Zicatela and we loved it. And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. You can see turtles feeding year-round in El Paredon (and depending on the season, you might even be able to watch them hatch!) Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! There are multiple options on how to get to El Paredon, depending on where you are. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! 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. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 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. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. The accommodations here include glamping tents, bungalows, and private air-conditioned rooms. The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in El Paredon. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. La Choza Chula is a non-profit that empowers locals by creating authentic experiences. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . 5 amazing things to do at El Paredon Guatemala - Boundless Roads This means, from November to April. 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. Even though El Paredon is a small town, youll find many things to do to keep you entertained. The least humid month is March (65.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (80.3%). We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? The average high during this season is between 92.8F (33.8C) and 90.2F (32.3C). Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. 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. One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? And those hippies that walk around beach towns barefooted regret all their life choices when they come here thinking they will do the same. If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! Cabins and places to camp are offered at affordable prices, and lessons are offered for beginner surfers. Nowhere is 100% safe, all of the time. and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. This is one of the most popular spots! Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! 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. Unknown to most travelers, Guatemala's best kept secret is home to some of the country's top surfers. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Instead, they use a washing line. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. The best time to visit El Paredon, Guatemala is during the countrys dry season. As you make your way down, you can admire the flora and fauna of the mangroves. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. 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. Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. 2023 Wander Her Way. If you have a few extra days in Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely worth visiting. The sand is HOT. 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. Central America ; Guatemala ; Escuintla Department ; El Paredon ; El Paredon B&Bs / Inns ; Paredon Surf House; Search. And What Not To Pack? Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. 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. El Paredon is super sleepy and honestly can be explored in about an hour of walking around the town. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. El Paredon Guatemala - 13+ Cool Things To Do, Where To Stay & Eat Id love you to share it for me. **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. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. Some of the other activities you can book through them include: As you will come soon find out, partying is very popular in this area of Guatemala. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. HomeContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. If you'd like, you can also opt for a visit to the sleepy beach community of Monterrico for a special wildlife experience. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. So which spots have the best day passes? It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Unlike other countries, Guatemala does not experience four seasons. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. Again you can opt for a dorm room, beach shack or private room! I did the homework, so you dont have to. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. The Surf House is a super cool place to stay (on the beachfront!) They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. So if you want to hammock it up along the coast, this is the spot. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. 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. Everything below is something I currently use and never leave my house without. 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. 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. Its highly advised to book accommodation before arriving. 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. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) Unlike surfing which you have to do in the sea, you can stand-up paddleboard in the river, which means that you dont have to worry about the violent waves. However, the beach really comes to life when sunset approaches. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. This is a really unique experience because you really get to share and experience how the local people here in El Paredon live. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. 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.) Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. 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. Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. Not everywhere has WiFi. 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? And What Not To Pack? Wear shoes on the beach. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. 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.) Visit the turtle hatchery early in the morning to see turtles hatch and run to the ocean! On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. 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. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. Youll be watching the sun go down after another day in paradise with everyone else in El Paredon, its a social time to be at the beach for sure! The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. Secret Guatemala: the Black Beaches of El Paredn 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. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. El Paredon Guatemala Surf - A Complete Guide By A Surfer Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. 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. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for SafetyWing. More About Nina. 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. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. 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. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. The Best Surfing in Guatemala Is at El Paredon - Matador Network The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. 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. You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. One of the main spots to hang out! I got the fish tacos which were amazing. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does.