See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. 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. 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. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. El Paredon may not be at the top of everyones bucket lists for Guatemala but its certainly one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala and, if you have time, I highly recommend checking it out. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! 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.) Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. As you make your way down, you can admire the flora and fauna of the mangroves. 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. Heres more information about the shuttles. Read below for more weather and travel details. Renee - SALES. Follow your guide through Antigua's main square to learn about its colonial architecture and sleep under the shadow of Pacaya Volcano in its national park of the same name. How magical is that!? 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! A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. 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. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. If dry weather is what youre after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in El Paredon are January, December, and then March. I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. Other travel guides we know you will like: Global traveller @ste_marques shares with us the B, 5 DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. 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. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. Instead, they use a washing line. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. 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. If the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. I also. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. Here are the best things to do. 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! The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. 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! Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! Average temperatures in El Paredon vary very little. 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. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. 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? It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! 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. 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! This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. Happy days! The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. 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. 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. For the tourist bus, its around 125Q and you can either book through the accommodation you book to stay in El Paredon, or, As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in, Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. You can choose to keep the fish to cook or donate some of the fish to the local families. Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. 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. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. The sun gets extremely red and big. If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. Located a little bit more inland than the rest (a 5-minute walk to the beach) it is a nice place to relax and get away from the beachfront party vibes. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. The money will help run this site! If you take a tour or do an activity through La Choza Chula, your money will go back into the local community. Anything youd add? With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. Cabins and places to camp are offered at affordable prices, and lessons are offered for beginner surfers. 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. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. This is where we stayed and we loved it! When can you find snow in El Paredon? Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. Visit the turtle hatchery early in the morning to see turtles hatch and run to the ocean! So which spots have the best day passes? 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! Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. Although it had only just opened and was still a work in progress you can see the potential. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Alex provided a lot of information before . Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. Wear shoes on the beach. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. El Nido Paredon Hotel room in El Paredon Zala House - King-Suite 2 $127 night 4.93 (27) SUPERHOST Private room in El Paredn Buena Vista Villa Maran - private room with AC and pool $98 4.98 (49) SUPERHOST Home in El Paredon BarriOceano - Barrel Cottage $150 SUPERHOST Private room in El Paredon Villa Kaikora Guesthouse in El Paredon I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. A couple of local places I loved in El Paredon were: There are these 3 little huts located just behind Pakalolo Heladeria Ice Cream. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. The accommodations here include glamping tents, bungalows, and private air-conditioned rooms. Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. 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! 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. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. See more information on their website here. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. When you arrive here it feels so remote but that is why I fell in love with this place. You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. El Paredon is a quiet Pacific coastal town well-known for surfing and features a long, wild, unspoiled volcanic beach. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. 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. If you wish to avoid the stress of driving there yourself, then the most common way to arrive at El Paredon, Guatemala is to use a tourist shuttle service. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. Read More: Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. There arent a ton of restaurants, coffee shops, or hotels in the area. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. However, the beach really comes to life when sunset approaches. 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. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. This activity is one of my personal favorites. With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. The last option would be to take a taxi or Uber. 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. 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. Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. 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. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. Learn more. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! This is the place to do it. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. 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. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. for nearly as long. Keep in mind this town is mega small! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. Not everywhere has WiFi. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. The average high during this season is between 92.8F (33.8C) and 90.2F (32.3C). With no plans to stop anytime soon Im always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano Ill try (almost) anything once! Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. Weather is perfect this time of year in El Paredon to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. 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. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. 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. It is the lowest . El Paredon, Guatemala Choose your slice of paradise! Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. Nowhere is 100% safe, all of the time. Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Where is El Paredn? Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. And What Not To Pack? Depending on when you come to El Paredon, there wont be a ton of restaurants that you are used to having. 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! If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. 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. 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. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. Also. 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. 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. Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. What Should You Pack For Guatemala? (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. 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. There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! Youll get to see their heads pop up to breathe! If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. These months see the most precipitation with 10 to 12 days of precipitation per month. Please see myDisclosurefor more details.