I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. 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. Not everywhere has WiFi. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. **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. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Fro. 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. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. This is the place to do it. 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! Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. One of those times we stopped at Zicatela and we loved it. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. Did you find this post helpful? 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. See average monthly temperatures below. Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. 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 is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. You may think to yourself that you want to stay at the party hostel but in reality, the whole town congregates in one area/hostel every night. Instead, they use a washing line. Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. 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.) Youll get to experience a glimpse of how the local families here in El Paredon live and get to know more about the local culture here. Safety Wing goes the extra mile and covers quarantine outside your home for up to 10 days, they also have a really handy map on their website showing requirements and restrictions for each country. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Jokes aside - El Paredon is pretty safe. Its never far! Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. If you want the cheapest way, youll be riding on the chicken bus and in that case, it will take around four hours to get here as youll have tons of stops along the way. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read More: Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. 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. You can also rent a surfboard at almost any place you stay. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. Thanks for stopping by my blog! 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. A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. Take a cooking class and learn to make local dishes so you can recreate them at home! She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! 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. 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. Its a place on the verge of becoming part of the tourist trail, things are changing quickly there and new hotels, shops, and restaurants are being built quickly. Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! The 20km. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! 76 68. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. Local experiences are why we travel! I did the homework, so you dont have to. If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! The seafood there is a must-try. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. 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. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! ID LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WEVE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN! Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Surfing or learning to surf is one of the best things to do in El Paredon and with it being such a small beach town, ocean time is one of the only things to do! When they were open.. the food was amazing! Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Hammock Living. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. 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. If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. 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. The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! La Choza Chula is a non-profit that empowers locals by creating authentic experiences. This makes El Paredon one of the best places in Guatemala to go surfing. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. 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. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. It is accessible via two different routes, either coming via land or via boat, travelling down the canal until you arrive at the community from the Sipacate side. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. This was during peak season in January 2022. If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. They also offer homestays, cooking classes, and more. 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. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days 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. This Guatemalan beach isnt like the ones youre used to. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. Nowhere is 100% safe, all of the time. The accommodations here include glamping tents, bungalows, and private air-conditioned rooms. Support local businesses. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. The sky gets illuminated with all sorts of pinks, oranges, and reds, while the water will glisten with the last of the suns light. There is also an unexpected sight to behold here in the form of a Thai restaurant, Soul Food Kitchen . So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. Everything below is something I currently use and never leave my house without. 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 youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! Kayak the mangroves to the left of the town. Dont come here with the wrong idea. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. A lot smaller than Id imagined. Reviewed March 3, 2022 . El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Go and grab a board from your hostel and start shredding! So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! Theres always something going on! As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. 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. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. If you have a few extra days in Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely worth visiting. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. 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 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. and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. El Paredon Guatemala At A Glance El Paredon is a tinny town where you can literally walk its length in about 10 minutes! RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. Again you can opt for a dorm room, beach shack or private room! El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. 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 non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. This is due to volcanic activity. During the day, its best to observe from the safety of a hammock or a pool deck. 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. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. So these are the spots offering day passes. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! So which spots have the best day passes? Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? 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. 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. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. 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. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in El Paredon. You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! Happy days! I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! 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. There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. 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! They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. The weather tends to be extremely hot and humid during March and April, but it cools down after sunset. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. Alex provided a lot of information before . Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. 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. The sun gets extremely red and big. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. 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. My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. 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. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. Before or after the midday sun, take a stroll along the beach and soak up the tranquillity of El Paredon. I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. 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 take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). Also. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. Explore The Pacific Slope. This means, from November to April. Wear shoes on the beach. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. 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! Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. I dont think Ive ever travelled to a place where you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the same spot on the same day! You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Learn more. However, the beach really comes to life when sunset approaches. If you are a big surfer and love relaxing by the pool, then I highly suggest you visit El Paredon in Guatemala. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. And What Not To Pack? 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! 3av 3-25, El Paredon, Sipacate, Escuintla, 05021 Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay $89 per night Feb 20 - Feb 21 0.49 mi from city center Swell Surf & Lifestyle Hotel 1 Avenida, Sipacate, Escuintla $66 per night Feb 20 - Feb 21 0.44 mi from city center 4.7/5 Exceptional! Rent a board and surf! Where is El Paredn? The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! Eating local is one of my favourite things to do in Guatemala and is one of the best things to do in El Paredon because 1. Nearby, youll find the Sipacate Naranjo National Park, a government-protected nature reserve that is home to a vast ecology of coastal plants and animals. Make sure you take out plenty of cash before you come, because not everywhere accepts credit cards (or you might have to pay a large fee.). 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. This is a really unique experience because you really get to share and experience how the local people here in El Paredon live. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. Finca El Zapote ofrece a sus visitantes cientos de actividades por hacer al aire libre, siendo un lugar paradisaco con vistas impresionantes. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. 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! Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. 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. If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! For 120 quezales($15), I had a private one-hour lesson with Bagley. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. 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! Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. 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.