This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. 76 68. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. 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. How to get to El Paredon | La Choza Chula Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. La Choza Chula are a social enterprise and rely on donations/tour bookings to drive their mission another reason to book your adventures here! Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. This was during peak season in January 2022. (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. All wind speeds are in knots. Depending on when you come to El Paredon, there wont be a ton of restaurants that you are used to having. The sun gets extremely red and big. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. Take a bracelet making class with some of the local girls from the village. They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. Not everywhere has WiFi. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. 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. El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. Pacifico El Paredon, El Paredn Buena Vista, Guatemala 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! This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. 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. If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! 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. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. One of those times we stopped at Zicatela and we loved it. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. 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. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. 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. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. 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. 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. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. They also offer homestays, cooking classes, and more. You can organize many of the activities mentioned above (like seeing the turtles or a boat tour) through La Choza Chula, a local social enterprise in El Paredon that benefits the community directly. Top Hotels in El Paredon from $55 - Expedia They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. See more information on their website here. The average high during this season is between 92.8F (33.8C) and 90.2F (32.3C). 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. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. for nearly as long. Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! They are more expensive than the chicken bus but I believe safety is worth the cost, which is not outrageously high anyway. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. When you arrive here it feels so remote but that is why I fell in love with this place. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. 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! In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. Remember, they have a bit more of a party vibe going on, though, so as long as you know that and thats what you want, youll be right there in the action. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. The best option to rent a kayak is at El Paredon Surf Camp for 40 GTQ (5 USD) for three hours. The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. 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. 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. I did the homework, so you dont have to. El Paredon Guatemala At A Glance El Paredon is a tinny town where you can literally walk its length in about 10 minutes! 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 youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. 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. Fro. Its a 2- 2.5-hour bus ride from Antigua to El Paredon and although Im normally an advocate of taking public transport its really not worth it. The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). You can choose to keep the fish to cook or donate some of the fish to the local families. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. Your Guide to El ParedonGuatemala's Surf Town - Where in the World There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. Between June and October (rainy season) is when youll find the biggest waves in El Paredon so do some research if surfing is something youre keen to do. El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. 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? Now, it is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 One of the main spots to hang out! The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. 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. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! 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. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. 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. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. Visit the turtle hatchery early in the morning to see turtles hatch and run to the ocean! ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! What Should You Pack For Guatemala? I highly recommend Paredon Surf House. Average temperatures in El Paredon vary very little. Renee - SALES. You might not get quite the array of ex-pat run juice bars and sunset cocktail joints but you are guaranteed a Guatemalan experience. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) 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. The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. Where is El Paredn? If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. If youve rented a car, then you can easily drive there. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. To soak up and immerse ourselves in different languages, cultures, tastes and traditions. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. It is one of the best surfing spots in Guatemala, and though you might not be able to do a lot of swimming, the black sand beaches are an incredible sight. 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! What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. Did you find this post helpful? 5 amazing things to do at El Paredon Guatemala - Boundless Roads 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. Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. 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. The Pacific Slope travel - Lonely Planet | Guatemala, Central America 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. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! Best of Guatemala: Antigua, El Paredn & Lake Atitln - 13 Days There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. Also, this is pretty much the main thing to do here, as Ive mentioned. While I didnt see this hotel while I was in El Paredon, it looks like a really nice option. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! 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. Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala - a world of destinations RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. 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. Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. 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! If you are a big surfer and love relaxing by the pool, then I highly suggest you visit El Paredon in Guatemala. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. If you're an independent surfer with a solid experience of surfing on green waves (the unbroken waves), you'll love it here! See average monthly temperatures below. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. This is due to volcanic activity. El Paredon Sur Camp is the first original place at El Paredon Beach, it is a great place for anyone from experienced surfers, beginners or travelers with a taste for a rustic, relaxing, hostel-style place to stay on the beach. Quieres ganar 1 noche gratis en Hotel Kaana Surf en Playa el Paredn Read below for more weather and travel details. 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. If you'd like, you can also opt for a visit to the sleepy beach community of Monterrico for a special wildlife experience. It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days per month. 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! Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. 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! Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. One of their most popular activities is a homestay. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! Here are the best things to do. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. I was here for three days and it was MORE than enough time. 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. Explore The Pacific Slope. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. The money will help run this site! On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! Heres what you need to know to have the perfect beach escape in El Paredon. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. We mostly ate at our hostel (Cocori) and they had amazing food. 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. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. 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. Thanks for stopping by my blog! Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. The hostel is a huge part of the community in El Paredon, so if you need information about surfing, turtle release, or really about anything in El Paredon, the staff at Driftwood Surfer can help you. Depending how many people you have, this isnt too much more expensive than the shuttle and is more convenient. Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. More Routes from Antigua Antigua to Lanqun Antigua to San Marcos la Laguna Antigua to Lake Atitlan Antigua to El Paredon a beach hut with no air conditioning.) Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Choose your slice of paradise! How magical is that!? About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. Dont come here with the wrong idea. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. So when looking for travel insurance its important to check it covers travel disruption due to COVID-19, World Nomads, Safety Wing, or Travel Insurance Master all provide cover for this. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. In fact, you might as well watch it every night! Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. Like the one below. So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. 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! 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. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala.