Your Guide to El ParedonGuatemala's Surf Town - Where in the World Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. 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! Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! 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. A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. Home | El Paredon Surf Camp HomeContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. 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! 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. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. 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! RELATED: 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! The busiest month for tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala is February, followed by January and April. 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. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. 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. 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. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! Coming from Antigua is a much shorter route and should take 2 hours (depending on traffic), There are more options from here such as chicken busses or taking an uber, Shuttle bus is still recommended for most travelers as it should be around Q100, If you are up for an adventure then taking the chicken busses might suit you. It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days per month. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Read More: Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! I was here for three days and it was MORE than enough time. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. The surf here in winter, when the waves are at their best, are of decent size. 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. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. 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. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. 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. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. I did the homework, so you dont have to. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. Central America ; Guatemala ; Escuintla Department ; El Paredon ; El Paredon B&Bs / Inns ; Paredon Surf House; Search. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. 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. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. 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 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 the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. When they were open.. the food was amazing! This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Unless youre here to really take on the surf, you probably wont need more than 2-3 days. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. One of their most popular activities is a homestay. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Is El Paredon, Guatemala safe? Marchs average wind speed of around 3.6 knots (4.2 MPH or 6.7 KPH) is considered light air. Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early February where average top sustained speeds reach 13.8 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. Again, you can STAY at these hotels if you want, then you can get free access, but they are also kind of party places and most offer dorms as the budget accommodation. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. 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. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. 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. El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. 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. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here. 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. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Its also located directly on the beach. 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. Reviewed March 3, 2022 . We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. Top tip: The black sands get very hot during the day for obvious reasons so whilst its nice to be barefoot on the earth, Id bring flip flops to save yourself the burn! The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? It has a stunning pool and comfortable accommodations ranging from shared rooms to private bungalows to private room with air conditioning. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. 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.) The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. Dining in El Paredon, Guatemala: A Foodie's Guide to Local Cuisine If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. The lazy beach town isn't one that many people think to venture to when visiting Guatemala, as often popular tourist destinations like Tikal and Lake Atitlan fall further up on their lists.However, if you're looking for some beach time, and a destination that will show you a different side of . For the tourist bus, its around 125Q and you can either book through the accommodation you book to stay in El Paredon, or book through GuateGo. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! 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. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! a beach hut with no air conditioning.) The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. If youve rented a car, then you can easily drive there. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. Now, it is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. El Paredon Guatemala At A Glance El Paredon is a tinny town where you can literally walk its length in about 10 minutes! The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. 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. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. 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! Fro. I got you covered! Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. I think thats the name anyway! One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. Depending on when you come to El Paredon, there wont be a ton of restaurants that you are used to having. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. This is where we stayed and we loved it! Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. Take a tour with La Choza Chula. 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. This means, from November to April. It is the lowest . I do hope it stays like this in some ways as it is being built up quite fast by the growing popularity. 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 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 started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! Thanks for stopping by my blog! 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. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. The best option to rent a kayak is at El Paredon Surf Camp for 40 GTQ (5 USD) for three hours. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. There is no ATM! 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. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. El Paredon Swell People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. There are some other cool activities in this area that you can do if those arent your thing. 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.