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! Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! Please see myDisclosurefor more details. 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. Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. Take a cooking class and learn to make local dishes so you can recreate them at home! 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. 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. Unless youre here to really take on the surf, you probably wont need more than 2-3 days. The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. This was during peak season in January 2022. 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. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. Not everywhere has WiFi. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. Despite its tiny size, the whole place feels like a different world, compared to the rest of the country. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. El Paredon is super sleepy and honestly can be explored in about an hour of walking around the town. El Paredon, Guatemala It is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. 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. Keep in mind this town is mega small! The sun gets extremely red and big. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. We recommend that you do horseback riding around sunset, so you can enjoy the beautiful colors of the falling sun as you make your way across the gorgeous black sand beaches of El Paredon. Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. If you are looking for a romantic and unique experience in El Paredon, then consider horseback riding along the beach. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. for nearly as long. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported. PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. 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. There is no ATM! Reviewed March 3, 2022 . Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! 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. 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. In fact, you might as well watch it every night! Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. If you'd like, you can also opt for a visit to the sleepy beach community of Monterrico for a special wildlife experience. Also, this is pretty much the main thing to do here, as Ive mentioned. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. Unlike surfing which you have to do in the sea, you can stand-up paddleboard in the river, which means that you dont have to worry about the violent waves. This is a really unique experience because you really get to share and experience how the local people here in El Paredon live. Go and grab a board from your hostel and start shredding! I got the best of both worlds, access to the cool hotel WITHOUT the lack of sleep at night (granny needs her shut-eye, kids!). You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. Read below for more weather and travel details. After witnessing the force of the waves in Puerto Escondido, further up the coast, its safe to say you want to have an idea of what to expect before you book a surf trip! La Choza Chula is a non-profit that empowers locals by creating authentic experiences. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. Go for it! If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. 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. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. The town is at sea level on the pacific coast, which means that during these hotter months most people will either stay in the water for as long as possible, or stay in the hotels and resorts that have fresh air. If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. Rent a board and surf! There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. 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. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. 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. Nowhere is 100% safe, all of the time. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in El Paredon: This is one of the nicest hotels in El Paredon, yet it is still very affordable. As you make your way down, you can admire the flora and fauna of the mangroves. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! I did the homework, so you dont have to. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! If you are a big surfer and love relaxing by the pool, then I highly suggest you visit El Paredon in Guatemala. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. ID LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WEVE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN! Fro. If you take a tour or do an activity through La Choza Chula, your money will go back into the local community. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. Heres more information about the shuttles. So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. El Paredon off the beaten path. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. This is where we stayed and we loved it! Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. After being turned away by most of the other places in El Paredon who werent very helpful at all this place was a breath of fresh air. The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. However, the water here is a bit intimidating, so you might want to go out with somebody who can help you have more fun and be super safe. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. You will definitely want to wear shoes while walking on the beach, or risk burning your feet. Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. 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. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. I got you covered! The average high during this season is between 92.8F (33.8C) and 90.2F (32.3C). For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. Best Times to Travel Guatemala El Paredon, Guatemala, Tourism graph is based on Google searches for services used by tourists relative to the rest of the year. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? 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. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. Visit the turtle hatchery early in the morning to see turtles hatch and run to the ocean! Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! Many hotels here give this advise as well. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. All wind speeds are in knots. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. Like the one below. This means, from November to April. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! 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. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. 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. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! 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! During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. So if youre wanting a late lunch at 4pm you might struggle to find a place offering food at that time. 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. 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! The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. A guide to the Acatenango volcano hike, Guatemala, The best things to do and see in Guatemala, A San Cristobal de las Casas travel guide, 10-minute inner joy visualisation and journal prompts, Goal setting: How to bring your dreams to life, What is journaling? El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. If youre going to walk on the beach, walk along the wet part and run there because the dry sand will scald you on the way. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. 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! Its never far! You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? 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! However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. And What Not To Pack? There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. When can you find snow in El Paredon? Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in Guatemala and the cheapest. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. Its also located directly on the beach. They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. 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. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. Jokes aside - El Paredon is pretty safe. There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. 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! 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. Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. 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. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. They offer the following tours: I took the turtle tour and although the turtles were pretty quiet its was a great tour and so interesting to find out more about the organization. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. 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. This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Dont come here with the wrong idea. You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. 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! If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. Tourist busses from Antigua to el Paredon are faster and safer and more comfortable, which are three good reasons why you would want to use them. 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. 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 local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! 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. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. 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. Anything youd add? Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They will at the least have drinks going all day and often have DJs mid-day and well into the night, live music, and other events. 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. You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. Since then, I have trekked through the Andes, tested my lungs at over 5,000 meters above sea level, encountered the worlds deadliest spider in the Amazon Rainforest, explored the worlds most catastrophic nuclear disaster.