They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. 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. In fact, you might as well watch it every night! 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. 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. Best of Guatemala: Antigua, El Paredn & Lake Atitln - 13 Days 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. 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. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. What Should You Pack For Guatemala? However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! Rain is rare with 0 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. 7 Things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for SafetyWing. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. 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. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. 10 journal prompts and ideas for you, 14 photos that will make you want to go to Finnish Lapland, The best things to do in Queensland, Australia, An open top car tour of Londons iconic landmarks and landscapes, The perfect winter getaway in a Shepherds Hut in Sussex, UK, The best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy, Gili Island life Saving the best for last, Stoneoven pizzas and cervezas at Olivias pizza (bottom left, duh), El Naranjo wildlife tour 2.5 hours, 250Q, Poza del Nance turtle tour 2 hours, 200Q. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Take a bracelet making class with some of the local girls from the village. Instead, they use a washing line. Theres not really too much to do in El Paredon, considering its a tiny beach town made up of just one paved road and several small dirt roads. 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! You can see turtles feeding year-round in El Paredon (and depending on the season, you might even be able to watch them hatch!) 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? From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! 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! The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! 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. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. RELATED: 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! The nice thing about that is, you can lose yourself in your day and then when the light begins to drop and the sunset oranges appear you just drop everything and head to the beach. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? 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. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. This tour involves hiking Volcan Acatenango where you will camp for the night then when you arrive back in Antigua they will organize all of your transport and accommodation as well as your surf lessons. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! Renee - SALES. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. Nesting is from June-November. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! If you're looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. 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. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. See average monthly temperatures below. 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. Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. There is no ATM! El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. 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. Thank you! El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. 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. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. These spots are also where the parties will be if there are any. 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. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Fro. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Review of Paredon Surf House, El 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. Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night. Playa El Paredn, Escuintla - Lugares tursticos de Escuintla, Guatemala Hotel in El Paredn Buena Vista. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! . For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. El Paredon off the beaten path. I would suggest a minimum of 2 nights so you can take the time to relax as well as get a surf lesson and go turtle watching! A couple of local places I loved in El Paredon were: There are these 3 little huts located just behind Pakalolo Heladeria Ice Cream. Id love you to share it for me. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. Average temperatures in El Paredon vary very little. What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. 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. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. 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! And What Not To Pack? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. This is not the place you can go in the water and play around. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. 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. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. 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! 2023 Wander Her Way. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. 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 And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. The Pacific Slope travel - Lonely Planet | Guatemala, Central America But seriously. On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. 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. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. 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! Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. Hey, I am Sean Lau! La Choza Chula is a non-profit that empowers locals by creating authentic experiences. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. Its a wild feeling and very unique. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. 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.) 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. Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. 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. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you. RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. **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. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. 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. 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. El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! 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. I also. 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 However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. What To Do in El Paredon, Guatemala - Twirl The Globe There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. The Best Surfing in Guatemala Is at El Paredon - Matador Network The accommodations here include glamping tents, bungalows, and private air-conditioned rooms. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. If the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! El Paredon, Guatemala: A Beach Paradise Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. Go and grab a board from your hostel and start shredding! I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. The least humid month is March (65.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (80.3%). Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. See more information on their website here. Explore The Pacific Slope. Unless youre here to really take on the surf, you probably wont need more than 2-3 days. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. The black sand isnt ideal for sunbathing, so you wont find any parasols or lounge chairs unless you bring your own. 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 is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. 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. and offers the balance of tranquil vibes around the pool along with medium doses of lets get in the ocean and surf baby! You can opt for beachfront bungalows, shared dorms (perfect for solo travellers) and sea view suites! As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. Solola, Guatemala. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. La Choza Chula are a social enterprise and rely on donations/tour bookings to drive their mission another reason to book your adventures here! Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Anything youd add? In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. I didnt see the full menu but I have it on good authority that they have the best Pizza in, Board rental is about 60Q for 3 hours or 100Q for a day, I only have one night, which was not enough! These months see the most precipitation with 10 to 12 days of precipitation per month. El Paredon Vacation Rentals & Homes - Escuintla Department, Guatemala The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. 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! The Surf House is a super cool place to stay (on the beachfront!) 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. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. 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.