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There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in Guatemala and the cheapest. Take a tour with La Choza Chula. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. 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. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. 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! 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! It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. Drfitwood hosts evening events and dinners too (you know, beer pong vibes) have a wander in and just ask one of the many staff here. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon, When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. It is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. 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. This is not the place you can go in the water and play around. Before or after the midday sun, take a stroll along the beach and soak up the tranquillity of El Paredon. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. The seafood there is a must-try. While in El Paredon, you need to experience a boat ride through the mangroves and seeing the sunset on the beach at la barra which is the point where the river meets the ocean. for nearly as long. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. This small hostel is known for its rooftop restaurant and lively nightlife, thanks to the number of backpackers that arent afraid to dance all night and take too many shots of tequila. There is no ATM! One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? During the day, its best to observe from the safety of a hammock or a pool deck. However, with that said, if you are the right person, you all have so much fun visiting this beach town! He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Learn more. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! This is where we stayed and we loved it! El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. And What Not To Pack? With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. Theres always something going on! At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Below is a list of some of my favorite hiking/travel gear that I bring with me everywhere. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? Renee - SALES. Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. But seriously. Jokes aside - El Paredon is pretty safe. And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! 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! I picked one of the very last available when I booked (Sunrise Hostal) and it was perfect for what I was looking for. 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. 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. 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. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. 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! The least humid month is March (65.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (80.3%). Did you find this post helpful? The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. It had literally all gone. If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. 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. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. 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. 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. 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. In fact, you might as well watch it every night! With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . When can you find snow in El Paredon? During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. By contrast, its most likely to rain or snow in early to mid October with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of October 8th. If you take a tour or do an activity through La Choza Chula, your money will go back into the local community. Disclosure: Where in the World is Nina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. **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. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. 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. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. See average monthly temperatures below. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. Im not joking; this town is pretty desolate! The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. Unless youre here to really take on the surf, you probably wont need more than 2-3 days. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. Weather stations report no annual snow. If the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! 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. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. 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! Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. PAREDON SURF HOUSE - Updated 2022 Prices & Guest house Reviews (El Paredon, Guatemala) Central America Guatemala Escuintla Department El Paredon El Paredon B&Bs / Inns Paredon Surf House 271 reviews #1 of 2 guest houses in El Paredon Save Share Aldea El Paredon, Sipacate 500 Meters before the Plaza de El Paredon, El Paredon 05021 Guatemala Id love you to share it for me. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. 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. As there arent that many places if its full you will be sleeping on the beach as you wont be able to return to Antigua until the next day. We were never disappointed. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. If you'd like, you can also opt for a visit to the sleepy beach community of Monterrico for a special wildlife experience. This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. Choose your slice of paradise! Where is El Paredn? Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. Other travel guides we know you will like: Global traveller @ste_marques shares with us the B, 5 DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. Disclosure: Where in the World is Nina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, MileValue, as well as other affiliate programs, designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. 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. 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? Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. The money will help run this site! The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to La Choza Chula as they have plenty of volunteer opportunities. Unlike other countries, Guatemala does not experience four seasons. Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. I only have one night, which was not enough! If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. 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. Several places in the town offer horseback riding, but the most famous of which is Driftwood Surfer Hostel. What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? 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. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. 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. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. . It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. I think thats the name anyway! The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. 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! REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! You can also rent a surfboard at almost any place you stay. 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. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. 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! Also, this is pretty much the main thing to do here, as Ive mentioned. Within their mission, La Choza Chula also offer local experiences that will immerse you deep into the local culture and will give you the unique chance to see and experience the way the locals do things. It is the lowest . 2023 Wander Her Way. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night. Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Everything below is something I currently use and never leave my house without. The beaches of El Paredon have black sand, which gets extremely HOT in the sun (think walking on paved asphalt in the middle of the day.) Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. 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. If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. Not many people will be swimming because of the rip currents and the big waves that rip through here. See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. Here are the activities we recommend you check out: Perhaps the best thing to do in El Paredon is to go surfing. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. 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! Read More: Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. There is also an unexpected sight to behold here in the form of a Thai restaurant, Soul Food Kitchen . The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. Read below for more weather and travel details. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. 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. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. El Paredon, Guatemala and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. The best option to rent a kayak is at El Paredon Surf Camp for 40 GTQ (5 USD) for three hours. Alex provided a lot of information before . Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! 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. 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. If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. 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. 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. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. 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! This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. Now, it is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists. Super worth it! So if youre wanting a late lunch at 4pm you might struggle to find a place offering food at that time. This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! These spots are also where the parties will be if there are any. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. All wind speeds are in knots. Hotel in El Paredn Buena Vista. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. Its a wild feeling and very unique. Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). I've worked abroad and remotely to support my adventure travel addiction, and now I'm sharing all my travel hacks, travel job opportunities, and ways you can travel longer! It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! 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. 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! Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. Fro. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. 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. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. El Paredon is a small fishing village in Guatemala, with the Pacific Ocean on the South-Eas,t and the Sipacate Mangrove Nature Reserve on the North-West side. Explore The Pacific Slope. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. 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.