You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. Youll explore deep into the mangrove and see all the different species living there whilst learning about the importance of mangroves here in El Paredon. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. 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. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! Several places in the town offer horseback riding, but the most famous of which is Driftwood Surfer Hostel. The busiest month for tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala is February, followed by January and April. The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! 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. It had literally all gone. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. 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! Make sure you take out plenty of cash before you come, because not everywhere accepts credit cards (or you might have to pay a large fee.). With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . If you want the cheapest way, youll be riding on the chicken bus and in that case, it will take around four hours to get here as youll have tons of stops along the way. I also. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. One of the main spots to hang out! REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. Kayak the mangroves to the left of the town. A couple of local places I loved in El Paredon were: There are these 3 little huts located just behind Pakalolo Heladeria Ice Cream. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. 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. This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Many hotels here give this advise as well. The money will help run this site! Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. 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. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. This was during peak season in January 2022. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. He was super chill. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. If youre planning a trip to El Paredon and are looking for how to get to El Paredon, where to stay in El Paredon, where to eat in El Paredonand what do to in El Paredon, this El Paredontravel guide will answer all of your questions. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. 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. If you want a break from all the exciting activities we recommended above, then maybe youll want to just lay down on the black sand and relax for a while. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. 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. A lot smaller than Id imagined. The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. They are more expensive than the chicken bus but I believe safety is worth the cost, which is not outrageously high anyway. The sand is HOT. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. Solola, Guatemala. Not everywhere has WiFi. This means, from November to April. Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. 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! Its a 2- 2.5-hour bus ride from Antigua to El Paredon and although Im normally an advocate of taking public transport its really not worth it. El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. The black sand isnt ideal for sunbathing, so you wont find any parasols or lounge chairs unless you bring your own. In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. 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. Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. But seriously. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst 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. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. You can choose to keep the fish to cook or donate some of the fish to the local families. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? I was here for three days and it was MORE than enough time. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days per month. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. Unknown to most travelers, Guatemala's best kept secret is home to some of the country's top surfers. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. The Surf House is a super cool place to stay (on the beachfront!) Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! Not many people will be swimming because of the rip currents and the big waves that rip through here. 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. Read More: Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. Thank you! It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. 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. Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. 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. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. Rent a board and surf! However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. The accommodations here include glamping tents, bungalows, and private air-conditioned rooms. This Guatemalan beach isnt like the ones youre used to. Local experiences are why we travel! The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. You can also rent a surfboard at almost any place you stay. Ive got you! IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. Here are the activities we recommend you check out: Perhaps the best thing to do in El Paredon is to go surfing. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Fro. The best time to visit El Paredon, Guatemala is during the countrys dry season. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. 2023 Wander Her Way. Its also located directly on the beach. Depending how many people you have, this isnt too much more expensive than the shuttle and is more convenient. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. You will definitely want to wear shoes while walking on the beach, or risk burning your feet. Happy days! There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! 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? Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. 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. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Keep in mind this town is mega small! Take a cooking class and learn to make local dishes so you can recreate them at home! Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. It is among the most popular destinations in the country due to its friendly locals, stunning landscape, and laid-back atmosphere. RELATED: 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. Renee - SALES. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. 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. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. Now, it is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Learn more. 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. If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. If you have a few extra days in Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely worth visiting. There are some other cool activities in this area that you can do if those arent your thing. 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. 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. Id love you to share it for me. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . 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. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. You might not get quite the array of ex-pat run juice bars and sunset cocktail joints but you are guaranteed a Guatemalan experience. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! These cookies do not store any personal information. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. 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. Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. Youll get to experience a glimpse of how the local families here in El Paredon live and get to know more about the local culture here. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 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. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. This hostel not only has a lively atmosphere for backpackers traveling in Guatemala, but it has lots of facilities that will make you stay comfortable. To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. I know of many people who came to El Paredon for a short time, and then just never left, Here are some other random things to know before you visit, There are no ATMs in El Paredon. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? The owner is a pretty cool guy). If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. Read below for more weather and travel details. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. La Choza Chula is a non-profit that empowers locals by creating authentic experiences. After a morning surf or if youre just waking up from last nights party, it is never a bad time to relax by the pool. Just 60 meters away from the beach, you can run to the waves straight from your villa's doorstep. 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. The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in El Paredon (in). Go for it! Wear shoes on the beach. Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. Before the world wakes up and before the heat of the sun rises, take the time to wander down to the beach and enjoy a meditation, podcast, surf session, walk or run. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! The last option would be to take a taxi or Uber. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! 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. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. Nights in El Paredon can be relaxing, but when the weekend comes around, the town comes to life with beach bonfires, live music at Cocor Lodge, and drinking games at the Driftwood Surfer. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. More About Nina. 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. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. 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. Central America ; Guatemala ; Escuintla Department ; El Paredon ; El Paredon B&Bs / Inns ; Paredon Surf House; Search. Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! Support local businesses. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. 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. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. 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.) Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! There is also an unexpected sight to behold here in the form of a Thai restaurant, Soul Food Kitchen . 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. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! The least humid month is March (65.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (80.3%). Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. Unless youre here to really take on the surf, you probably wont need more than 2-3 days. 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. 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. So if you want to hammock it up along the coast, this is the spot. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. 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. So if youre wanting a late lunch at 4pm you might struggle to find a place offering food at that time. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day.
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