Of course, Guatemala has some of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, but none of them feel quite like El Paredon. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. 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. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. Yes, you should! He was super chill. But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! 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! From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. Travel insurance has always been high my list of things to get before I travel but now more than ever its at the top of my list. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). You can opt for a private room or dorms here. 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. My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. 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. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. More About Nina. 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. As you make your way down, you can admire the flora and fauna of the mangroves. El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. Instead, the easiest and still reasonably priced way to get here is to just book a shuttle! (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. Fro. With these amazing Guatemalan cooking experiences, youll get a chance to go to a local familys kitchen and learn how to prepare authentic Guatemalan dishes. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. 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. Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! La Choza Chula are located in the heart of El Paredon where you can visit their shop to book a tour or to shop the local ecological products made by the local women. Its location couldnt be any more central or conveniently located on the beachfront. Again you can opt for a dorm room, beach shack or private room! There are some other cool activities in this area that you can do if those arent your thing. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! 2023 Wander Her Way. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. Even though El Paredon is a small town, youll find many things to do to keep you entertained. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. 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. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. For example, on the week of January 1st there are no days of precipitation on average. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. Theres always something going on! It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. var Latitude=13.921353;var Longitude=-91.068703;var rootSlug='el-paredon-gt';var PlaceName='El Paredon';var today = new Date();var dd = String(today.getDate()+2).padStart(2, '0');var mm = String(today.getMonth() + 1).padStart(2, '0');var yyyy = today.getFullYear();today= yyyy + '-' + mm + '-' + dd; The best times to visit El Paredon for ideal weather are. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. It is among the most popular destinations in the country due to its friendly locals, stunning landscape, and laid-back atmosphere. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. See more information on their website here. Learn more. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. 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. 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. 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? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. You can organize many of the activities mentioned above (like seeing the turtles or a boat tour) through La Choza Chula, a local social enterprise in El Paredon that benefits the community directly. Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. For 120 quezales($15), I had a private one-hour lesson with Bagley. It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. Whether youre an avid surfer, yogi, beach volleyballer or beach bum, I think we can all agree that getting to enjoy the sunrise and sunset light in one day is nothing short of a dream. I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. 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. One way to get to El Paredon is by shuttle. 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. Alex provided a lot of information before . Ive got you! When can you find snow in El Paredon? Read below for more weather and travel details. Rain is rare with 0 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. World Nomads is great for incidents that happen prior to your trip, so if you get sick or are unable to travel due to travel restrictions some of their policies will cover that as cancellation cover. Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. 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. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. Its a wild feeling and very unique. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? Depending how many people you have, this isnt too much more expensive than the shuttle and is more convenient. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. The sand becomes less hot which is also a great time to walk down the beach and explore. Local experiences are why we travel! If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. So these are the spots offering day passes. These months see the most precipitation with 10 to 12 days of precipitation per 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. Finca El Zapote ofrece a sus visitantes cientos de actividades por hacer al aire libre, siendo un lugar paradisaco con vistas impresionantes. The 20km. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . 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. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. 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! 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.) Is El Paredon, Guatemala safe? El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. Anything youd add? See average monthly temperatures below. With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. While I didnt see this hotel while I was in El Paredon, it looks like a really nice option. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. El Paredon Surf Camp is the surf camp that I went with when I was here, and they were super cool and very reasonably priced. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. 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. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. I did the homework, so you dont have to. Nesting is from June-November. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. Like the one below. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. 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 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. There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Its never far! 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. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. Take a tour with La Choza Chula. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. 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. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. 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. 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. 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! This is a really unique experience because you really get to share and experience how the local people here in El Paredon live. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. El Paredon, Guatemala Solola, Guatemala. Hey, I am Sean Lau! They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. I also. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. Renee - SALES. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. Shuttles leave twice a day. You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. There arent a ton of restaurants, coffee shops, or hotels in the area. If you have a portable one then that is even better! 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. To no ones surprise at all, Driftwood Surfer is the best hostel in El Paredon. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! There is no ATM! The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. Almost every place on the beach will have board rentals available; however, some do not rent to people who have never been surfing before because, as we have mentioned, the surf can be dangerous. Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. One of their most popular activities is a homestay. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. The sand is HOT. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. Unfortunately, there are a lot of riptides, and youll see signs scattered around the beach and all of the hotels warning you to be careful. If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. Just 60 meters away from the beach, you can run to the waves straight from your villa's doorstep. 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. If you are looking for a romantic and unique experience in El Paredon, then consider horseback riding along the beach. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! 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. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. there arent many options and many people book before arriving. Support local businesses. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! Everything below is something I currently use and never leave my house without. The seafood there is a must-try. 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. Where is El Paredn? If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak 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. Unlike other countries, Guatemala does not experience four seasons. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. These spots are also where the parties will be if there are any. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. And those hippies that walk around beach towns barefooted regret all their life choices when they come here thinking they will do the same. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. The money will help run this site! 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. 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. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? When they were open.. the food was amazing! There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Im not joking; this town is pretty desolate! RELATED: 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! If you are a big surfer and love relaxing by the pool, then I highly suggest you visit El Paredon in Guatemala. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. It will certainly be the slowest and least pleasant. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. Often times you will be sitting on the beach and only be able to see so far because of the darkness of the sand reflecting. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. 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. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. This makes El Paredon one of the best places in Guatemala to go surfing. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. We were never disappointed. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot.

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