If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. Visit the turtle hatchery early in the morning to see turtles hatch and run to the ocean! Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. Thank you! 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.). 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 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 arent many options and many people book before arriving. To no ones surprise at all, Driftwood Surfer is the best hostel in El Paredon. If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. However, with that said, if you are the right person, you all have so much fun visiting this beach town! See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. The sand is HOT. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. 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. Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. Wear shoes on the beach. If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. 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. Other travel guides we know you will like: Global traveller @ste_marques shares with us the B, 5 DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON Not everywhere has WiFi. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. Hiking the Famous Acatenango Volcano Near Antigua, Exploring the Nature Park of Hobbitenango, Exploring the Many Hikes Lake Atitlan has to offer, KEEN Durand II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots, Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks, 10 Day Itinerary in Guatemala: The Ideal Route, 3 Week Itinerary in Peru: A Hikers Dream, 3 Week Itinerary in Colombia: A Dream Vacation, The best overall way to travel from Lake Atitlan to El Paredon is by shuttle, This shuttle takes 3 hours and you will have to get off and onto a boat for the last 10 minutes. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. Fro. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! He was super chill. But seriously. 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. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. If you'd like, you can also opt for a visit to the sleepy beach community of Monterrico for a special wildlife experience. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! See the exact locations of these spots on theGuatemala Google Map Legend. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! 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. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions 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! Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. 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! La Choza Chula are a social enterprise and rely on donations/tour bookings to drive their mission another reason to book your adventures here! From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. 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. And What Not To Pack? On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. After being turned away by most of the other places in El Paredon who werent very helpful at all this place was a breath of fresh air. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. La Choza Chula has even more activities that are worth checking out, so make sure to head their way during your stay in El Paredon, Guatemala. The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. ID LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WEVE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN! 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. RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! 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. 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. It is accessible via two different routes, either coming via land or via boat, travelling down the canal until you arrive at the community from the Sipacate side. 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. El Paredon off the beaten path. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline 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. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. You may think to yourself that you want to stay at the party hostel but in reality, the whole town congregates in one area/hostel every night. Im not joking; this town is pretty desolate! This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. 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! And What Not To Pack? El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. 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. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. Go for it! Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. Its a wild feeling and very unique. This is the place to do it. Mellow, Driftwood, and Cocori are totally awesome places to book while staying in El Paredon! Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Several places in the town offer horseback riding, but the most famous of which is Driftwood Surfer Hostel. The seafood there is a must-try. If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. Its also located directly on the beach. 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. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. It has a stunning pool and comfortable accommodations ranging from shared rooms to private bungalows to private room with air conditioning. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. 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. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. I only have one night, which was not enough! Here are the best things to do. Considering I dont enjoy staying at places that have a lot of people with parties and have dorms to sleep in, I opted to have my private bungalow elsewhere. There 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 El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. 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? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. Is El Paredon, Guatemala safe? As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. 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. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. Did you find this post helpful? This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. One of the main spots to hang out! They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! All wind speeds are in knots. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. 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. See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. 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. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. Taxis and Uber are much more expensive than using one of the tourist shuttle services, so we dont recommend it unless you have no other choice. I got you covered! Heres what you need to know to have the perfect beach escape in El Paredon. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. Its location couldnt be any more central or conveniently located on the beachfront. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. 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. With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. 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. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. **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. El Paredon Buena Vista, 05021 El Paredn Buena Vista, Guatemala - Great location - show map 7.5 Good 65 reviews Our stay was great value for our money. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. Jokes aside - El Paredon is pretty safe. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! 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. 7.8K me gusta,98 comentarios.Video de TikTok de Juls (@julsgoes): Quieres ganar 1 noche gratis en Hotel Kaana Surf en Playa el Paredn? The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. 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! Thinking of traveling from Antigua to 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. ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Instead, the easiest and still reasonably priced way to get here is to just book a shuttle! Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. I picked one of the very last available when I booked (Sunrise Hostal) and it was perfect for what I was looking for. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. Claires Itchy Feet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. When you arrive here it feels so remote but that is why I fell in love with this place. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) The 20km. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested.