Learn more. Jokes aside - El Paredon is pretty safe. And What Not To Pack? Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! 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! Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! Read below for more weather and travel details. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. These spots are also where the parties will be if there are any. 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. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. 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! I got you covered! 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. One of the main spots to hang out! As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. 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. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. RELATED: 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! The surf here in winter, when the waves are at their best, are of decent size. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. 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. Fro. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? 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! 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. Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. This is the place to do it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Dont come here with the wrong idea. 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. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. The hostel is a huge part of the community in El Paredon, so if you need information about surfing, turtle release, or really about anything in El Paredon, the staff at Driftwood Surfer can help you. Instead, they use a washing line. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Local experiences are why we travel! Here are the best things to do. Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. 2023 Wander Her Way. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . Finca El Zapote ofrece a sus visitantes cientos de actividades por hacer al aire libre, siendo un lugar paradisaco con vistas impresionantes. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. Tourist busses from Antigua to el Paredon are faster and safer and more comfortable, which are three good reasons why you would want to use them. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! I only have one night, which was not enough! Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! 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. It had literally all gone. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. 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. Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. 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. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. Hammock Living. El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Go for it! 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. La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. 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. Not everywhere has WiFi. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. Youll get to see their heads pop up to breathe! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! Thanks for stopping by my blog! 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! The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! Top Tip:Always book before you get there! Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. The best time to visit El Paredon, Guatemala is during the countrys dry season. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. 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. Mellow, Driftwood, and Cocori are totally awesome places to book while staying in El Paredon! Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. Im not joking; this town is pretty desolate! Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. If you take a tour or do an activity through La Choza Chula, your money will go back into the local community. 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. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. I also. 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. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. 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. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Depending on when you come to El Paredon, there wont be a ton of restaurants that you are used to having. Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. 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.) The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. This small, laidback fishing village is located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, about two hours from Antigua and three and a half hours from the capital. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! 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. 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. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! 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. Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in Guatemala and the cheapest. 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. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. 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? This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. Rain is rare with 0 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. Yes, you should! If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. Of course, Guatemala has some of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, but none of them feel quite like El Paredon. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. 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. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. 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? The weather tends to be extremely hot and humid during March and April, but it cools down after sunset. It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! If you are looking for a romantic and unique experience in El Paredon, then consider horseback riding along the beach. You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. 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. 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. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. You can see turtles feeding year-round in El Paredon (and depending on the season, you might even be able to watch them hatch!) You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. One of their most popular activities is a homestay. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. 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! It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. Take a cooking class and learn to make local dishes so you can recreate them at home! If youve rented a car, then you can easily drive there. The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. 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. ID LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WEVE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN! RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. 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. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. 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. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in El Paredon (in). Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! While there isnt too much to do in El Paredon, its a good place to relax and you wont want to rush yourself, so I would recommend staying for at least two nights. If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. Heres what you need to know to have the perfect beach escape in El Paredon. Choose your slice of paradise! If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala 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! You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. 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. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. 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. Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. 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. Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. I think thats the name anyway! Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. 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. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. Cabins and places to camp are offered at affordable prices, and lessons are offered for beginner surfers. Solola, Guatemala. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. Super worth it! If you are a big surfer and love relaxing by the pool, then I highly suggest you visit El Paredon in Guatemala. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. The sand is HOT. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. To no ones surprise at all, Driftwood Surfer is the best hostel in El Paredon. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. It has a stunning pool and comfortable accommodations ranging from shared rooms to private bungalows to private room with air conditioning. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. See the exact locations of these spots on theGuatemala Google Map Legend. Fro. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. 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. Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? 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.). Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Although it had only just opened and was still a work in progress you can see the potential. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). However, with that said, if you are the right person, you all have so much fun visiting this beach town! One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay 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. Shuttles leave twice a day. 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. A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. 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. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. Explore The Pacific Slope. 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. This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. The best option to rent a kayak is at El Paredon Surf Camp for 40 GTQ (5 USD) for three hours. You might not get quite the array of ex-pat run juice bars and sunset cocktail joints but you are guaranteed a Guatemalan experience. Top tip: The black sands get very hot during the day for obvious reasons so whilst its nice to be barefoot on the earth, Id bring flip flops to save yourself the burn! One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer.