See average monthly temperatures below. The black sand isnt ideal for sunbathing, so you wont find any parasols or lounge chairs unless you bring your own. A couple of local places I loved in El Paredon were: There are these 3 little huts located just behind Pakalolo Heladeria Ice Cream. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. 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. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! The owner is a pretty cool guy). However, the beach really comes to life when sunset approaches. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. How to get from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. Nesting is from June-November. 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. Within their mission, La Choza Chula also offer local experiences that will immerse you deep into the local culture and will give you the unique chance to see and experience the way the locals do things. Anything youd add? Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Its a wild feeling and very unique. 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. As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in Guatemala and the cheapest. I did the homework, so you dont have to. The least humid month is March (65.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (80.3%). A Beach Weekend In Guatemala - Central America Guatemala | Zoah Surf Hotel | El Paredon 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. Everything below is something I currently use and never leave my house without. The Best El Paredn Buena Vista Hotels, Guatemala (From $30) So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. Secret Guatemala: the Black Beaches of El Paredn That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Several places in the town offer horseback riding, but the most famous of which is Driftwood Surfer Hostel. Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? Because of its location, facing entirely South and out of the shadow of the Galapagos Islands, any south swell that comes out of the Antarctic will hit El Paredon in full force. With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. Although it had only just opened and was still a work in progress you can see the potential. 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. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. The seafood there is a must-try. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. Thanks for stopping by my blog! Yes, you should! The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. The Best Time to Visit El Paredon, Guatemala for Weather, Safety Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. There is no ATM! El Paredon off the beaten path. All wind speeds are in knots. Read below for more weather and travel details. Theres not really too much to do in El Paredon, considering its a tiny beach town made up of just one paved road and several small dirt roads. It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. These months see the most precipitation with 10 to 12 days of precipitation per month. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. Local experiences are why we travel! I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. Ive got you! I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. I think its popular because of its undeniably popular location (right on the beachfront) and because word has caught on and lots of people hang out here. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. To no ones surprise at all, Driftwood Surfer is the best hostel in El Paredon. Theres always something going on! 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. Shuttles leave twice a 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. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. 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. El Paredon - Guatemala's best kept secret! - YouTube And What Not To Pack? I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. Quieres ganar 1 noche gratis en Hotel Kaana Surf en Playa el Paredn It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. 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. Its location couldnt be any more central or conveniently located on the beachfront. 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. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! El Paredon, Guatemala: A Beach Paradise Not everywhere has WiFi. 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. Guatemala Culture & Nature: Antigua to Lake Atitln - 11 Days Not many people will be swimming because of the rip currents and the big waves that rip through here. Your Guide to El ParedonGuatemala's Surf Town - Where in the World Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Top Tip:Always book before you get there! In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! 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. Dont come here with the wrong idea. This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! One of the guys staying in my dorm told me his friend broke his board the day before and so he was mostly bodyboarding because it was too crazy out there. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. 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. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. 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. We mostly ate at our hostel (Cocori) and they had amazing food. Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. 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. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. 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. Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? The lazy beach town isn't one that many people think to venture to when visiting Guatemala, as often popular tourist destinations like Tikal and Lake Atitlan fall further up on their lists.However, if you're looking for some beach time, and a destination that will show you a different side of . Did you find this post helpful? When they were open.. the food was amazing! You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. How to get to El Paredon | La Choza Chula 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. The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. 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. 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. It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. It has a stunning pool and comfortable accommodations ranging from shared rooms to private bungalows to private room with air conditioning. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. You can also rent a surfboard at almost any place you stay. You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. Best of Guatemala: Antigua, El Paredn & Lake Atitln - 13 Days The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. 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.). Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. 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. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. Hey, I am Sean Lau! One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. Instead, they use a washing line. You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! The 20km. Despite its tiny size, the whole place feels like a different world, compared to the rest of the country. 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. El Paredon Guatemala: Ultimate Travel Guide - Zoe Goes Places La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! See more information on their website here. 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. Nowhere is 100% safe, all of the time. This is the place to do it. There is also an unexpected sight to behold here in the form of a Thai restaurant, Soul Food Kitchen . And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. 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. There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. The best option to rent a kayak is at El Paredon Surf Camp for 40 GTQ (5 USD) for three hours. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in El Paredon. Also, this is pretty much the main thing to do here, as Ive mentioned. Here are the activities we recommend you check out: Perhaps the best thing to do in El Paredon is to go surfing. Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Go and grab a board from your hostel and start shredding! There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! La Choza Chula are a social enterprise and rely on donations/tour bookings to drive their mission another reason to book your adventures here! Many hotels here give this advise as well. El Paredon is a quiet Pacific coastal town well-known for surfing and features a long, wild, unspoiled volcanic beach. El Paredon Guatemala - 13+ Cool Things To Do, Where To Stay & Eat You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. 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. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. And those hippies that walk around beach towns barefooted regret all their life choices when they come here thinking they will do the same. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. Is El Paredon, Guatemala safe? Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. ID LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WEVE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN! 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. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. If you are looking for a luxurious beach getaway or a beach that you can bask on for hours and hours while being catered to, this is NOT the place to go! Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. If you're looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. 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.) What To Do in El Paredon, Guatemala - Twirl The Globe 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. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. 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! If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! If dry weather is what youre after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in El Paredon are January, December, and then March. Choose your slice of paradise! Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! 76 68. There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. El Paredon in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1.