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. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. 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. 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. 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. If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. Most accommodations will offer surf hire and surf lessons to guest and if they dont have the instructors / equipment themselves, they will be able to make arrangements for you. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. During the day, its best to observe from the safety of a hammock or a pool deck. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. 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.). It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. Many hotels here give this advise as well. If youre going to walk on the beach, walk along the wet part and run there because the dry sand will scald you on the way. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. 76 68. This is one of the most popular spots! Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. Here are the best things to do. You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. Renee - SALES. 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. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. Unlike surfing which you have to do in the sea, you can stand-up paddleboard in the river, which means that you dont have to worry about the violent waves. Alex provided a lot of information before . Its location couldnt be any more central or conveniently located on the beachfront. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. 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. I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. 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! Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! It is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. The owner is a pretty cool guy). If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. 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. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. Again you can opt for a dorm room, beach shack or private room! The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. For 120 quezales($15), I had a private one-hour lesson with Bagley. 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. If you are looking for things to do in El Paredon at night, then make sure you head to Drift Surfer, the towns most famous beach hostel. I was here for three days and it was MORE than enough time. It will certainly be the slowest and least pleasant. 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. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within 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. Learn more. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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! So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. 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. This small, laidback fishing village is located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, about two hours from Antigua and three and a half hours from the capital. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. 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. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. 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! More Routes from Antigua Antigua to Lanqun Antigua to San Marcos la Laguna Antigua to Lake Atitlan Antigua to El Paredon You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. Best Times to Travel Guatemala El Paredon, Guatemala, Tourism graph is based on Google searches for services used by tourists relative to the rest of the year. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. Support local businesses. 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. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. El Nido Paredon Hotel room in El Paredon Zala House - King-Suite 2 $127 night 4.93 (27) SUPERHOST Private room in El Paredn Buena Vista Villa Maran - private room with AC and pool $98 4.98 (49) SUPERHOST Home in El Paredon BarriOceano - Barrel Cottage $150 SUPERHOST Private room in El Paredon Villa Kaikora Guesthouse in El Paredon 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 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. The money will help run this site! I picked one of the very last available when I booked (Sunrise Hostal) and it was perfect for what I was looking for. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. If you are also looking for the best places to eat in Antigua, take a look at this post right here where I go through all my favorite restaurants, cafes, and breweries in Antigua. Also. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. 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. RELATED: 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! 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. Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. So if youre wanting a late lunch at 4pm you might struggle to find a place offering food at that time. This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. for nearly as long. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. When they were open.. the food was amazing! 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. It is among the most popular destinations in the country due to its friendly locals, stunning landscape, and laid-back atmosphere. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! 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. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. The average high during this season is between 92.8F (33.8C) and 90.2F (32.3C). Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. More About Nina. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. Mellow, Driftwood, and Cocori are totally awesome places to book while staying in El Paredon! Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. I didnt see the full menu but I have it on good authority that they have the best Pizza in Guatemala and I can safely say their breakfast waffle was the best breakfast Ive eaten in a long time. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 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. If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). Kayak the mangroves to the left of the town. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. And What Not To Pack? Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. 2023 Wander Her Way. 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. Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! Dont come here with the wrong idea. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! El Paredon Guatemala At A Glance El Paredon is a tinny town where you can literally walk its length in about 10 minutes! There are multiple options on how to get to El Paredon, depending on where you are. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Im not joking; this town is pretty desolate! Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. Average temperatures in El Paredon vary very little. The surf here in winter, when the waves are at their best, are of decent size. 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. This is not the place you can go in the water and play around. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. Coming from Antigua is a much shorter route and should take 2 hours (depending on traffic), There are more options from here such as chicken busses or taking an uber, Shuttle bus is still recommended for most travelers as it should be around Q100, If you are up for an adventure then taking the chicken busses might suit you. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 10 journal prompts and ideas for you, 14 photos that will make you want to go to Finnish Lapland, The best things to do in Queensland, Australia, An open top car tour of Londons iconic landmarks and landscapes, The perfect winter getaway in a Shepherds Hut in Sussex, UK, The best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy, Gili Island life Saving the best for last, Stoneoven pizzas and cervezas at Olivias pizza (bottom left, duh), El Naranjo wildlife tour 2.5 hours, 250Q, Poza del Nance turtle tour 2 hours, 200Q. Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. The seafood there is a must-try. Despite its tiny size, the whole place feels like a different world, compared to the rest of the country. 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! and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. 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. Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. 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. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. 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! It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. This tour involves hiking, The Solo Girls Guide To Traveling Without Fear, The Solo Girls Guide To Becoming A Digital Nomad, El Paredon Surfing Where to surf in El Paredon, book transport in Guatemala with them here. As you make your way down, you can admire the flora and fauna of the mangroves. But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. 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. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! 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. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? 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. Crowds naturally gather in this location come sunset so its a very social place to grab a drink and join in with the beach volleyball which, during my stay, seemed to be daily occurance. Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. Fro. See more information on their website here. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 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.