Things you need to know about visiting El Paredon beach in Guatemala, There are only about 5 places to stay there (a few more options and it is growing), Although there isnt much choice in the way of places to eat, the food is amazing, If you are looking for a quiet time out place, go to El Paredon, If you want a mix of quiet time and party time then you want. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 If youre looking for an up-and-coming destination thats good for surfing and having a good time, El Paredon is definitely perfect for you! It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. 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. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. 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! 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. 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. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. While I didnt see this hotel while I was in El Paredon, it looks like a really nice option. You will definitely want to wear shoes while walking on the beach, or risk burning your feet. Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Not many people will be swimming because of the rip currents and the big waves that rip through here. Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! Several places in the town offer horseback riding, but the most famous of which is Driftwood Surfer Hostel. One way to get to El Paredon is by shuttle. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. Set back just 5 minutes walk from the beachfront, Mellow Hostel also has a wonderful reputation as being somewhere social to stay but without the intense party vibes. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. 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. Central America ; Guatemala ; Escuintla Department ; El Paredon ; El Paredon B&Bs / Inns ; Paredon Surf House; Search. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. These cookies do not store any personal information. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. Nearby, youll find the Sipacate Naranjo National Park, a government-protected nature reserve that is home to a vast ecology of coastal plants and animals. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. The 20km. If you wish to avoid the stress of driving there yourself, then the most common way to arrive at El Paredon, Guatemala is to use a tourist shuttle service. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. 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. El Paredon is super sleepy and honestly can be explored in about an hour of walking around the town. 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. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. 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. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. See more information on their website here. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. Unknown to most travelers, Guatemala's best kept secret is home to some of the country's top surfers. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! Like the one below. If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! This is where we stayed and we loved it! In fact, you might as well watch it every night! It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. You can choose to keep the fish to cook or donate some of the fish to the local families. See average monthly temperatures below. 2023 Wander Her Way. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. Youll be watching the sun go down after another day in paradise with everyone else in El Paredon, its a social time to be at the beach for sure! It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. This is one of the most popular spots! This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. 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. The sand becomes less hot which is also a great time to walk down the beach and explore. If you take a tour or do an activity through La Choza Chula, your money will go back into the local community. 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. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Ive got you! There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. This is the place to do it. One of those times we stopped at Zicatela and we loved it. All rights reserved. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! 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 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. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. Its mainly the kind of destination you go to if you want to surf, or just kick back and relax at the beach or pool (and party at night! You can opt for a private room or dorms here. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. 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.) When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. 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. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! There is also an unexpected sight to behold here in the form of a Thai restaurant, Soul Food Kitchen . Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. Cabins and places to camp are offered at affordable prices, and lessons are offered for beginner surfers. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. Its a wild feeling and very unique. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. The last option would be to take a taxi or Uber. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. 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. If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. Hammock Living. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. So these are the spots offering day passes. Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. The most popular places to stay in El Paredon are: Surf House (Bit more upmarket but on the expensive side and always full), Surf Camp (cheaper, not so nice and always full), Casa Macano Surf-Yoga(If you want to have more of a retreat-style stay I stayed here so see below for full review), Soul Food Kitchen and Guesthouse (best Thai food in Guatemala! El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. 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. 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. Super worth it! 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. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. Shuttles leave twice a day. When they were open.. the food was amazing! Weather is perfect this time of year in El Paredon to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. 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. **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. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. If the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. Although it had only just opened and was still a work in progress you can see the potential. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. This means, from November to April. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. If you'd like, you can also opt for a visit to the sleepy beach community of Monterrico for a special wildlife experience. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Average temperatures in El Paredon vary very little. The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! They also offer homestays, cooking classes, and more. El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. 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. There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Is El Paredon, Guatemala safe? 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. When can you find snow in El Paredon? To soak up and immerse ourselves in different languages, cultures, tastes and traditions. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. It will certainly be the slowest and least pleasant. 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. Fro. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. 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. Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. Other travel guides we know you will like: Global traveller @ste_marques shares with us the B, 5 DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON
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