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. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! Go for it! The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. So El Paredon is small. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. It is the lowest . Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. All rights reserved. We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. Instead, they use a washing line. 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. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! 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! 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. Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. If you want a break from all the exciting activities we recommended above, then maybe youll want to just lay down on the black sand and relax for a while. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. 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. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. Renee - SALES. The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. If you take a tour or do an activity through La Choza Chula, your money will go back into the local community. El Paredon, Guatemala Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. 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. A couple of local places I loved in El Paredon were: There are these 3 little huts located just behind Pakalolo Heladeria Ice Cream. Weather is perfect this time of year in El Paredon to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. It is accessible via two different routes, either coming via land or via boat, travelling down the canal until you arrive at the community from the Sipacate side. If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. 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. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. and offers the balance of tranquil vibes around the pool along with medium doses of lets get in the ocean and surf baby! You can opt for beachfront bungalows, shared dorms (perfect for solo travellers) and sea view suites! If you are a big surfer and love relaxing by the pool, then I highly suggest you visit El Paredon in Guatemala. Despite its tiny size, the whole place feels like a different world, compared to the rest of the country. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Anything youd add? Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! This Guatemalan beach isnt like the ones youre used to. One of the main spots to hang out! Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. 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. When can you find snow in El Paredon? It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. 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. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! The Surf House is a super cool place to stay (on the beachfront!) The warmest time of year is generally late April where highs are regularly around 94.6F (34.8C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 73.7F (23.2C) at night. See the exact locations of these spots on theGuatemala Google Map Legend. 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 more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. Again, you can STAY at these hotels if you want, then you can get free access, but they are also kind of party places and most offer dorms as the budget accommodation. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. 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. You can also rent a surfboard at almost any place you stay. 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! Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. 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. 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. Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. Did you find this post helpful? Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night. 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. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . This is the place to do it. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. 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.) Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! They are more expensive than the chicken bus but I believe safety is worth the cost, which is not outrageously high anyway. As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in Guatemala and the cheapest. Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? This is due to volcanic activity. 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. Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! One way to get to El Paredon is by shuttle. See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! 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. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. You might not get quite the array of ex-pat run juice bars and sunset cocktail joints but you are guaranteed a Guatemalan experience. Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. The nice thing about that is, you can lose yourself in your day and then when the light begins to drop and the sunset oranges appear you just drop everything and head to the beach. The 20km. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. 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 complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. Where is El Paredn? 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. And What Not To Pack? Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! Super worth it! The sand becomes less hot which is also a great time to walk down the beach and explore. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. Surfing or learning to surf is one of the best things to do in El Paredon and with it being such a small beach town, ocean time is one of the only things to do! Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. Local experiences are why we travel! 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. 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. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. Hotel in El Paredn Buena Vista. 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. Before or after the midday sun, take a stroll along the beach and soak up the tranquillity of El Paredon. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. The owner is a pretty cool guy). Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. Here are the best things to do. Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. Wear shoes on the beach. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. Super cool chill spot with access to hammocks, pool, and hang-out area at the top of their main bungalow. El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. There arent a ton of restaurants, coffee shops, or hotels in the area. He was super chill. 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. 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. We recommend that you do horseback riding around sunset, so you can enjoy the beautiful colors of the falling sun as you make your way across the gorgeous black sand beaches of El Paredon. 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 possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities.