With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. These times of year are the busiest with tourists. 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. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. And those hippies that walk around beach towns barefooted regret all their life choices when they come here thinking they will do the same. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. If you take a tour or do an activity through La Choza Chula, your money will go back into the local community. The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. 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! There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. 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. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Unlike other countries, Guatemala does not experience four seasons. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. I only have one night, which was not enough! Before or after the midday sun, take a stroll along the beach and soak up the tranquillity of El Paredon. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. 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. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Eating local is one of my favourite things to do in Guatemala and is one of the best things to do in El Paredon because 1. 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. 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. Theres always something going on! 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. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. 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! In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . This makes El Paredon one of the best places in Guatemala to go surfing. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. Renee - SALES. Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! Explore The Pacific Slope. El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Take a tour with La Choza Chula. This Guatemalan beach isnt like the ones youre used to. Go and grab a board from your hostel and start shredding! 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? Luckily there are a few little hammock huts along the beach, but those are for guests only; we will talk more about this in a sec! 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. 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! Its a wild feeling and very unique. **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. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. Weather stations report no annual snow. And What Not To Pack? I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. Of course, Guatemala has some of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, but none of them feel quite like El Paredon. 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. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. 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. Even though El Paredon is a small town, youll find many things to do to keep you entertained. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. Not many people will be swimming because of the rip currents and the big waves that rip through here. 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. This is the place to do it. This is one of the most popular spots! Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Cabins and places to camp are offered at affordable prices, and lessons are offered for beginner surfers. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). Support local businesses. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. 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. When they were open.. the food was amazing! The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. there arent many options and many people book before arriving. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! So El Paredon is small. 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. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. 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. This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. 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. One of the main spots to hang out! So which spots have the best day passes? For the tourist bus, its around 125Q and you can either book through the accommodation you book to stay in El Paredon, or, As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in, Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! 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. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. You can choose to keep the fish to cook or donate some of the fish to the local families. 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. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. 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. There are some other cool activities in this area that you can do if those arent your thing. The sand is HOT. Heres what you need to know to have the perfect beach escape in El Paredon. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. El Paredon is super sleepy and honestly can be explored in about an hour of walking around the town. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. Jokes aside - El Paredon is pretty safe. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to La Choza Chula as they have plenty of volunteer opportunities. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. As there arent that many places if its full you will be sleeping on the beach as you wont be able to return to Antigua until the next day. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. Some of the other activities you can book through them include: As you will come soon find out, partying is very popular in this area of Guatemala. Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. 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. Its never far! I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. 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. Nowhere is 100% safe, all of the time. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? 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. Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. 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. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. Thank you! El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. The Surf House is a super cool place to stay (on the beachfront!) If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. 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. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. 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! To soak up and immerse ourselves in different languages, cultures, tastes and traditions. 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. See average monthly temperatures below. 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! See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. 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. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. One of their most popular activities is a homestay. The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. 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! Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. The best time to visit El Paredon, Guatemala is during the countrys dry season. 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. Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. 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. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Learn more. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. We were never disappointed. However, the beach really comes to life when sunset approaches. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. He was super chill. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. 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. Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. Yes, you should! For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. 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! If you're looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. 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! However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days per month. Take a bracelet making class with some of the local girls from the village. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua.