Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. When they were open.. the food was amazing! The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in El Paredon. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. 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. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! The Surf House is a super cool place to stay (on the beachfront!) Even though El Paredon is a small town, youll find many things to do to keep you entertained. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. 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. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. You can choose to keep the fish to cook or donate some of the fish to the local families. 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. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. Shuttles leave twice a day. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. Hey, I am Sean Lau! We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. 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. This museum, about 2.75km on foot or 5km by vehicle from El Bal hilltop site, comprises a very fine open-air assemblage of Pipil stone sculpture. The busiest month for tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala is February, followed by January and April. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. 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. 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. How magical is that!? If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! We were never disappointed. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! However, the water here is a bit intimidating, so you might want to go out with somebody who can help you have more fun and be super safe. Choose your slice of paradise! I got the fish tacos which were amazing. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These times of year are the busiest with tourists. 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. However, the beach really comes to life when sunset approaches. You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. Many hotels here give this advise as well. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. 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. 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! You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. The community in El Paredon is very environmentally aware. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. El Paredon is a quiet Pacific coastal town well-known for surfing and features a long, wild, unspoiled volcanic beach. Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. 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. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. 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. 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. See more information on their website here. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! La Choza Chula is a non-profit that empowers locals by creating authentic experiences. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! So if you want to hammock it up along the coast, this is the spot. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. The beaches of El Paredon have black sand, which gets extremely HOT in the sun (think walking on paved asphalt in the middle of the day.) El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? 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. So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. Follow your guide through Antigua's main square to learn about its colonial architecture and sleep under the shadow of Pacaya Volcano in its national park of the same name. Anything youd add? If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! RELATED: 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! More Routes from Antigua Antigua to Lanqun Antigua to San Marcos la Laguna Antigua to Lake Atitlan Antigua to El Paredon 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. See the exact locations of these spots on theGuatemala Google Map Legend. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). If you're looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. 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. Weather is perfect this time of year in El Paredon to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. 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! Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. 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. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. Nesting is from June-November. 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. What Should You Pack For Guatemala? This is where we stayed and we loved it! When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Instead, they use a washing line. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. there arent many options and many people book before arriving. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. This is one of the most popular spots! 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! 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. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. 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 is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. For 120 quezales($15), I had a private one-hour lesson with Bagley. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! 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 leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. 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. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! 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 You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. The money will help run this site! One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. 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. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. The last option would be to take a taxi or Uber. Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. 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. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. Alex provided a lot of information before . Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! Hiking the Famous Acatenango Volcano Near Antigua, Exploring the Nature Park of Hobbitenango, Exploring the Many Hikes Lake Atitlan has to offer, KEEN Durand II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots, Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks, 10 Day Itinerary in Guatemala: The Ideal Route, 3 Week Itinerary in Peru: A Hikers Dream, 3 Week Itinerary in Colombia: A Dream Vacation, The best overall way to travel from Lake Atitlan to El Paredon is by shuttle, This shuttle takes 3 hours and you will have to get off and onto a boat for the last 10 minutes. 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. Heres more information about the shuttles. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Unlike other countries, Guatemala does not experience four seasons. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. In fact, you might as well watch it every night! Id love you to share it for me. One of those times we stopped at Zicatela and we loved it. If you want the cheapest way, youll be riding on the chicken bus and in that case, it will take around four hours to get here as youll have tons of stops along the way. The best time to visit El Paredon, Guatemala is during the countrys dry season. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Dont come here with the wrong idea. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. See average monthly temperatures below. 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. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. 7.8K me gusta,98 comentarios.Video de TikTok de Juls (@julsgoes): Quieres ganar 1 noche gratis en Hotel Kaana Surf en Playa el Paredn? Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. The sand is HOT. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. Here are the best things to do. Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. The seafood there is a must-try.