PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. 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! Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. 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. We were never disappointed. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! 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! Keep in mind this town is mega small! Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. More About Nina. What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Reviewed March 3, 2022 . Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. 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. Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. 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. 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. 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. Happy days! 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. Hey, I am Sean Lau! There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. Unknown to most travelers, Guatemala's best kept secret is home to some of the country's top surfers. They also offer homestays, cooking classes, and more. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. This hostel not only has a lively atmosphere for backpackers traveling in Guatemala, but it has lots of facilities that will make you stay comfortable. Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. They will at the least have drinks going all day and often have DJs mid-day and well into the night, live music, and other events. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! This is the place to do it. 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. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. 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. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. I also. Solola, Guatemala. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. Its one of the best surf spots in Guatemala, in fact, The Guardian thinks its one of the t. Where is El Paredon beach, and how do you get from Antigua to the beach? 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? One of their most popular activities is a homestay. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. El Paredon Buena Vista, 05021 El Paredn Buena Vista, Guatemala - Great location - show map 7.5 Good 65 reviews Our stay was great value for our money. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. 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.) 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. for nearly as long. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. 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. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. Weather is perfect this time of year in El Paredon to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. So these are the spots offering day passes. The seafood there is a must-try. 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! Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. 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 At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. 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! ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Like the one below. 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 will certainly be the slowest and least pleasant. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! 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. Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? 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. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. This is one of the most popular spots! 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 leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. Super cool chill spot with access to hammocks, pool, and hang-out area at the top of their main bungalow. The best time to visit El Paredon, Guatemala is during the countrys dry season. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. Shuttles leave twice a day. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for SafetyWing. Marchs average wind speed of around 3.6 knots (4.2 MPH or 6.7 KPH) is considered light air. Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early February where average top sustained speeds reach 13.8 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze. Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. 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! Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. Again you can opt for a dorm room, beach shack or private room! Before or after the midday sun, take a stroll along the beach and soak up the tranquillity of El Paredon. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. The busiest month for tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala is February, followed by January and April. The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. Nowhere is 100% safe, all of the time. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! A couple of local places I loved in El Paredon were: There are these 3 little huts located just behind Pakalolo Heladeria Ice Cream. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. 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. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. I only have one night, which was not enough! 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. Rain is rare with 0 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. Theres always something going on! Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. With these amazing Guatemalan cooking experiences, youll get a chance to go to a local familys kitchen and learn how to prepare authentic Guatemalan dishes. One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. 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. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. Now, it is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists. 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! If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. While in El Paredon, you need to experience a boat ride through the mangroves and seeing the sunset on the beach at la barra which is the point where the river meets the ocean. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. var Latitude=13.921353;var Longitude=-91.068703;var rootSlug='el-paredon-gt';var PlaceName='El Paredon';var today = new Date();var dd = String(today.getDate()+2).padStart(2, '0');var mm = String(today.getMonth() + 1).padStart(2, '0');var yyyy = today.getFullYear();today= yyyy + '-' + mm + '-' + dd; The best times to visit El Paredon for ideal weather are. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. 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. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! All wind speeds are in knots. 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. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! Disclosure: Where in the World is Nina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, MileValue, 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. It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. 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! Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. See average monthly temperatures below. Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. Not many people will be swimming because of the rip currents and the big waves that rip through here. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. There is also an unexpected sight to behold here in the form of a Thai restaurant, Soul Food Kitchen . The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! Anything youd add? A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. This means, from November to April. There is no ATM! You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. If youve rented a car, then you can easily drive there. These times of year are the busiest with tourists. 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. Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. 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 If you're an independent surfer with a solid experience of surfing on green waves (the unbroken waves), you'll love it here! 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. Rent a board and surf! I do hope it stays like this in some ways as it is being built up quite fast by the growing popularity. 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.