It had literally all gone. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. Heres more information about the shuttles. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. The money will help run this site! Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. **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. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. 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. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! As you make your way down, you can admire the flora and fauna of the mangroves. Happy days! Shuttles leave twice a day. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. 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. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. 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 Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! One of the main spots to hang out! With no plans to stop anytime soon Im always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano Ill try (almost) anything once! There are some other cool activities in this area that you can do if those arent your thing. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! 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. 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. 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! Rent a board and surf! ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Theres always something going on! I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. 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. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. Just 60 meters away from the beach, you can run to the waves straight from your villa's doorstep. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. All rights reserved. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. Several places in the town offer horseback riding, but the most famous of which is Driftwood Surfer Hostel. This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. Take a cooking class and learn to make local dishes so you can recreate them at home! Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. We were never disappointed. a beach hut with no air conditioning.) 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! On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. So which spots have the best day passes? Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. 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. Ive got you! To soak up and immerse ourselves in different languages, cultures, tastes and traditions. 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! Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. 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. This small hostel is known for its rooftop restaurant and lively nightlife, thanks to the number of backpackers that arent afraid to dance all night and take too many shots of tequila. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Again you can opt for a dorm room, beach shack or private room! I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. 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. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. There is no ATM! One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. Solola, Guatemala. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. If you have a few extra days in Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely worth visiting. Id love you to share it for me. Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. El Paredon off the beaten path. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. 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! Taxis and Uber are much more expensive than using one of the tourist shuttle services, so we dont recommend it unless you have no other choice. 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. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. Rain is rare with 0 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. 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. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. 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? The lazy beach town isn't one that many people think to venture to when visiting Guatemala, as often popular tourist destinations like Tikal and Lake Atitlan fall further up on their lists.However, if you're looking for some beach time, and a destination that will show you a different side of . Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. The sand becomes less hot which is also a great time to walk down the beach and explore. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. He was super chill. Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) They also offer homestays, cooking classes, and more. El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. 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. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for SafetyWing. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. . 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. Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. Choose your slice of paradise! The 20km. 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! When you arrive here it feels so remote but that is why I fell in love with this place. Mellow, Driftwood, and Cocori are totally awesome places to book while staying in El Paredon! 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. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. El Paredon, Guatemala 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 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. We mostly ate at our hostel (Cocori) and they had amazing food. They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. Heres what you need to know to have the perfect beach escape in El Paredon. If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. 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. Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. RELATED: 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. 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! In fact, you might as well watch it every night! Cabins and places to camp are offered at affordable prices, and lessons are offered for beginner surfers. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. Its a wild feeling and very unique. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! The busiest month for tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala is February, followed by January and April. Where is El Paredn? Yes, you should! Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Located in El Paredn Buena Vista, a 3-minute walk from El Paredon Beach, Casa Zala has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in El Paredon. The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. Instead, they use a washing line. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. This is due to volcanic activity. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. Depending on when you come to El Paredon, there wont be a ton of restaurants that you are used to having. El Paredon is super sleepy and honestly can be explored in about an hour of walking around the town. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. there arent many options and many people book before arriving. During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. These times of year are the busiest with tourists. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. This was during peak season in January 2022. The small surf town of El Paredon, Guatemala, is safe to visit! Remember, they have a bit more of a party vibe going on, though, so as long as you know that and thats what you want, youll be right there in the action. Fro. Wear shoes on the beach. 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. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. Since then, I have trekked through the Andes, tested my lungs at over 5,000 meters above sea level, encountered the worlds deadliest spider in the Amazon Rainforest, explored the worlds most catastrophic nuclear disaster. 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. See average monthly temperatures below. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. Here are the best things to do. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. The Surf House is a super cool place to stay (on the beachfront!) The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. Unlike other countries, Guatemala does not experience four seasons. Its highly advised to book accommodation before arriving. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to La Choza Chula as they have plenty of volunteer opportunities. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. 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. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. Dont come here with the wrong idea. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. Super worth it! Its a 2- 2.5-hour bus ride from Antigua to El Paredon and although Im normally an advocate of taking public transport its really not worth it. 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.

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