Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. 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. Youll be watching the sun go down after another day in paradise with everyone else in El Paredon, its a social time to be at the beach for sure! Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. La Choza Chula are located in the heart of El Paredon where you can visit their shop to book a tour or to shop the local ecological products made by the local women. Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). 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! The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around.
How to get to El Paredon | La Choza Chula I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. Id love you to share it for me. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. So if you want to hammock it up along the coast, this is the spot. Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world.
El Paredon, Guatemala: A Beach Paradise 76 68. For 120 quezales($15), I had a private one-hour lesson with Bagley. It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days per month. Bring a towel and your camera and enjoy the show that light ups the sky. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. 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. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. This activity is one of my personal favorites. Theres a bar and a restaurant if youre not a guest so you can always enjoy Driftwood without staying here. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. Like the one below. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. Rain is rare with 0 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. 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! Hammock Living. Best Times to Travel Guatemala El Paredon, Guatemala, Tourism graph is based on Google searches for services used by tourists relative to the rest of the year. El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean.
Its location couldnt be any more central or conveniently located on the beachfront. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. 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 only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off.
The Best Surfing in Guatemala Is at El Paredon - Matador Network Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. 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! 3av 3-25, El Paredon, Sipacate, Escuintla, 05021 Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay $89 per night Feb 20 - Feb 21 0.49 mi from city center Swell Surf & Lifestyle Hotel 1 Avenida, Sipacate, Escuintla $66 per night Feb 20 - Feb 21 0.44 mi from city center 4.7/5 Exceptional!
El Paredon Guatemala: Ultimate Travel Guide - Zoe Goes Places This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America.
Top Hotels in El Paredon from $55 - Expedia 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. Keep in mind this town is mega small! This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! See the exact locations of these spots on theGuatemala Google Map Legend. Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? 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 El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. 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. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia.
You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. 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. Finca El Zapote ofrece a sus visitantes cientos de actividades por hacer al aire libre, siendo un lugar paradisaco con vistas impresionantes. 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. Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. 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.) See more information on their website here. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. There is no ATM! It is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. 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. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. 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. El Paredon off the beaten path. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. Drfitwood hosts evening events and dinners too (you know, beer pong vibes) have a wander in and just ask one of the many staff here. I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool.
El Paredon Vacation Rentals & Homes - Escuintla Department, Guatemala 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! This is where we stayed and we loved it! Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. Choose your slice of paradise! A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Alex provided a lot of information before . I did the homework, so you dont have to. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. Of course, Guatemala has some of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, but none of them feel quite like El Paredon.
Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala - a world of destinations The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Some tours even include classes for you to learn how the locals fish, and youll get the chance to try a new experience on a tranquil part of the mangrove. I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. You can also rent a surfboard at almost any place you stay. I do hope it stays like this in some ways as it is being built up quite fast by the growing popularity. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. See average monthly temperatures below.
El Paredon - Guatemala's best kept secret! - YouTube Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. And What Not To Pack? Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. Youll drive past lots of birds (some of which are migrating up north to Alaska or some that are migrating down south) as pass the mouth to the ocean and then head to a place where turtles have been living for hundreds of years. ID LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WEVE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN! You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! Happy days! 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. 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. REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! The sand is HOT. 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. This means any day of the week, you can use the 100q you pay for entry towards food and drink. Did you find this post helpful? You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. 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. I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! The sun gets extremely red and big. There are multiple options on how to get to El Paredon, depending on where you are. There arent too many things to do here; however, the best thing to do is to chill at a hotel via a day pass unless you are already staying at that hotel. If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. 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. Take a bracelet making class with some of the local girls from the village. I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. 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. One of the main spots to hang out! 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. A lot smaller than Id imagined. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. This tour involves hiking Volcan Acatenango where you will camp for the night then when you arrive back in Antigua they will organize all of your transport and accommodation as well as your surf lessons. If you are looking for a luxurious beach getaway or a beach that you can bask on for hours and hours while being catered to, this is NOT the place to go! If you're looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. 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. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. 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! Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. If you have a portable one then that is even better! . This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. Take a tour with La Choza Chula. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! If you are looking for a romantic and unique experience in El Paredon, then consider horseback riding along the beach. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night. Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. It has a stunning pool and comfortable accommodations ranging from shared rooms to private bungalows to private room with air conditioning. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! This is the place to do it. 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. Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. 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. there arent many options and many people book before arriving. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. 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.
The Ultimate Guide to visiting El Paredon | From Antigua Other travel guides we know you will like: Global traveller @ste_marques shares with us the B, 5 DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! RELATED: 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. 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. Go for it! 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. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Read More: Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. 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. PAREDON SURF HOUSE - Updated 2022 Prices & Guest house Reviews (El Paredon, Guatemala) Central America Guatemala Escuintla Department El Paredon El Paredon B&Bs / Inns Paredon Surf House 271 reviews #1 of 2 guest houses in El Paredon Save Share Aldea El Paredon, Sipacate 500 Meters before the Plaza de El Paredon, El Paredon 05021 Guatemala In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. La Choza Chula are a social enterprise and rely on donations/tour bookings to drive their mission another reason to book your adventures here! Nesting is from June-November. A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.
The 20km. Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! 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.
El Paredon Swell 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. This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it!
How to get from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! Support local businesses. 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. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. 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. This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. So which spots have the best day passes? 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. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. 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! It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. Wear shoes on the beach. This is due to volcanic activity. More Routes from Antigua Antigua to Lanqun Antigua to San Marcos la Laguna Antigua to Lake Atitlan Antigua to El Paredon Not many people will be swimming because of the rip currents and the big waves that rip through here. Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat!