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.) I got the best of both worlds, access to the cool hotel WITHOUT the lack of sleep at night (granny needs her shut-eye, kids!). El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala - a world of destinations This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. If you have a few extra days in Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely worth visiting. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. Make sure you take out plenty of cash before you come, because not everywhere accepts credit cards (or you might have to pay a large fee.). El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. They do have a huge sea turtle conservation project that is a must to check out if you come during the sea turtle hatching season. 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 The Ultimate Guide to visiting El Paredon | From Antigua Keep in mind this town is mega small! 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! and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. El Paredon Swell When can you find snow in El Paredon? Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. This is not the place you can go in the water and play around. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. Secret Guatemala: the Black Beaches of El Paredn The weather tends to be extremely hot and humid during March and April, but it cools down after sunset. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . 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. Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. 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 sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. Hammock Living. The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The highs and lows of spending coronavirus quarantine in paradise It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. Central America ; Guatemala ; Escuintla Department ; El Paredon ; El Paredon B&Bs / Inns ; Paredon Surf House; Search. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. Driftwood Surfer is by far the most popular hostel amongst backpackers. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. Pacifico El Paredon, El Paredn Buena Vista, Guatemala Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. El Paredon Vacation Rentals & Homes - Escuintla Department, Guatemala The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Hey, I am Sean Lau! Fro. Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Anything youd add? And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! Surfing or learning to surf is one of the best things to do in El Paredon and with it being such a small beach town, ocean time is one of the only things to do! If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? El Paredon is a small fishing village in Guatemala, with the Pacific Ocean on the South-Eas,t and the Sipacate Mangrove Nature Reserve on the North-West side. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. 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. Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. Dont come here with the wrong idea. My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. Hotel in El Paredn Buena Vista. The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. 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. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. 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. 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. Disclosure: Where in the World is Nina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program 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. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to, If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. Take a cooking class and learn to make local dishes so you can recreate them at home! I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. 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 majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. 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. Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! It is one of the best surfing spots in Guatemala, and though you might not be able to do a lot of swimming, the black sand beaches are an incredible sight. For the tourist bus, its around 125Q and you can either book through the accommodation you book to stay in El Paredon, or book through GuateGo. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. We were never disappointed. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. 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. 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. More About Nina. And What Not To Pack? El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. 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! Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! Also. If you have a portable one then that is even better! If the place youre staying doesnt have its own pool, you can get a day pass at Mellow Hostel for Q150 (which includes Q100 bar tab.) Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! 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. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! El Paredon Guatemala Surf - A Complete Guide By A Surfer Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in El Paredon (yet!). La Choza Chula is a non-profit that empowers locals by creating authentic experiences. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in El Paredon. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. 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. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? The streets of El Paredn, Guatemala / Paredon Surf Club Facebook Page The beach is fronted by a line of small hotels and hostels. HomeContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. 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 just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. 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. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. 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. Super worth it! Theres always something going on! Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. 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! You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. It is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. The Best Surfing in Guatemala Is at El Paredon - Matador Network Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. 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. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. See the exact locations of these spots on theGuatemala Google Map Legend. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. Im not joking; this town is pretty desolate! And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! There is no ATM! The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. 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. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. This was during peak season in January 2022. This tour involves hiking, The Solo Girls Guide To Traveling Without Fear, The Solo Girls Guide To Becoming A Digital Nomad, El Paredon Surfing Where to surf in El Paredon, book transport in Guatemala with them here. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. 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. Top Hotels in El Paredon from $55 - Expedia Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. Go for it! It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. 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. If you buy something through the links on this page, youre helping me pay for my next adventureso, thank you for clicking! Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to La Choza Chula as they have plenty of volunteer opportunities. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. The money will help run this site! One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. Rent a board and surf! Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! The Best El Paredn Buena Vista Hotels, Guatemala (From $30) The 20km. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. How magical is that!? So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. 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. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. So El Paredon is small. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. You can see turtles feeding year-round in El Paredon (and depending on the season, you might even be able to watch them hatch!) The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand.
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