If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. They are more expensive than the chicken bus but I believe safety is worth the cost, which is not outrageously high anyway. So drive safely and keep a watchful eye. It has a stunning pool and comfortable accommodations ranging from shared rooms to private bungalows to private room with air conditioning. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Super worth it! When can you find snow in El Paredon? This is a really unique experience because you really get to share and experience how the local people here in El Paredon live. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. Before the world wakes up and before the heat of the sun rises, take the time to wander down to the beach and enjoy a meditation, podcast, surf session, walk or run. REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. Your options are Thai Curry, Indian Curry or Noodles. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. 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. If you are also looking for the best places to eat in Antigua, take a look at this post right here where I go through all my favorite restaurants, cafes, and breweries in Antigua. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. See average monthly temperatures below. Weather stations report no annual snow. Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. All wind speeds are in knots. Go for it! El Paredon is a quiet Pacific coastal town well-known for surfing and features a long, wild, unspoiled volcanic beach. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! 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. 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? 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! 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. 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! 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. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. 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. 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. Here are the best things to do. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. 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. So if youre wanting a late lunch at 4pm you might struggle to find a place offering food at that time. It will certainly be the slowest and least pleasant. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. 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. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. 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! Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! So if you want to hammock it up along the coast, this is the spot. 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. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. Fro. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. There is also an unexpected sight to behold here in the form of a Thai restaurant, Soul Food Kitchen . El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. You can see turtles feeding year-round in El Paredon (and depending on the season, you might even be able to watch them hatch!) She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. 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. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. Not everywhere has WiFi. Yes, you should! Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. 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 in Guatemala is something I didnt expect when visiting here. If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. These times of year are the busiest with tourists. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. 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. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. a beach hut with no air conditioning.) Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. The seafood there is a must-try. El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. 7 Things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. 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. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala There are so many Airbnbs to choose from in El Paredon. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. 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. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. 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. And What Not To Pack? The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. 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. What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. Central America ; Guatemala ; Escuintla Department ; El Paredon ; El Paredon B&Bs / Inns ; Paredon Surf House; Search. El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) 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 is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. I was here for three days and it was MORE than enough time. If youre looking to enhance your trip to the Pacific Coast, one of the best things to do in El Paredon is.. get local! This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. There are some other cool activities in this area that you can do if those arent your thing. But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? Some of these days passes even come with drink vouchers. 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! The money will help run this site! How magical is that!? 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. Guatemala | Zoah Surf Hotel | El Paredon **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. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? Sgueme en Instagram como JULSGOES #guatemala #beachhotel #beachlife #hotel.julsgoes | Publicar el sorteo en mi InstagramQuieres ganarte 1 noche aqu ? How to get to El Paredon | La Choza Chula Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. 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! If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. 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!). This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, 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. What Should You Pack For Guatemala? Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. Local experiences are why we travel! Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It is the lowest . 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. This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! El Paredon off the beaten path. RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to La Choza Chula as they have plenty of volunteer opportunities. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! If dry weather is what youre after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in El Paredon are January, December, and then March. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. Hey, I am Sean Lau! During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. 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. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. 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. 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! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Nearby, youll find the Sipacate Naranjo National Park, a government-protected nature reserve that is home to a vast ecology of coastal plants and animals. Fro. If youve rented a car, then you can easily drive there. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! A Beach Weekend In Guatemala - Central America El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. This is where we stayed and we loved it! On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. Cabins and places to camp are offered at affordable prices, and lessons are offered for beginner surfers. The Ultimate Guide to visiting El Paredon | From Antigua Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. A really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! I picked one of the very last available when I booked (Sunrise Hostal) and it was perfect for what I was looking for. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. 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 Its mainly the kind of destination you go to if you want to surf, or just kick back and relax at the beach or pool (and party at night! Anything youd add? However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! 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. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! The best option to rent a kayak is at El Paredon Surf Camp for 40 GTQ (5 USD) for three hours. I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. El Paredon may not be at the top of everyones bucket lists for Guatemala but its certainly one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala and, if you have time, I highly recommend checking it out. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. The busiest month for tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala is February, followed by January and April. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. El Paredon Swell The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. Many hotels here give this advise as well. Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. 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 best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. Many people will flock to Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or the Mayan ruins. Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. Keep in mind this town is mega small! Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. There is no ATM! 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! If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Dont come here with the wrong idea. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. 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! 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? The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. This was during peak season in January 2022. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) Shuttles leave twice a day. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. 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. The Best Time to Visit El Paredon, Guatemala for Weather, Safety ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Read below for more weather and travel details. 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. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me.