Exploring Hidden Gems and Eco-Tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala Its a place on the verge of becoming part of the tourist trail, things are changing quickly there and new hotels, shops, and restaurants are being built quickly. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. If you're an independent surfer with a solid experience of surfing on green waves (the unbroken waves), you'll love it here! 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. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Even though El Paredon is a small town, youll find many things to do to keep you entertained. If you have a few extra days in Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely worth visiting. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. 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. Luckily there are a few little hammock huts along the beach, but those are for guests only; we will talk more about this in a sec! With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. 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. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. Happy days! 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 really wholesome tour exposing you to the abundance of Guatemala and the species that thrive within it. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! So which spots have the best day passes? Youll get to experience a glimpse of how the local families here in El Paredon live and get to know more about the local culture here. 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. Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. One of the main spots to hang out! Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. 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 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. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. The beaches in El Paredon and Monterrico are very much alike. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. 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. Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. for nearly as long. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. He was super chill. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! Nesting is from June-November. The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. Go for it! Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! These times of year are the busiest with tourists. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. El Paredon Vacation Rentals & Homes - Escuintla Department, Guatemala Allen who was looking after the place (and still is) was so incredibly helpful and showed me up to their dorm room. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced. If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. Despite its tiny size, the whole place feels like a different world, compared to the rest of the country. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. Black sand beaches are very common in Guatemala, which makes them exotic. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. The surf here in winter, when the waves are at their best, are of decent size. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. 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 . Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. 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. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. And definitely keep in mind if you book another place, the town is small and you might still here the music if youre close enough. The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in El Paredon. 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. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. Im not joking; this town is pretty desolate! Set back just 5 minutes walk from the beachfront, Mellow Hostel also has a wonderful reputation as being somewhere social to stay but without the intense party vibes. Ive got you! 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. 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. Also. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. One of those times we stopped at Zicatela and we loved it. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. 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! The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now called, After being turned away by most of the other places in, As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in, This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! El Paredon Buena Vista, 05021 El Paredn Buena Vista, Guatemala - Great location - show map 7.5 Good 65 reviews Our stay was great value for our money. It is accessible via two different routes, either coming via land or via boat, travelling down the canal until you arrive at the community from the Sipacate side. If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Like the one below. 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. The sand becomes less hot which is also a great time to walk down the beach and explore. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! Also, this is pretty much the main thing to do here, as Ive mentioned. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. Average temperatures in El Paredon vary very little. Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. Everything is within walking distance so no need for transport to and from places. Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? Between June and October (rainy season) is when youll find the biggest waves in El Paredon so do some research if surfing is something youre keen to do. Its a wild feeling and very unique. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. 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! I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. If you wish to avoid the stress of driving there yourself, then the most common way to arrive at El Paredon, Guatemala is to use a tourist shuttle service. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. The Best El Paredn Buena Vista Hotels, Guatemala (From $30) We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. 2023 Wander Her Way. Learn more. Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? 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. Instead, the easiest and still reasonably priced way to get here is to just book a shuttle! Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. With calm waters and great views of the mangroves, its perfect for paddle-boarding. There is a family-run laundry in town, but they do not have tumble dry. 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. If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. La Choza Chula are a social enterprise and rely on donations/tour bookings to drive their mission another reason to book your adventures here! 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. If you are looking for things to do in El Paredon at night, then make sure you head to Drift Surfer, the towns most famous beach hostel. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. If you are looking for a romantic and unique experience in El Paredon, then consider horseback riding along the beach. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. 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. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. 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 Guatemala: Ultimate Travel Guide - Zoe Goes Places and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. 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. 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. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. This is one of the most popular spots! Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. This makes El Paredon one of the best places in Guatemala to go surfing. The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. I got the fish tacos which were amazing. How to get from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala Weather stations report no annual snow. As you make your way down, you can admire the flora and fauna of the mangroves. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. The sand is HOT. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world.
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