You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. All rights reserved. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. Nesting is from June-November. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. You may think to yourself that you want to stay at the party hostel but in reality, the whole town congregates in one area/hostel every night. El Paredon Surf Camp is the surf camp that I went with when I was here, and they were super cool and very reasonably priced. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. 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. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. 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. 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. 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 looking for a romantic and unique experience in El Paredon, then consider horseback riding along the beach. 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. Some of the other activities you can book through them include: As you will come soon find out, partying is very popular in this area of Guatemala. Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. If you're looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Its also located directly on the beach. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. Yes, you should! WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. The small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. One way to get to El Paredon is by shuttle. If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. It is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. The seafood there is a must-try. Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. To soak up and immerse ourselves in different languages, cultures, tastes and traditions. 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. If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? Super cool chill spot with access to hammocks, pool, and hang-out area at the top of their main bungalow. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. 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. Other than this it is practically not worth grabbing your board to head out there, which is sad. One of the most exciting attractions in El Paredon is the nearby mangroves in Sipacate Naranjo National Park. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! 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. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. 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. 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. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. Marchs average wind speed of around 3.6 knots (4.2 MPH or 6.7 KPH) is considered light air. Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early February where average top sustained speeds reach 13.8 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. In fact, you might as well watch it every night! Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. 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.) Solola, Guatemala. Hammock Living. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the pool and intermittently walked to the beach Anahi United States of America 9.3 Weather stations report no annual snow. Many hotels here give this advise as well. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. Other travel guides we know you will like: Global traveller @ste_marques shares with us the B, 5 DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON You will have to transfer busses and then take a tuk-tuk when you get closer to town, This doesnt save that much money and a shuttle is still more cost-effective, If you have a group of people then an uber can be a good choice. Not many people will be swimming because of the rip currents and the big waves that rip through here. Below is a list of some of my favorite hiking/travel gear that I bring with me everywhere. Heres what you need to know to have the perfect beach escape in El Paredon. All wind speeds are in knots. The warmest time of year is generally late April where highs are regularly around 94.6F (34.8C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 73.7F (23.2C) at night. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. Remember, they have a bit more of a party vibe going on, though, so as long as you know that and thats what you want, youll be right there in the action. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! They guarantee all visitors will have the best experience while taking a tour with them, and all profits are reinvested in their community development projects. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. 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. A touch of Bali in a Guatemalan surf hotel. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. However, the water here is a bit intimidating, so you might want to go out with somebody who can help you have more fun and be super safe. Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. Shuttles leave twice a day. 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! Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. See average monthly temperatures below. Even though El Paredon is a small town, youll find many things to do to keep you entertained. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! 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. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. There is no ATM! Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. 2023 Wander Her Way. 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! Support local businesses. Message your host / accommodation ahead of time to arrange. 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. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. 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. Hey, I am Sean Lau! The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in El Paredon (in). They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. Theres always something going on! Granted its not always like that, but still, issue caution when heading out. I highly recommend Paredon Surf House. Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. If youre going to walk on the beach, walk along the wet part and run there because the dry sand will scald you on the way. Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. 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! Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. 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! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Unfortunately, there are a lot of riptides, and youll see signs scattered around the beach and all of the hotels warning you to be careful. 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! Thanks for stopping by my blog! There are some other cool activities in this area that you can do if those arent your thing. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. 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 Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. El Paredon Guatemala At A Glance El Paredon is a tinny town where you can literally walk its length in about 10 minutes! Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. Make sure not to go anywhere around town barefoot as most of the towns streets are made of this same sand, and there is only one major (paved) road that runs through the town. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. This is where we stayed and we loved it! Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. 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. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. A lot smaller than Id imagined. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. a beach hut with no air conditioning.) The black sand isnt ideal for sunbathing, so you wont find any parasols or lounge chairs unless you bring your own. Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. 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. The sun gets extremely red and big. Please see myDisclosurefor more details. 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. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in his guest house. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! 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. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. 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. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.