Below is a list of some of my favorite hiking/travel gear that I bring with me everywhere. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Follow your guide through Antigua's main square to learn about its colonial architecture and sleep under the shadow of Pacaya Volcano in its national park of the same name. Id love you to share it for me. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. We were never disappointed. As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. 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.) Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. Here are the best things to do. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. Keep in mind this town is mega small! Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? 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. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. I spent 4 days earlier this month on the volcanic black sands of El Paredon and so if youre looking for an insight into what to expect, where to stay and the best things to do in El Paredon Guatemala dont move an inch. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. The only downside to the place is that it is a little away from the beach, so you dont get any beach access while hanging out here. The surf here in winter, when the waves are at their best, are of decent size. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Of course, Guatemala has some of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, but none of them feel quite like El Paredon. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. Its highly advised to book accommodation before arriving. When they were open.. the food was amazing! I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. This Guatemalan beach isnt like the ones youre used to. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time 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. Whether you are a big surfer or looking to relax for a few days, I highly suggest coming here. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. Is it Safe to Travel to El Paredon? If youre looking to experience an off-the-beaten path destination in Guatemala, look no further than El Paredon. Fro. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in El Paredon (in). Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. Central America ; Guatemala ; Escuintla Department ; El Paredon ; El Paredon B&Bs / Inns ; Paredon Surf House; Search. This is a very small beach town, dont just show up! 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. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. One of the many things La Choza Chula offers is a Guatemalan cooking class. Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. But seriously. It will certainly be the slowest and least pleasant. Youll get to see their heads pop up to breathe! I picked one of the very last available when I booked (Sunrise Hostal) and it was perfect for what I was looking for. They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. All rights reserved. Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. 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. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. There can be a strong current and if you go too far out it might pull you in. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. 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. So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! Nowhere is 100% safe, all of the time. And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! Heres more information about the shuttles. 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. 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! If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! There are multiple options on how to get to El Paredon, depending on where you are. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. Renee - SALES. With the endless volcanic black sand beach and the consistent waves it is a perfect destination for all types of . Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. I know Guatemala from the many volcanos and the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? A few of the hotels around El Paredon offer day passes where you can give them X amount of money, and you can use that money as your bar or food tab. 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. **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. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. Keep in mind that these services do not operate on the coast, so they wont be an option for your return. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 This is where we stayed and we loved it! If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! El Paredon is one of the best surf destinations in Guatemala. Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. 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. Super cool chill spot with access to hammocks, pool, and hang-out area at the top of their main bungalow. After a morning surf or if youre just waking up from last nights party, it is never a bad time to relax by the pool. 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. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. 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. Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. 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. This is the place to do it. 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. The weather tends to be extremely hot and humid during March and April, but it cools down after sunset. Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. 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! If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. 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. La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. I highly recommend Paredon Surf House. If you are a big surfer and love relaxing by the pool, then I highly suggest you visit El Paredon in Guatemala. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. The only danger in El Paredon is the strong currents that could pull in inexperienced swimmers. Just 60 meters away from the beach, you can run to the waves straight from your villa's doorstep. Additionally, La Choza Chula provides workshops and proper training to all of its staff. Wear shoes on the beach. 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 If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. Someone different is putting on an event each night and thats where you will see everyone. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. 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. 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. Rent a board and surf! These spots are also where the parties will be if there are any. As a small, sleepy town, crime is really minimal. You can also email but remember the wifi isnt great there so it is always best to call. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. Hammock Living. Solola, Guatemala. Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! Visit the turtle hatchery early in the morning to see turtles hatch and run to the ocean! 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 decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. 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. The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. Rain is rare with 0 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. On this tour, you take a little boat into the mangroves with a local guide. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. Its location couldnt be any more central or conveniently located on the beachfront. 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! In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. 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. Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. And those hippies that walk around beach towns barefooted regret all their life choices when they come here thinking they will do the same. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. The least humid month is March (65.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (80.3%). El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. Afterwards, enjoy the food with the local family! The 20km. 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. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. 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. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. there arent many options and many people book before arriving. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! HomeContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. 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. When you arrive here it feels so remote but that is why I fell in love with this place. Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. It had literally all gone. Cost 150q ($20) access only; they do not have their day pass fees go towards a tab which is unfortunate. Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. However, the beach really comes to life when sunset approaches. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. It is so hot that most people dont bask on the sandy beach during the day. In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. 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! People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. A lot smaller than Id imagined. 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. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Is El Paredon, Guatemala safe? You can take these tours with them, and many of the accommodations I mention below also offer these tours through them. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak 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. 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. This makes El Paredon one of the best places in Guatemala to go surfing. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! Kayak the mangroves to the left of the town. Weather is perfect this time of year in El Paredon to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to La Choza Chula as they have plenty of volunteer opportunities. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Instead, they use a washing line. Some of the events that happen are beer pong tournaments and trivia nights. You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. 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? Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . El Paredon Guatemala At A Glance El Paredon is a tinny town where you can literally walk its length in about 10 minutes! Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. El Paredon is super sleepy and honestly can be explored in about an hour of walking around the town. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. 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. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! The sky gets illuminated with all sorts of pinks, oranges, and reds, while the water will glisten with the last of the suns light. Go and grab a board from your hostel and start shredding! 2023 Wander Her Way. That means you can use all 150q on drinks and food all day while using their facilities. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand.
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