17 Adventurous Things To Do in Guatemala + Tips For Your Visit! So if you want to hammock it up along the coast, this is the spot. 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.). Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! Booking a tour is easy, and youll get a tour guide that will paddle you through the stunning mangrove estuaries of the National Park. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. The 20km. With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. They also offer homestays, cooking classes, and more. 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. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Youll also get to admire some of the most gorgeous beachfront properties along the coastline here! As Ive mentioned, El Paredon is small. The sand is black volcanic sand, and it is boiling the majority of the day. Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. Below is a list of some of my favorite hiking/travel gear that I bring with me everywhere. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! I would love to stay here if I came back to El Paredon! Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. Not everywhere has WiFi. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. 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! Whether youre an avid surfer, yogi, beach volleyballer or beach bum, I think we can all agree that getting to enjoy the sunrise and sunset light in one day is nothing short of a dream. If you want the cheapest way, youll be riding on the chicken bus and in that case, it will take around four hours to get here as youll have tons of stops along the way. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Often times you will be sitting on the beach and only be able to see so far because of the darkness of the sand reflecting. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This was during peak season in January 2022. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. El Paredon is different because the sand is actually dark. One of the main spots to hang out! He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. 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. The surf here in winter, when the waves are at their best, are of decent size. Within their mission, La Choza Chula also offer local experiences that will immerse you deep into the local culture and will give you the unique chance to see and experience the way the locals do things. RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Mellow, Driftwood, and Cocori are totally awesome places to book while staying in El Paredon! In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. 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. The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This small beach town is a hidden gem in Guatemala full of unique and entertaining experiences. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. 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. The highs and lows of spending coronavirus quarantine in paradise The best time to visit El Paredon, Guatemala is during the countrys dry season. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Just 60 meters away from the beach, you can run to the waves straight from your villa's doorstep. If you want to stay a little longer I would recommend speaking to La Choza Chula as they have plenty of volunteer opportunities. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. My goal is to help others find the experience they want out of life and to show them how to achieve it. If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. Its never far! This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you. The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots. Since I have to eat and drink because I am human it made it very worth it! El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. During the hottest part of the day, theres no better way to cool down than relaxing by the pool. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. 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. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. A local meal will cost you around 25-35Q in El Paredon and a more ex-pat run establishment will cost around 60-80Q. Just be careful when swimming in the ocean. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. It is the lowest . This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. Super worth it! All rights reserved. Dining in El Paredon, Guatemala: A Foodie's Guide to Local Cuisine El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. Best of Guatemala: Antigua, El Paredn & Lake Atitln - 13 Days 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. Several places in the town offer horseback riding, but the most famous of which is Driftwood Surfer Hostel. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . This museum, about 2.75km on foot or 5km by vehicle from El Bal hilltop site, comprises a very fine open-air assemblage of Pipil stone sculpture. By contrast, its most likely to rain or snow in early to mid October with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of October 8th. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. Fro. The weather tends to be extremely hot and humid during March and April, but it cools down after sunset. 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. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. 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. To start off, the design of the property is gorgeous. Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) I've worked abroad and remotely to support my adventure travel addiction, and now I'm sharing all my travel hacks, travel job opportunities, and ways you can travel longer! In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. The sky gets illuminated with all sorts of pinks, oranges, and reds, while the water will glisten with the last of the suns light. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. HomeContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. What Should You Pack For Guatemala? When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! Go to a local family home and learn to make the local salad, empanadas and tortillas. Read More: What Should You Pack For Guatemala? In fact, its the best Thai Curry Ive had outside of Thailand! El Paredon Guatemala surf spot is also suitable for intermediate surfers. Go for it! However, with that said, if you are the right person, you all have so much fun visiting this beach town! 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. If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! 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 This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves. The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. To no ones surprise at all, Driftwood Surfer is the best hostel in El Paredon. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. 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. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! One of those times we stopped at Zicatela and we loved it. I also. Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. 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. Fro. Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala - a world of destinations La Choza Chula has even more activities that are worth checking out, so make sure to head their way during your stay in El Paredon, Guatemala. In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. 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. Read More: Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early January. El Paredon off the beaten path. This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. 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. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. Heres more information about the shuttles. 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! Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala, Why You NEED To Do A Tikal Tour In Guatemala. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. 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. But other than that, this little surf town is a very peaceful place where nobody will harm you. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. 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. IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. If you are looking for a romantic and unique experience in El Paredon, then consider horseback riding along the beach. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Like the one below. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. El Paredon Beach is not the typical beach to lay on all day while tanning. Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! Its highly advised to book accommodation before arriving. 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. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. If you are doing shorter trips or a longer backpacking trip then WorldNomads or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. It is truly a quiet surf destination in an unlikely place. 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 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. 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. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. It will certainly be the slowest and least pleasant. Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. 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. Hotel in El Paredn Buena Vista. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. Unless youre here to really take on the surf, you probably wont need more than 2-3 days. People come from all around to flock to the beach and watch one of the best sunsets in the whole country. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. There are quite a few places to stay in El Paredon. I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. 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. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. There are two main companies that have shuttles to El Paredon, NEWay or 2theOcean. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. La Choza Chula offers homestays with local families. The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. Thanks for stopping by my blog! Please see myDisclosurefor more details. Im sure it is finished now and much better equipped. 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. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. Also. Of course, Guatemala has some of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, but none of them feel quite like El Paredon. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night. 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. Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! El Paredon Guatemala: Ultimate Travel Guide - Zoe Goes Places The Best El Paredn Buena Vista Hotels, Guatemala (From $30) Choose your slice of paradise! Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala Wander Her Way Instead, the easiest and still reasonably priced way to get here is to just book a shuttle! The Pacific Slope travel - Lonely Planet | Guatemala, Central America Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. 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. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. How magical is that!? Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. You can take a boat ride out to the feeding grounds to see them. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. But this afternoon, the beach is deserted; there are no surfers catching barrels or carving up some of Central America's cleanest waves. 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. 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. 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! As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in Guatemala and the cheapest. As you make your way down, you can admire the flora and fauna of the mangroves. Because of its location, facing entirely South and out of the shadow of the Galapagos Islands, any south swell that comes out of the Antarctic will hit El Paredon in full force. One of their most popular activities is a homestay. I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . Their tours provide an alternative income stream for many of the locals. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. 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. Read below for more weather and travel details. Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Depending how many people you have, this isnt too much more expensive than the shuttle and is more convenient. Is El Paredon Guatemala safe? Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Review of Paredon Surf House, El Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. Ive got you! The nice thing about that is, you can lose yourself in your day and then when the light begins to drop and the sunset oranges appear you just drop everything and head to the beach. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. They offer the following tours: I took the turtle tour and although the turtles were pretty quiet its was a great tour and so interesting to find out more about the organization. It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. Nesting is from June-November. You can see turtles feeding year-round in El Paredon (and depending on the season, you might even be able to watch them hatch!) It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. 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 might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. 76 68. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. ), Your Guide to Exploring Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. 25 for a little surf hut, hammock out the front, outdoor shower and a 5-minute walk from the beach. Personally, it didnt seem like the best hostel to stay at when I visited it. 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 . 7 Travel Shoes for Women That Are Functional AF. El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for SafetyWing. The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. Exploring Hidden Gems and Eco-Tourism in El Paredon, Guatemala The owner is a pretty cool guy). She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! With its close proximity to Lake Atitlan (3 hours) and Antigua (2 hours), it makes it great for weekend trips. 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. Theres always something going on! Relax in a hammock or the pool, and grab a bite to eat! If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days per month. They have a pool, good food, and the best part is they are right on the beach with a hammock house on the sand. Taxis and Uber are much more expensive than using one of the tourist shuttle services, so we dont recommend it unless you have no other choice. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. Note that we define significant precipitation as .1 inches or more in this section. If you take a chicken bus, youll need to make multiple transfers or even take tuk-tuks. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If the sun is not out, it might take a day or two to get your clothes back. 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.