There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. The accommodations are varied, something for almost every . So El Paredon is small. . Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! Youll then stop off at a local salt farm where you can see the process of the natural salt extraction here in Guatemala. Anything youd add? I also recommend buying meals/snacks from local business instead of only eating at expat-owned restaurants and hotels. June August is fairly slow season for tourism in El Paredon, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! Most of them are hostels and the accommodations can be very rustic (i.e. 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. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. A lot smaller than Id imagined. Lisbon is alread, Brand new travel guide: A Guide To Planning Your W, Craving the coast? What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. We did walk around and eat out a couple of times. 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. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. The weather in El Paredon was great every single day I was there. However, if you want to take on some of the waves with a board, it is a great place! 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. there arent many options and many people book before arriving. It is truly an extraordinary and magical experience. Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. 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! The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. 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. La Choza Chula is a popular organization that empowers communities to build sustainable futures. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. 2023 Wander Her Way. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. If you'd like, you can also opt for a visit to the sleepy beach community of Monterrico for a special wildlife experience. 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. Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! 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. El Paredon is located near the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park of mangrove forests. This isnt going to be a luxury beach getaway with perfect white sand. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. This makes El Paredon one of the best places in Guatemala to go surfing. All wind speeds are in knots. 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! El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. 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. 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. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Rent a board and surf! That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! Choose your slice of paradise! 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. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. So make sure that you know what youre doing or go out with a surf camp. This is due to volcanic activity. When he told me it was only 100Q a night I couldnt give him my money quick enough! Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. Everything below is something I currently use and never leave my house without. 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. More Routes from Antigua Antigua to Lanqun Antigua to San Marcos la Laguna Antigua to Lake Atitlan Antigua to El Paredon You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. 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. There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. Here you can find tours with a guide leading the horse, or you can ride by yourself. for nearly as long. Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. As you walk along the black sandy shores, you encounter endless waves and breathtaking sunsets. 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. RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Even though El Paredon is a small town, youll find many things to do to keep you entertained. This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! Keep in mind this town is mega small! The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. Because of this, it is advised to try to book well in advance if you want a specific place to stay. There are very few places to eat and not many hotels either. The black sand isnt ideal for sunbathing, so you wont find any parasols or lounge chairs unless you bring your own. Just keep in mind there are no Ubers in El Paredon to bring you back to Antigua. Unlike other countries, Guatemala does not experience four seasons. The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! The town is at sea level on the pacific coast, which means that during these hotter months most people will either stay in the water for as long as possible, or stay in the hotels and resorts that have fresh air. Where are your favourite things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala? They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. Theres always something going on! The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. There are a few other things to do besides chilling and surfing in El Paredon! Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! La Choza Chula are a social enterprise and rely on donations/tour bookings to drive their mission another reason to book your adventures here! 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. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. 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! and a cool outdoor space including a pool, hammocks, and airy loft. Dont get me wrong though, people still want to party here. You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. We were never disappointed. 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. The money will help run this site! This Guatemalan beach isnt like the ones youre used to. When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. It is among the most popular destinations in the country due to its friendly locals, stunning landscape, and laid-back atmosphere. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. 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. El Paredon is the spot to get your fix of saltwater and to soak up some beach life and surf lessons! a beach hut with no air conditioning.) This is the place to do it. 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! Several places in the town offer horseback riding, but the most famous of which is Driftwood Surfer Hostel. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. 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. Along with trendy and spacious rooms that offer the most comfortable sleep, there is nothing more you could want! You will be given your own room, communal kitchen and bathroom and a communal area where you can chill on some hammocks. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. There are multiple options on how to get to El Paredon, depending on where you are. What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. They offer authentic and unique experiences in El Paredon. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. This means, from November to April. The sunrise and sunset light here is heaven. 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. So if you want my advice to give Monterrico a miss and head to El Paredon quickly before everyone else realizes just how good it really is! Its also located directly on the beach. The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. The beaches in Guatemala arent necessarily well-known, and most wont put these spots on their itinerary while exploring the country. The most popular places to stay in El Paredon are: Surf House (Bit more upmarket but on the expensive side and always full), Surf Camp (cheaper, not so nice and always full), Casa Macano Surf-Yoga(If you want to have more of a retreat-style stay I stayed here so see below for full review), Soul Food Kitchen and Guesthouse (best Thai food in Guatemala! 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. Explore Guatemala's mystical, mountainous, and volcanic landscapes on this tour, including hiking, biking, and boating. 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. You can chill at their pool (excellent since the beach sand has rough water and burning sand) and use their facilities. **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. 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. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. I picked one of the very last available when I booked (Sunrise Hostal) and it was perfect for what I was looking for. Cost During the week, its a 100q tab ($13), and on weekends its 150q ($20), but you only get a 100q towards your bar tab. Take a tour with La Choza Chula. REMINDER: Never walk around barefoot, the black sand is incredibly hot! Ive been surfing in many places around the world, including Ecuador, Morocco, Portugal, and Mexico. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. You can expect the temperature to be between 32 and 34 Celsius, with nights being around the mid-twenties. Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. El Paredon off the beaten path. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. If you are going to eat fish in Guatemala, this is the place to do it! It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. Finca El Zapote ofrece a sus visitantes cientos de actividades por hacer al aire libre, siendo un lugar paradisaco con vistas impresionantes. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. I traveled with four other girlfriends and had the best time. Take a bracelet making class with some of the local girls from the village. Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! About 10 days before I visited El Paredon, there seemed to be reasonable availability on Airbnb / Booking.com but 6 days before? If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala 1. Like the one below. PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. If youre looking for another active activity thats not surfing, you can always go paddle-boarding in the river. 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. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. 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. The only difference between the two towns is that Monterrico has more resort-like properties and is more popular with Guatemalan tourists. There are no lifeguards on the beach, and swimming is pretty dangerous. El Paredon, Guatemala See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. Ive heard from several people that they really loved their stay here. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. You can also rent a surfboard at almost any place you stay. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. 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. There are many surf schools and accommodations that offer surf lessons and a place to rent a surfboard if you dont have your own. 76 68. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. Bring all the cash you might need and try booking the hotels mentioned above online so you dont have to use cash! If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? Make friends with the local dogs, roll out a towel, cover yourself in suncream and read your book! For the tourist bus, its around 125Q and you can either book through the accommodation you book to stay in El Paredon, or book through GuateGo. During the day, most people prefer to spend their time in the water. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. 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. Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. 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. These are just *some* of the m. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. 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. Being a tropical country, Guatemala experiences rain for most of the year. Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. Nights in El Paredon can be relaxing, but when the weekend comes around, the town comes to life with beach bonfires, live music at Cocor Lodge, and drinking games at the Driftwood Surfer. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. You wont find any sight like it anywhere else. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Hotel in El Paredn Buena Vista. You will definitely want to wear shoes while walking on the beach, or risk burning your feet. 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. Visit the turtle hatchery early in the morning to see turtles hatch and run to the ocean! Now, it is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists. It is a truly beautiful experience that you cant miss. 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. Start your day with some movement and connection to self before the world gets its hands you! These cookies do not store any personal information. 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! The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in El Paredon. Where is El Paredn? I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. I went to all of them, and the first two were my favorite only because you pay, and have it can go towards a tab. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Looking for more information about traveling in Guatemala? Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. How magical is that!? 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! Be aware that the streets arent always well-maintained. 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. Guatemala Bucket List Best Things To Do In Guatemala. The majority of people that come in here are coming for the surf. Make sure you plan your meals accordingly because the majority of places only offer meals during select times. Hey, I am Sean Lau! 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. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. 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. Its better if you drive there or take a shuttle. Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. Here are the activities we recommend you check out: Perhaps the best thing to do in El Paredon is to go surfing. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. 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 me Living Out Loud(Lau). See the exact locations of these spots on the Guatemala Google Map Legend. You cant come to the beach and not have a beach day. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. If Id have had more time, Id have loved to have joined this tour and explored the mangroves and wildlife up close and personal! The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. This advisory was last updated on Sep 09, 2019. Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. Here, you'll find an expansive surfing beach that stretches along the town and for miles beyond it. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. Watching the sun rise and the sun set is one of the best things to do in El Paredon for sure. Hold your shoes, dont leave them somewhere! Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. One of the most important roles of El Paredon is the maintenance of the local sea turtle population. In this guide, well tell you everything you need to know about this amazing destination, so youll be ready for your visit. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places.
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