el paredon guatemala safety el paredon guatemala safety

If I were to go back, I would definitely just take the shuttle from Antigua. Amplios jardines, lagunas, columpios, paseos a caballo, tours planificados, piscinas, nacimientos de agua y mucho ms. Shes been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? El Paredon is situated along a river filled with mangroves, which empties out into the ocean. 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 . The best thing about El Paredon is that there are always waves to surf. Highs range from 94.6F (34.8C) and 89.3F (31.8C) with similar temperatures in the later months. Shuttles depart El Paredon twice a day, around 9 AM and 2 PM. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala. If youve visited other parts of the country, youll know all about the shoddy roads. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Although its only two hours from Antigua, it feels very remote and like its a world away. When they were open.. the food was amazing! If you love the beach and surfing, you could obviously stay for much longer! In order to avoid having your plans sidetracked due to heavy rains, it is best to visit between November and April. 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! I got you covered! El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. This is a really magical experience, you head out during sunrise and on a clear day, youll see the 3 volcanoes. Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). Please see myDisclosurefor more details. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you love the beach and surfing, then El Paredon is the perfect place for you. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. El Paredon, Guatemala Receive top travel tips, news and adventure ideas! If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. So which spots have the best day passes? 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! Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. Being such a small surf town, you really do feel removed from the chaos of the city and of the world. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! Tucked away and secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle, El Paredon is a hidden paradise. Youll spot all the local wildlife, from ibises to herons and turtles. Go and grab a board from your hostel and start shredding! I dont care for that, so I just did day passes instead, which are 100% worth it! Its only 3 hours from Lake Atitlan or 2 hours from Antigua. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. Visitors can explore the unique environment by taking on a tour in a traditional wooden boat. For the tourist bus, its around 125Q and you can either book through the accommodation you book to stay in El Paredon, or, As mentioned earlier there arent that many places to stay in, Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! It is among the most popular destinations in the country due to its friendly locals, stunning landscape, and laid-back atmosphere. As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. 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. there arent many options and many people book before arriving. WiFi is meh and not offered at every accomodation. This is a really unique experience because you really get to share and experience how the local people here in El Paredon live. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. Average temperatures in El Paredon vary very little. Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. Below I will explain multiple options when coming from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! Afterwards, you get the chance to try fishing, the local way! They have all the usuals, pool, food, bar, hammock hut on the beach and they often have parties and live music. How magical is that!? I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. 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! If youve rented a car, then you can easily drive there. 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 small town is home to a small population, which means that no crime goes unnoticed. Other travel guides we know you will like: Global traveller @ste_marques shares with us the B, 5 DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON 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. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to discover the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. La Choza Chula are a social enterprise and rely on donations/tour bookings to drive their mission another reason to book your adventures here! El Paredon is known as an up-and-coming destination ever since it caught the attention of many foreign surfers. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. If you are a bit of an adventure junky then you could also book a Summit to Surf tour through OX Expeditions. If dry weather is what youre after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in El Paredon are January, December, and then March. You can visit the park by boat and by kayak. 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. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy this little slice of paradise in Guatemala. Nesting is from June-November. During the day, its best to observe from the safety of a hammock or a pool deck. Super cool chill spot with access to hammocks, pool, and hang-out area at the top of their main bungalow. You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. The sand is HOT. Unfortunately, I didnt confirm a booking before I went and ended up wandering down the beach looking for somewhere to stay! Renee - SALES. One of the main spots to hang out! I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips as they are cheaper than World Nomads a lot of the time. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. 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. But seriously. Nearby, youll find the Sipacate Naranjo National Park, a government-protected nature reserve that is home to a vast ecology of coastal plants and animals. The local families La Choza Chula work with are very warm and friendly and love to learn about the new cultures too. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! There arent as many accommodations to choose from in El Paredon as there are other popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. 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. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 2023 Wander Her Way. 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! Additionally, if you visit between March and April, youll experience warmer weather. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. Their mission is to create locally-driven projects that ensure the educational and environmental development of El Paredn and neighbouring communities. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. This is my complete travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala. Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. 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.) 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. 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. This is a good, affordable place to learn how to surf for beginners. Plus, it has an incredible nightlife thatll make your Guatemala trip memorable! IM MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. The way we experience weather isnt all about temperature. From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. El Paredon has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. It is accessible via two different routes, either coming via land or via boat, travelling down the canal until you arrive at the community from the Sipacate side. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. El Paredon is on Guatemala's Pacific coast. All wind speeds are in knots. So if youre wanting a late lunch at 4pm you might struggle to find a place offering food at that time. There are shuttles leaving every day from the popular locations in Guatemala. Canadian Rockies Road TripAn Epic 1-Week Itinerary, 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Hi, friend! Ultimate Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. 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. You will definitely want to wear shoes while walking on the beach, or risk burning your feet. Double-check before you go if the place youre staying has WiFi, and what people say about it. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. In fact, you might as well watch it every night! If you are going to eat fish in, The owner Garry is really friendly and knows how to make some great food! If you are wanting to visit El Paredon then you must know there isnt a lot to do here. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. Unlike surfing which you have to do in the sea, you can stand-up paddleboard in the river, which means that you dont have to worry about the violent waves. Ive linked to the places on Booking.com but those not linked you will need to call to book. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. The beach is BEST enjoyed first thing in the morning or at sunset. The area is less temperate than some in the 17th percentile for pleasant weather compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Kayak the mangroves to the left of the town. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Mellow Hostel is a newly-opened hostel with delicious food (my lunch here was one of the best meals I had in Guatemala!) You dont really think about Guatemala having an amazing beach scene but it does. The Mellow hostel is a little bit pricier when compared to the other options in the area but for good reason. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Like many Latin-American countries, Guatemala has unique national foods that will make your mouth water. You might also like: Acatenango Volcano Hike - The ultimate 2 day adventure in Guatemala Thank you for all the info about el paredon, in my next trip to guatemala, Ill defininetly go visit that beautiful place. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as whilst wandering down the beach I stumbled upon Casa Macano Surf-Yoga. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. After being turned away by most of the other places in El Paredon who werent very helpful at all this place was a breath of fresh air. It is a 2-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, and a 3-hour drive from Guatemala City. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. 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. For 120 quezales($15), I had a private one-hour lesson with Bagley. The tranquil town of El Paredon is the perfect place for surfers and lovers of the ocean. It was even kind of burning my feet when it got kicked into my flip flops. 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. They are more expensive than the chicken bus but I believe safety is worth the cost, which is not outrageously high anyway. The best time to visit El Paredon for the best surfing conditions is between November and April. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. var Latitude=13.921353;var Longitude=-91.068703;var rootSlug='el-paredon-gt';var PlaceName='El Paredon';var today = new Date();var dd = String(today.getDate()+2).padStart(2, '0');var mm = String(today.getMonth() + 1).padStart(2, '0');var yyyy = today.getFullYear();today= yyyy + '-' + mm + '-' + dd; The best times to visit El Paredon for ideal weather are. In fact, they only have two dry and wet seasons. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. 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. 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. 3av 3-25, El Paredon, Sipacate, Escuintla, 05021 Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay $89 per night Feb 20 - Feb 21 0.49 mi from city center Swell Surf & Lifestyle Hotel 1 Avenida, Sipacate, Escuintla $66 per night Feb 20 - Feb 21 0.44 mi from city center 4.7/5 Exceptional! El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala. El Paredon off the beaten path. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. I'm Phillip, an adventure enthusiast from the U.S. traveling the world full time. Jokes aside - El Paredon is pretty safe. This is the place to do it. Though Guatemala does not have the best reputation when it comes to safety, El Paredon is very safe. 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. 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. What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. 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. This is a non-profit tour company that is famous in El Paredon for its tours. 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. It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. We guarantee youll make unforgettable memories during your stay in El Paredon. This time three weeks ago, Playa el Paredon a popular surf spot on Guatemala's remote Pacific coast would have been packed. You're probably more likely to have your food taken from a hostel kitchen or your drink swiped at a weekend party. 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. It rains or snows a significant amount: 2 to 11 days per month. Fro. 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 small, laidback fishing village is located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, about two hours from Antigua and three and a half hours from the capital. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. 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 This is where we stayed and we loved it! As of Oct 07, 2019 there are travel warnings for Guatemala; exercise a high degree of caution. Before the world wakes up and before the heat of the sun rises, take the time to wander down to the beach and enjoy a meditation, podcast, surf session, walk or run. Its also located directly on the beach. In this post, I am going to go through how to get from Antigua to the beach El Paredon, where to stay in El Paredon, what to eat and a few not-to-miss things to do. Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. RELATED: 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala. The local fisherman will teach some fishing techniques before you have a go at fishing for yourself. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. So take my advice if you are going to El Paredon, book to stay at Casa Macano Surf-Yoga! based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. Also, this is pretty much the main thing to do here, as Ive mentioned. There are various companies that offer shuttle services, either from Antigua or the airport. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. 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. The money will help run this site! The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips! Many hotels here give this advise as well. Alex provided a lot of information before . 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. Book your tour and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. 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. I sat and watch for most of the day from my hammock surfers being thrown around. As I mentioned before there isnt that much choice BUT its probably the best food Ive eaten in Guatemala and the cheapest. They are around 3 to 5 feet or larger even. 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. Many hotels offer classes and equipment at affordable prices, so you dont have to worry about being inexperienced. I couldnt work out which ones were open and when, it was kind of pot luck turning up and seeing if they were open! Welcome to our guide to El Paredon, Guatemala! El Paredon, Guatemala has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. 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. You can see turtles feeding year-round in El Paredon (and depending on the season, you might even be able to watch them hatch!) Heres more information about the shuttles. It is a very safe place to visit but you should always be careful of the street dogs. Read below for more weather and travel details. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) 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. Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. This is due to volcanic activity. The black sand isnt ideal for sunbathing, so you wont find any parasols or lounge chairs unless you bring your own. 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. El Paredon lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. See average monthly temperatures below. 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. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. Instead, they use a washing line. One of the best things about Guatemala is its delicious cuisine. Fro. The sun gets extremely red and big. Wind in El Paredon is usually extremely calm. This is not the place you can go in the water and play around. If you want a break from all the exciting activities we recommended above, then maybe youll want to just lay down on the black sand and relax for a while. 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 least humid month is March (65.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (80.3%). El Paredon is a quiet Pacific coastal town well-known for surfing and features a long, wild, unspoiled volcanic beach. The restaurant moved since I went there and you can also stay in, I think thats the name anyway! If youre looking for the very warmest time to visit El Paredon, the hottest months are April, May, and then July. El Paredon is more for backpackers, and though it is a little bit smaller, more of the locals speak English. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. There are some other cool activities in this area that you can do if those arent your thing. There are some good spots along the beachfront where you can set it up. 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. Wear shoes on the beach. The ride here from Antigua is around 2 hours and 3 hours from Guatemala city. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. Dont forget some of these hostels are total party spots so dont book your stay there unless its your vibe! And if this El Paredontravel guide doesnt, drop me a comment below and Ill update it for you! Usually, a third-party shuttle runs daily from Antigua to El Paredn, and the prices are usually around Q110 per person. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). Even though El Paredon is a small town, youll find many things to do to keep you entertained. 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 Dont come here with the wrong idea. El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. Rent a board and surf! When you picture a beach, you probably imagine white-sand and turquoise waters. El Paredon beach it's a black sand beach that you will pretty much have to yourself! Between the hours of 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. The seafood there is a must-try. I thrive in nature, with nature and by recognising my true nature in the midst of it all. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. They will get you to El Paredon in no time and even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Book your experience and enquire today via Instagram @lachozachula or WhatsApp +502 53872886. The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. Unlike many other surf towns in Central America, El Paredon is a very quiet one. Locals open their homes, so you can experience what it is like to live as they do! When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. Its known for being an up-and-coming destination thats popular with surfers and beach bums.