The town has a beach break, which means there are many spots along the beach where it is possible to surf. You'll have the morning free to have breakfast and take in the views of El Paredon. In case you need medical assistance during your stay in El Paredon, the closest cliniques are located in Port of San Jose, a 45-minute ride on a tuk-tuk. There are 3 ways to get from Guatemala City to El Paredn by taxi, car, bus or shuttle. If you love nature encounters, come at sunrise to the beach to watch little turtles being released into the sea! Three nights will give you two full days for chilling on the beach, taking a surf class and fitting in a few more activities, such as a kayak or SUP tour, a visit to Carveceria 14 or even a night out! Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! When staying in El Paredon, you must dine at Chef in Flip Flops at least once! Guatemala City to El Paredn Beach - 4 ways to travel via - Rome2rio There will also be breaks to enjoy drinks and snacks on the banks. I hope this ultimate guide to El Paredon, Guatemala helped you plan your stay in this super cool, up-and-coming surf town! Known for its long black sand beach, great surfing conditions and laid-back atmosphere, it's a place you shouldn't miss when visiting Guatemala! Bring with you a good insect repellent, as the mosquitos in El Paredon are vicious! Last but not least, on this list of epic things to do in El Paredon Guatemala, is getting a t-shirt! Youre very likely to get date raped from someone slipping something into your drink, cocaine is available in just about every bar- oh- and make sure you check your accommodations before you pay for them. El Paredn is also accessible by boat from Sipacate. The cost of the shuttle from Panajachel to El Paredon costs around Q180. It is nice to walk along the water to see the other parts of the area and to truly see how remote you are. See it on Google Maps here. Following the coastal road north from Puerto San Jos, just past the residential development of Juan Gaviota is a 14 km dirt track that leads to the village of El Paredn. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. We travelled in a specious minivan that only had four seats, and the trip was super comfortable. You can also take a shuttle from Guatemala City to El Paredon or Guatemala Aiport to El Paredon. Empty lineups and deep burrels is what El Paredon is known for! El Paredon is a surfing beach town located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. It will cost between $50 and $60 USD, You will not have to get on a boat when coming from Antigua. When I visited here this place was actually called Finka Mistia. From the moment he picked us up at the airport until he dropped us off 2 weeks later, we felt incredibly safe and well c". Private car transfer from El Paredon to Guatemala City - Daytrip Another place to go out is Driftwood Surf Hostel. El Paredon is located on the Pacific coast 130 km (80 mi) from Guatemala City and 105 km (65 mi) from Antigua Guatemala. This Indigenous town in the Guatemalan highlands is home to Central America's largest and most famous public market. Top Tip:Always book before you get there! And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. They always have three different dishes to choose from a meat, a fish and a vegan option. Apr 27, 2022 10 min read From surfing to retreats where you'll have tidal pools all to yourself, Guatemala's beaches are ready to be explored Stefan Messing / Getty Images Guatemala is famous for Mayan culture, mysterious ruins, beautiful cities with cobbled streets, colorful buses, coffee and dramatic volcanoes. At Sipacate, you need to take the ferry to cross the channel with your car. Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to El Paredn - 2 ways to - Rome2rio 2h 18m $18 - $26 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Questions & Answers What is the most cost-effective way to get from El Paredn to Guatemala City Airport (GUA)? On this six-day trip, you'll get an exciting taste of Guatemala's culture, food, and landscapes. Bamboo huts on stilts surrounding a pool, beside which we eat dinner together undertwinkling lights and the stars. If you have a portable one then that is even better! Check out our address below and use Waze for directions. See Google Maps. What is the fastest way to get from El Paredn to Guatemala City Airport (GUA)? Spend today traveling back to Guatemala City. Settle into your accommodation, then enjoy some free time exploring the city on a self-guided walking tour. To get to Sipacate by car from Antigua or Guatemala City, take highway CA-9 towards Escuintla, then head west on CA-2 towards Siquinal. They are a Guatemalann owned company that have painstakingly brought together all of the transport and tour options in one easy-to-use website. Since then the ownership has changed and it is now calledCasa Macano Surf-Yoga. At the moment, El Paredon is still new and exciting, but hurry up because the world is just about to find out about it! November to April are the dry months with minimal rain. 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. Isnt it amazing? 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. El Paredon, a village in Guatemala with a beach of over 3 km (1.9 mi) in length, is an excellent destination for surfers. Then, return to Antigua to enjoy your final evening in the town. Currently, shared shuttles only drive to El Paredon (in February 2022). Be sure to stop by historic landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch, the ruins of the 16th-century Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, and the 18th-century Convento Santa Clara. Two reputable organizations are El Paredon Surf Camp School El Paredon Surfing School (not online) and Pacifico Tours (not online). Two hours from Antigua. Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala Wander Her Way There is a person in charge of collecting turtle eggs from the beach and taking them to a hatchery, where they are kept safe from predators dogs and humans mostly. They open at 6 pm and always have a limited availability, so if you set your heart on trying them out, arrive just early. With how remote El Paredon is and seems, it is actually quite easy to get here. Hey, in the meanwhile the Shuttle times changed to 9:30am, 12:30PM and 2:30PM and we have an asphalt road which brings everybody in less than 2 tours to El Paredon , Wow thats awesome! Despite still being an off-beaten track Guatemala destination, you can get here easily from all other major tourist hot spots in the country. Guatemala is one of the great places in Central America to watch little baby turtles hatching and heading out to the great big ocean. Set in its own national park, Pacaya cuts an imposing figure with a continuous plume of smoke drifting from its summit and the massive dried lava field at the base of its caldera. We went there for an Italian night, and the food was not only affordable but very nice too! Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala - a world of destinations There are 5 ways to get from Guatemala City to El Paredn Buena Vista by bus, taxi, car or shuttle. Guatemala City to El Paredn - 4 ways to travel via plane - Rome2rio The beach in El Paredon has some really strong rip currents, which can be dangerous for people that dont know anything about them. Turtle nesting season is usually from June-November, with August & September being the peak months. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover.Passport Nomadsprovides the most comprehensive cover for Digital Nomads. There is one bus a day that takes around four hours from the CENMA Bus Station in Guatemala City. The tour takes around 2 hours, and the times are flexible as long as its during low tide. El Paredon to Antigua by minivan and private transfer | Bookaway The adventure ends later in the day back at basecamp, where you'll have an early dinner (around 4 pm). So many improvements since last year! The beach continues East for miles, so you can walk as much or as little as you want. This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. Enjoy some water sports, or simply sit on the beach and watch the sunset. JJ our guide", Traveled to Guatemala as a family in March, 2023, "My trip to Guatemala was amazing. We went along a smaller channel and spotted a lot of birds and tons of fish! In scenic Lake Atitln, learn about goat cheese production and traditional carpet-making. They also have incredible pancakes for breakfast and great smoothies! At the time of writing this post, there was only one ATM in town located inside Super 24. Airlines. The Ultimate Guide to visiting El Paredon | From Antigua Many surfers come during this time as it is also one of the best times to go out. All About El Paredon Gratuity isnt included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient). Every day at sunrise, it is possible to watch them being released. Its a place on the verge of becoming part of the tourist trail, things are changing quickly there and new hotels, shops, and restaurants are being built quickly. You can also explore the local food, bars, cafes, and hotels with pools, with day passes starting at 100 GTQ (12.50 USD). Depending on how you choose to . Your Guide to El ParedonGuatemala's Surf Town - Where in the World You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. First, head to Santiago Zamora to visit the local women's cooperative. Thinking of traveling from Antigua to El Paredon? I recommend booking an El Paredon hotel that offers board rental to their guests, such as Zoah Surf. When the day is done, return to your hotel to relax and enjoy your last evening by the lake. Your options for beaches in Guatemala are pretty slim. TAG Airlines. I only have one night, which was not enough! Nature & Culture in Guatemala: Antigua, El Paredn & Lake Atitln - 6 Then transfer to El Paredon, where you can surf, relax on the beach, go whitewater rafting, or spot sea turtles. Also read:The top 5 hotels in El Paredon, GuatemalaWhere to take surfing lessons in El Paredon, GuatemalaWhere to eat in El Paredon, Guatemala. See Google Maps. Interesting facts about Mayan culture in Guatemala today, How to hike the Pacaya Volcano from Antigua: Tours and Prices, Your email address will not be published. Other activities include SUP, kayaking, and baby turtle release. But, if youre an intermediate or advanced surfer, visit El Paredon during its dry season for the best surf weather. You will soon get used to it as you see no one else surfing during those other hours of the day. When you arrive in Sipacate, take a tuk-tuk to the dock of El Escondite for 5 GTQ (0.60 USD). How to get to Guatemala's black sand beach at El Paredn. 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. First, meet your group at 7 am for the ride to the river staging area, then have breakfast and receive a safety briefing before embarking down the river. Where are we? Most restaurants in El Paredon are closed on Tuesdays, so finding a place to eat may be a little tricky but not impossible. But it is further away from Antigua and I decided on El Paredon because it was much less built up and more tranquilo! Pets are allowed (and loved)! What a perfect way to end your trip here than to watch the amazing sunset this area has to offer. Afterward, move on to San Antonio Aguas Calientes, one of the most colorful villages in this area. If you leave from San Pedro, the shuttle will first go to Antigua then El Paredon whereas leaving from Panajachel is a straight shot. To ensure you have a seat, be sure to book the shuttle 24 hours in advance. El Paredon surf spots are plenty, you can literally come to the beach and surf anywhere you like because the town has a beach break surf. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. Getting to El Paredon from Antigua is easy and convenient. Nearby are famous religious landmarks, like the 18th-century Iglesia San Francisco, St. Augustine Rectory, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which was built in 1871. It's a sultry region - hot and wet or hot and dry, depending on the time of year - with rich volcanic soil good for growing coffee, palm-oil seeds and sugarcane. Yes, life in this surf town is VERY relaxed. I can recommend Tropicana Hostel, which I used for the Antigua El Paredon trip. 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. Part of the morning will be spent on the Pan American Highway, a network of roads stretching from Alaska to Argentina. Cocori Hostel is another popular beachfront property that not as many people know about. This tour involves hiking Volcan Acatenango where you will camp for the night then when you arrive back in Antigua they will organize all of your transport and accommodation as well as your surf lessons. If youre coming by private car (just under 2 hours from Antigua), use Google Maps or Waze and itll lead you right to us! There also seemed to be some sort of sand bugs that attack your feet during the evening and seemed to favour my feet over my partners feet! If you are staying for a few days you can negotiate a reduced rate for multiple lessons. They also sell a small selection of natural cosmetics such as soap bars and mosquito repellent. I do hope it stays like this in some ways as it is being built up quite fast by the growing popularity. Thanks for the additional recos. From the bus terminal in Antigua, take the chicken bus to Escuintla, which costs 20 GTQ (2.50 USD) one way. Another thing that was great about Driftwood was their buffet evenings. Rooms start at $74 USD a night. Another exciting activity to get involved in El Paredon is beach volleyball tournaments at Driftwood Surf Hostel! It costs only $1 USD more than Driftwood Surfer but has a much bigger pool and a relaxing daytime vibe. Again, you dont have to stay there to come for the buffet dinner. How to get to El Paredon, Guatemala - Guatemala Explorer 5 amazing things to do at El Paredon Guatemala - Boundless Roads Renting a car is highly recommended in Guatemala: waiting times between stops and connections can be long; and chicken buses are not the safest. Take the left-hand fork before Siquinal, then the second U-turn . Alternatively, you can also top up your phone with more data and a hotspot to your phone (this is how I worked). Being a surfing beach, El Paredon is not the friendliest place for swimmers. Thank you. At the moment, El Paredon is still new and exciting, but hurry up because the world is just about to find out about it! I spent 4 days earlier this month on the volcanic black sands of El Paredon and so if you're looking for an insight into what to expect, where to stay and the best things to do in El Paredon Guatemala - don't move an inch. If you dont have to work, not having good wifi is a great opportunity to go on a digital detox! The restaurant also serves tasty, homemade drinks and cocktails. El Paredon is famous for its party vibe, and attending one of them is definitely something you should consider! Sean the tour guide, and his super cute dog Ziggy came to pick us up from our hotel at 8 am, and we walked together to where the tour started. the decoration of the property is beautiful, and the host is more than welcoming! The next stop will be at turtle point. Here, you'll visit a conservation center dedicated to protecting Pacific Coast sea turtles. Here are some suggestions to add to your itinerary: Surf Lessons Guatemala is one of the top surf destinations in Central America. The bites on my feet were so itchy that they kept me up at night, no kidding! 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! El Paredon is a super small town where you can walk from one end to the other in 10 minutes and where everyone knows everyone, so the crime rate is very low. El Paredon beach is actually pretty special because here you can watch not only the sunset but also the sunrise! Im Mal Polish/British traveller, photographer, drone pilot, and a surfer. . THE 5 BEST Things to Do in El Paredon - Tripadvisor Its usually easiest to book shuttles through your hotels directly. What To Do in El Paredon, Guatemala - Twirl The Globe We loved the humous platter, pokeh bowl with tuna and vegan sandwich with grilled aubergine. . During our stay, we ate there twice, and both times had a fantastic experience. 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, Mount Britton Tower Trail in El Yunque: Things to Know, Hiking La Zanja Trail (Natural Pool) in Fajardo, Playa Colora in Fajardo, Puerto Rico: The Secret Beach, 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. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive 130 km (80 mi) from Guatemala City to El Paredon along a relatively well-maintained road. This super small surf town is a new Guatemala beach destination. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road. Find all the transport options for your trip from Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to El Paredn right here. At the end of the tour, you'll have the chance to visit a macadamia farm and try a facial treatment. Alternatively you can take a Chicken Bus from Antigua. I now live the digital nomad life and do what I love for work. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by. Most days, we had to wait to get them a long time, which is not unusual in El Paredon, but each time the wait was worth it. Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Guatemala? In all likelihood there will be a giant party blaring until 4 AM somewhere close by that wont let you sleep. If youre travelling from Lake Atitlan, you can take a shuttle bus either from San Pedro or Panajachel. At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Here, you'll have the chance to meet Filomena, one of the leaders of this community, who uses the funds raised from the co-op's cultural tours to help children in a small school. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. I recommend going two hours before sunset if possible. I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. Have you been to El Paredon? Head out in a boat with La Choza Chula and watch the turtles poke their heads above the surface as they come up for air. 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. 2021 - Lauren Marinigh. We specifically chose this week to view the processions and street carpets that are present dur", Traveled to Guatemala as a couple in April, 2023, "Wow, what an incredible trip!! Super 24 good for buying snacks and drinks and paying by card. Also here is the Iglesia de Santo Toms, a 16th-century Catholic Church built on the site of a former Maya temple. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, a visit to El Paredon is an absolute must. 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! Note that the waves are strong in this area, so its important that you know what youre doing or youre with someone that does. They are a local Not For Profit company who have done some great work in the local community building schools and libraries. You can book transport in Guatemala with them here and Guatemalan tours with them here. For full information, please see my disclaimerhere. El Paredon Guatemala, driving instructions, getting there, arriving to Pacific Coast Guatemala, page-template,page-template-full_width,page-template-full_width-php,page,page-id-57,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,select-theme-ver-3.6,smooth_scroll,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-5.7,vc_responsive, For all booking enquiries please use the online booking form to the left. And, as for the service, expect it slow! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its one of the best surf spots in Guatemala, in fact, The Guardian thinks its one of the t. Where is El Paredon beach, and how do you get from Antigua to the beach? El Paredon, Guatemala: A Beach Paradise El Paredon is an up-and-coming destination in Guatemala I stayed here for 4 nights back in March and it was a nice way to end our time in Guatemala. El Paredon Guatemala doesnt really have many shops, so if you want to get some handmade souvenirs, check out La Choza Chula shop. We're debating between going to El Paredon or Semuc Champey. We will definitely use this service in our future travel. There are 2 ways to get to the Surf House: Your own car or Tourist Shuttle. And, if you want to find out more details or volunteer with them, just ask! I marked the rough location above, but once you walk towards that way, you will see people gathering at sunrise, and youll know youre at the right spot. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Guatemala City to El Paredn via Ciudad Tecn Umn, Tapachula, Tonal, San Pedro Tapanatepec, San Pedro Tapanatepec, and Oaxaca in around 18h 29m. Its developing quite fast there and for good reason. Private transportation in Guatemala, travel at your own pace, schedule, or group/family needs. Be sure to wear shoes as the sand gets extremely hot! Fiona and Jim Chambers. Youll travel to Escuintla where youll transfer buses to Sipacate. Chef In Flip Flops is a small restaurant owned by a couple of expats. The distance between El Paredon and Antigua is 49 miles, or approximately 79 kilometers.. So, it is only possible to get inside the water for a little splash at maximum waste high, not really for a proper swim. If youre a beginner, book a class with an experienced instructor that will take you out and make sure youre enjoying yourself safely. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking. Located in El Paredn Buena Vista, a 3-minute walk from El Paredon Beach, Casa Zala has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. However, if youre looking for some beach time, and a destination that will show you a different side of Guatemala, I highly recommend visiting El Paredon. Book a lesson or rent a board to head out into the waves. We came in the afternoon, and the place was already full, we however managed to find a couple of deck chairs on the beach by the pool. They occur in different places, and there are multiple warnings and information boards along the beach. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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! If you suffer from travel sickness, like me, take some anti-nausea pills! In this post, I will tell you all about this relatively new, but super hot beach destination in Guatemala, how to get there, and all the things you can do (and cannot do). 1 2 Collective Bus Departing from Guatemala City, Antigua, Panajachel, Quetzaltenango, Coban, Lanquin, Rio Dulce, Flores. During our stay, we saw a few boards being smashed into two pieces and heard from experienced surfers how scary it can get when youre at the wrong place. 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!