el paredon guatemala safety

Despite its tiny size, the whole place feels like a different world, compared to the rest of 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! Most people, myself included, will head to the Pacific Coast to get their dose of saltwater whilst in Guatemala. Many hostels will have a set of their own as well as Airbnbs. Monterrico is the more popular Guatemalan beach choice, as its much more built up, with more choice of places to stay. I would recommend coming here and getting a class instead of going alone unless you have a decent amount of experience. Like, Im not joking here, this sand is crazy. However, I used a day pass at a few of the hotels in the area, which was so much fun! 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. From surfing in its bright blue waters, to seeing sea turtles, or just relaxing in top-rated hotels, you wont get bored there. El Paredon consists of one main road with multiple shops on either side and smaller dirt roads around it. In fact, theyre an award-winning tour operator. I hope you can make it out this way when visiting this beautiful country. Super worth it! If you decide to take a Chicken Bus from Antigua to El Paredon it will take you a whopping 6 hours! The complete tour will take approximately 2 hours if you stop several times to see the various species. The town has long been a weekend retreat for locals seeking an escape from the commotion of Guatemala City and expats living in Antigua. Book: Mellow Hostel | Driftwood Hostel | Cocori Lodge, RELATED: The Essential Beach Packing List (+ Fun Items and Tips!). Day passes are available if you want to use their pool and arent a guest. I saw many of the same people night after night, which made this town seem very close-knit. 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. If you have a portable one then that is even better! So these are the spots offering day passes. Displayed data is calculated, Overall travel experience by time of year. Driftwood is the place everyone talks about but I didnt see the WOW factor myself. 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.) Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month. There isnt much wifi anywhere in town but Mellow hostel would be your best bet for finding that. Grab some drinks, some snacks and maybe your surfboard too go soak up this glorious light. They have shared rooms and private rooms (no air conditioning though!) From air-conditioned rooms to its beautiful pool and beachside location, there is nothing not to love about Driftwood Surfer. Support local businesses. See all of Mollies adventures and guides here. It is only two hours away from Antigua Guatemala, so you can get there quickly. Located a few streets behind the main area is a river that is surrounded by trees. Not everywhere has WiFi. 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. Not a single cloud in the sky so it was a perfect time to go for a swim. The warmest time of year is generally late April where highs are regularly around 94.6F (34.8C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 73.7F (23.2C) at night. Its a 2- 2.5-hour bus ride from Antigua to El Paredon and although Im normally an advocate of taking public transport its really not worth it. Located a little bit more inland than the rest (a 5-minute walk to the beach) it is a nice place to relax and get away from the beachfront party vibes. The last option would be to take a taxi or Uber. The average high during this season is between 92.8F (33.8C) and 90.2F (32.3C). The surf here in winter, when the waves are at their best, are of decent size. There are multiple options on how to get to El Paredon, depending on where you are. Driftwood is the popular hostel I mentioned at the beginning of this El Paredon travel guide. If youre not a guest you can get a day pass for the pool and to chill out in the gorgeous setting. Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. You can opt for a private room or dorms here. One of their most popular activities is a homestay. The windiest month is March, followed by April and February. 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. Additionally, they organize tours for all visitors. El Paredon is famous for its black sand beaches. Posted on Last updated: November 15, 2022. 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. El Paredon Swell One way to get to El Paredon is by shuttle. 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 Many hostels in the area have pools but if yours doesnt then you can easily get a day pass. Nesting is from June-November. Alex provided a lot of information before . 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 At the end of the day, this is a quiet beach town and the main activity would be surfing, chilling, and partying. Im pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. The cost for this can end up being about the same as a shuttle, so thats really your best option. If youre planning to visit El Paredon and know your dates, all Id say is make a reservation/book your accommodation ahead of time. The best way to enjoy the lively atmosphere is to book a room with Driftwood Surfer and stay with them. This is due to volcanic activity. And What Not To Pack? Relaxing on the beach will give you the breather you need, you are still on vacation after all! Thank you for reading my guide about El Paredon in Guatemala! Unless youre here to really take on the surf, you probably wont need more than 2-3 days. Best Hostel In El Paredon Driftwood Surfer Hostel. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. This is a popular local food place that serves some really great fish! 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! You can book a tour through La Choza Chula. But there are also some nicer hotels and hostels if youre looking for something a little more comfortable. Woman in charge ignores safety issue - Paredon Surf House. 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. ), However, there are several other activities in El Paredon too. Beyond the few hotels and their resturants, there is one conveniece shop, a few tiendas, a few resturants, and thats it. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. For as long I can remember I have had an appreciation and fascination for other cultures. If you'd like, you can also opt for a visit to the sleepy beach community of Monterrico for a special wildlife experience. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. You will definitely want to wear shoes while walking on the beach, or risk burning your feet. Follow your guide through Antigua's main square to learn about its colonial architecture and sleep under the shadow of Pacaya Volcano in its national park of the same name. Fall daily highs range from 90.8F (32.7C) and 88.1F (31.2C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything! You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemalas public transport isnt the most reliable or safe. Known for its consistent waves, El Paredon is a perfect place to get in and try your hand at surfing. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. Almost every place on the beach will have board rentals available; however, some do not rent to people who have never been surfing before because, as we have mentioned, the surf can be dangerous. A couple of local places I loved in El Paredon were: There are these 3 little huts located just behind Pakalolo Heladeria Ice Cream. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Did you find this post helpful? Tourism data for this area is extrapolated based on nearby areas. Where is El Paredn? He was super chill. Unknown to most travelers, Guatemala's best kept secret is home to some of the country's top surfers. Take the opportunity you have here to slow down, wander, breathe and admire mother nature doing her thing! Best of Guatemala: Antigua, El Paredn & Lake Atitln - 13 Days Your Guide to El ParedonGuatemala's Surf Town - Where in the World El Paredon off the beaten path. Go and grab a board from your hostel and start shredding! Be sure to check the times with the two shuttle operators (NEWay and 2theOcean) to get the exact schedule. a beach hut with no air conditioning.) You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 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! How to get to El Paredon | La Choza Chula They give you the opportunity to experience the true Guatemalan way of life. We got a recommendation from the owner of our hotel when visiting Semuc Champey. Wear shoes on the beach. The Surf House is a super cool place to stay (on the beachfront!) Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? This was during peak season in January 2022. Youll be watching the sun go down after another day in paradise with everyone else in El Paredon, its a social time to be at the beach for sure! If youre not an early riser the sunset is for you! More About Nina. Eating local is one of my favourite things to do in Guatemala and is one of the best things to do in El Paredon because 1. 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. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel in El Paredon, then Kaan Surf is the perfect place for you. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! There are plenty of restaurants in El Paredon, but the local shops have a limited inventory. Posted on Published: December 21, 2021- Last updated: March 12, 2022. I only have one night, which was not enough! 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. What To Do in El Paredon, Guatemala - Twirl The Globe Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do. See more information on their website here. Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes, three of which are constantly active. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. 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. 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. The prices Im sure will have increased by now but I would have totally paid more to stay here. Theres always something going on! Our last night was on a Friday and we met multiple people coming from Guatemala City for the weekend. So dont expect too much in terms of anything really! El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. 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. El Paredon is the most gorgeous little surf townon the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. Here are the activities we recommend you check out: Perhaps the best thing to do in El Paredon is to go surfing. 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. If you just speak to someone at our accommodation they will organize lessons for you. You can enjoy the sunset AND the sunrise from the same spot on El Paredon beach. When I visited I was super lucky to stumble upon the place as it wasnt online at all back then. The location is right on the beachfront but it was the same price as nicer hostels in my opinion. This is a really unique experience because you really get to share and experience how the local people here in El Paredon live. 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 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. And for that reason (youll see when you get there), its easy to see how it gets fully booked. Keep in mind parties, surf, and chilling in pools are pretty much the main things to do here and not much else. Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. 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. In fact, you might as well watch it every night! There is nothing like relaxing in a hammock in the afternoon while a breeze is cooling you off. The only company I recommend for booking transport and tours in Guatemala (other than the individuals and companies I have named) is GuateGo. Everything below is something I currently use and never leave my house without. The beaches of El Paredon have black sand, which gets extremely HOT in the sun (think walking on paved asphalt in the middle of the day.) Swell Guatemala (this seems to be the cool place to stay these days. Youll learn how to prepare Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas, ticucas, and much more! Keep in mind this town is mega small! We recommend that you do horseback riding around sunset, so you can enjoy the beautiful colors of the falling sun as you make your way across the gorgeous black sand beaches of El Paredon. Many hotels here give this advise as well. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. El Paredon is an off-the-beaten-path destination located about a 2.5 hour drive from Antigua. However, even though it is extremely well-known, this beach town maintains its laid-back, almost remote feeling. Local experiences are why we travel! Just lay down, enjoy some coconut water, and listen to the calming sound of the crashing waves. It can be a bit pricier than other parts of Guatemala but that is due in part to the location. 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. You might not get quite the array of ex-pat run juice bars and sunset cocktail joints but you are guaranteed a Guatemalan experience. Tourists are unlikely to visit El Paredon in October. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Due to its proximity to Antigua, it makes a great weekend trip. El Paredon might not be known for its extravagant hotels, but Kaan Surf can satisfy some of your modern needs. (47 reviews) "Exelent place to Relax" Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023 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! It features an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in El Paredon. Here, guests can experience the magic of baby turtles hatching and running into the sea. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. You might be wondering if El Paredon is safe. Fro. El Paredon Guatemala Surf - A Complete Guide By A Surfer 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. Central America ; Guatemala ; Escuintla Department ; El Paredon ; El Paredon B&Bs / Inns ; Paredon Surf House; Search. Visitors can take in the tropical atmosphere just by walking through the elegantly-designed hotel. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Relax on the beach in El Paredon, cruise serene Lake Atitln, and visit one of Central America's . If youve never surfed before, most hostels will offer lessons. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH. 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. Did I forget to mention its location just a few minutes walk from the beach? 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. This tour takes you on a boat with a local guide. El Paredon Guatemala: Ultimate Travel Guide - Zoe Goes Places If youre going to walk on the beach, walk along the wet part and run there because the dry sand will scald you on the way. The weather tends to be extremely hot and humid during March and April, but it cools down after sunset. But, El Paredon must be one of the safest places in Central America. This isnt the normal beach destination that you will see in other areas around Central America. What makes this small town so special, is the unique experiences it offers. Surf This is easily the most popular activity that people come to El Paredon to partake in. The dorm rooms arent bunk beds which I see as a huge plus. Its the most affordable way to eat and 2. you get the local experience. It is possible to go straight from San Pedro La Laguna instead of meeting in Panajachel but this isnt suggested. 76 68. You can book onto one of their tours or opt for kayak rental and explore for yourself. I also. Finally, you can take the chicken bus from Antigua, but youll have to transfer twice and take a tuk-tuk. Theyve worked on building local libraries and schools. In most hostels, you will have the opportunity of staying at a beachfront property for a great price. The Best Surfing in Guatemala Is at El Paredon - Matador Network The hostel is a huge part of the community in El Paredon, so if you need information about surfing, turtle release, or really about anything in El Paredon, the staff at Driftwood Surfer can help you. But for those that arent staying, they can also come and enjoy their restaurant and bar! The Ultimate Guide to visiting El Paredon | From Antigua So El Paredon is small. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Many visitors will flock towards the sand to try to catch the last light of the day. The WiFi at Mellow Hostel works very well, but I heard it can be not so great at other places. This Guatemalan beach isnt like the ones youre used to. Its highly advised to book accommodation before arriving. During the day, its best to observe from the safety of a hammock or a pool deck. Driftwood Surfer Hostel raises money each year to buy eggs from the poachers and donates them to the conservatory. It has a pool (with a bar inside), a volleyball court outside, and pool tables. The best option to rent a kayak is at El Paredon Surf Camp for 40 GTQ (5 USD) for three hours. Founder of Wheres Mollie / We Are Global Travellers, content creator, photographer and videographer. 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. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The owner is a pretty cool guy). 7 Things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala Youre likely to either come from Antigua or at the least, youll have a stopover at Antigua to get here. Each year, during the months of September and December, the owners of Driftwood Surfer Hostel take care of The El Paredon Turtle Hatchery. Anything youd add? I am certainly no stranger to adventure, outward and within. 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! Another option is taking an Uber from Antigua, which is what I did and it was about $55. The Pacific Slope travel - Lonely Planet | Guatemala, Central America Thanks for stopping by my blog! There is no ATM! If there are particular food or snacks you wish to bring with you, make sure you purchase them before your stay in El Paredon. Hey, I am Sean Lau! If you would like to do watersports in El Paredon but dont want to surf, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? The waves are amazing but only at certain parts of the day. This is a popular place to take a kayak or paddleboard to explore this area which is called the mangroves.