4. Cue many a 10 hour mini-bus ride, a couple of dodgy road-side sandwiches, and one god-awful night bus. For example, be aware of your surroundings and belongings, only use licensed and reputable transportation options, and avoid traveling at night. Why you should visit El Paredon, Guatemala + best things to do, on Why you should visit El Paredon, Guatemala + best things to do, Best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala, 2) Watch the sunset and sunrise at the beach, 3) Take a mangrove tour on a SUP or kayak, 4) See turtles and salt farms with La Choza Chula, El Paredon weather and best time to visit. I took off my jacket, leggings, socks, and boots and put on the wrap-around skirt, flip-flops, and hat. Note: Ive seen many people mention that there are lots of mosquitoes and sandflies in El Paredon that will attack you in the evenings and leave behind super itchy bites. Bus from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala Travel time: Varies One way to get from Antigua to El Paredon is by public bus. Once I crossed the channel by boat, I wound my way through a collection of restaurants to the shore. a pool, changing rooms, bathrooms, etc. Driving with Rental Car from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala, 5. Get 3 extra months free of ExpressVPN when signing up for a 1-year plan. The only way to get to El Paredn is by Guatemalas famously shoddy roads - as with visiting any other part of the country come to think of it. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. We met wonderful people. I enjoy roaming the country on Mo, my motorcycle, accompanied by my goggle-wearing canine sidekick Lily. If you visit between August and February, you can sponsor and free a baby sea turtle! how to put on motorcycle leggings when extremely hot and sweaty. Bus from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala, 2. During a 2-hour class, youll learn to make Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas and other dishes in a local familys kitchen. Besides surfing, this little beach town is a great destination for backpackers that want to meet and party with other travelers. This is an initiative created by the Driftwood Surfer Conservation Project. The rooms are rustic yet modern and some even have a private plunge pool. You can also sponsor a sea turtle nest, and release olive ridley sea turtles. Here are the cutest cafes and best restaurants in El Paredon: Be Good & Cafe A small French cafe with a lovely garden. I stayed in the dormitory here in November 2021 and really enjoyed the atmosphere, the greenery, and chats with the owner, Rafa. Una vez en Escuintla, dirgete hacia la CA-2 Oeste. Continue straight through Patulul and Cocales. El Paredon Guatemala: Ultimate Travel Guide - Zoe Goes Places I wore my two-piece swimsuit, plus a T-shirt my armored motorcycle leggings, armored motorcycle jacket, socks, and boots. Driftwood Surfer Beach Hostel: Another one of the top party hostels in El Paredon, just a few blocks from Cocori, located also on the beachfront. Here are a few things that are helpful to know about Guatemalas black sand beaches. What To Do in El Paredon, Guatemala - Twirl The Globe Each one has a different nesting season. Guatemalas black sand beaches can be places of deep chill, with hammocks and books and icy beverages, or they can be a plunging-into-waves, the power of the ocean roaring over your body, skin and hair and heart tingling with adrenaline. OX Expeditions Summit to Surf: Climb a 13,000 foot volcano (read more about hiking Acatenango here), camp under the stars with a high possibility of exploding lava shows, then go all the way to sea level for some hammock relaxation and surfing at the Pacific. The cheapest way to get from Antigua to El Paredon is by shared shuttle. Sailfish and Pacific Sailfish: November to MayDorado, Mahi-Mahi, Dolphin, Roosterfish: May to DecemberMarlin and Yellowfin Tuna: year-round. The distance from El Paredon to Antigua is 66 miles or 106 kilometers. El Paredon is a small beach town sitting on the Pacific coast of. Casa Vieja Lodge: Has a fleet of nine boats and packages for one to five people, luxury accommodations, and a fleet that raises 12-15 sailfish per day. Double check when the local 5-a-side football evening is and you can pop into the village to watch. There are 4 ways to get from Santiago Atitln to El Paredn by bus, taxi or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. They also have areas for beach volleyball, beach soccer, badminton, paddle tennis, and fishing. El principal aeropuerto internacional de Guatemala es el Aeropuerto Internacional La Aurora, ubicado en la Ciudad de Guatemala. According to one visitor, the entrance fee is Q10 per person and includes a tour (where you can see alligators and garpikes-a kind of fish that is a living fossil). Deep Sea Fishing on a Shoestring: Want the thrill of charging at the waves in a local fishing boat for as little as $100? I'm Yvonne, a writer, word-lover, and adventurer. Some of the best things to do in Guatemala are within reach from here. Although these are far from the only places to stay in El Paredn, here are some options to get you started! Theres also an amazing swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. Depending on what beach you go to, it could take anywhere from two hours to four or five. In general, Uber tends to be a lot cheaper than taxis in Guatemala. Other activities include SUP, kayaking, and baby turtle release. Its the perfect place for a lazy beach day with some music, refreshing drinks and delicious food. The journey from El Paredon to Antigua takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, or a little over that if you choose to stop along the way. How to get to El Paredn Want to go to El Paredn but not sure how to get here? Sunrises are quieter, though equally (if not even more) beautiful. You can get to Sipacate by car or public transportation. I put on the rest of my motorcycle gear, packed my day-bag stuff back inside my saddlebags, and I was ready to rock and roll. They must have overlooked El Paredn, Guatemala's best beach and possibly one of its best kept secrets. I live in Guatemala where I spent my childhood swimming in caldera lakes, mountain biking through maize fields, and toasting marshmallows over molten lava. We ate beautiful food. Make sure to check out their offers! color:#47407f}. If youre coming from areas further from the equator, you might be used to lying out in the sun for hours to get a suntan. Despite its small size, El Paredon has some pretty cool accommodation options for all kinds of budgets. Traveling between El Paredon and Antigua is easy, and you can choose between a shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, and rental car. functionalities of the site may be available. Alternatively, you can also get a private transfer, Uber, or taxi. Your Guide to El ParedonGuatemala's Surf Town - Where in the World Looking for other places to visit in Guatemala? There is good boogie boarding here in November, December, and January. Here's where to stay: Luxury: Ka' Ana Surf Solid Choices: Swell and Casa Zala Budget: Paredon Surf House Here are some of the best places to stay in El Paredon: Ka' Ana Surf Ka' Ana Surf is as close as you'll get to luxury accommodations in El Paredon. I like to boogie board most when low tide is rising to high tide. All the accommodations options listed above can help you organise surf-lessons from local instructors and rent boards (from foamies or soft-tops for true beginners, to 5ft blades). Take your own boards if you are going to Mar Maya. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surf El Paredn is the best surfing beach in all of Guatemala, so grab your board and paddle out to this steep beach break. Olive Ridley sea turtles nest throughout the year while Pacific Green turtles mostly lay eggs between June and November. As the Playa El Paredon beach faces south, you can watch both sunrises and sunsets from here and they are both spectacular! They have multiple packages, including airport pickup and from two to seven day tours. El Paredn Driftwood Surfer hostel sponsors the turtle sanctuary in El Paredn. So pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted by Antiguas captivating beauty and endless possibilities! Its sleek, and glam, and beautifully finished. The bus can get pretty crowded. When we visited in April, we booked our room a week in advance and 99% of the hotels and hostels in El Paredon were already sold out by that time. Lake Atitlan to El ParedonFrom Lake Atitlan, the shuttles to El Paredon usually depart from Panajachel and San Pedro La Laguna. Adems, algunos hoteles en El Paredn ofrecen transporte privado para sus huspedes. Guatemala City to El Paredn - 2 ways to travel via taxi - Rome2rio El Paredon is a tranquil getaway located along Guatemalas Pacific Coast. Hi there! Try to stay between them! Sumak Travel Tailor-made Tour to El Paredn: Make this tour what you want it to be with an eco-friendly local-supporting travel company. by public bus, shared shuttle, rental car, taxi, or Uber. *Note: Not to be confused with El Paredon Surf CAMP. Your transport operator knows best which sights are along the way. Guatemala is known for its chicken buses or camionetas. From the vast expanse of glittering Lake Atitlan, to the rampant volcanism evident across the country, Guatemala is a back-packers paradise. If you wish to make an enjoyable itinerary from your private transfer to El Paredon, you can do so. Recommended Bus Take the bus from Escuintla to Puerto de Sipacate 4h 26m $43 - $55 Cheapest Shuttle El Paredn lies on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, roughly two hours from Antigua and three hours from Guatemala City. The main party spots in El Paredon are The Driftwood Surfer and Cocori Lodge. They were all fantastic surfers, but they didnt complain about me attempting to drop in on a wave, and when I managed to stay on my feet for a few seconds they clapped and cheered for me. I also enjoy hanging out at Mar Maya. Minimum size of tour: 4 adults. Algunos hoteles en El Paredn tambin ofrecen transporte privado para sus huspedes. Antigua Guatemala to El Paredn Beach - 6 ways to travel - Rome2rio If youre having trouble swimming back to shore, wait for a wave, swim with it, then wait for the next one. If you would like to take public transportation, it will require at least two buses and one tuk-tuk ride to reach El Paredon, Guatemala. When you get into the ocean, notice which direction the current is pulling. Be sure to check out Lake Atitln and Acatenango Volcano! *She came home covered in fleas, though, so next time Ill make sure her flea pills are up-to-date and maybe throw in a flea spray for good measure. You have 3 real accommodation options in El Paredn. If youre looking for information on sports-fishing tours, check out the tours section later in this post. At a glance, Swell should probably top this list. How To Get To El Paredon, Guatemala Chicken Bus is one way to get to El Paredon, but it's not recommended There are multiple options on how to get to El Paredon, depending on where you are. The Ultimate Guide to visiting El Paredon | From Antigua Driftwood Surfer This is known as the party hostel and has A/C in all the rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant, and two fully stocked bars. Atitrans operates a shuttle service from El Paredon to Antigua for only USD 26! Either find a local with a lancha and negotiate e a fair price for the trip, or book onto a tour with La Choza Chula, the local sustainable tour company. There are 5 ways to get from Guatemala City to El Paredn Beach by bus, taxi, car or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Nestled among Guatemalas verdant hills and towering volcanoes, Antigua is a city that enchants visitors with its beguiling blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy! I love to travel, and when it comes to getting the most out of my trip, Im all for it. Travel guide to El Paredon, Guatemala - Tourdoo Check out the below. We almost always go to Mar Maya Rancho Carrillo at Playa el Chilpetito. Please, please, please dont do that here. A protected practice, you will get a first-hand view of this sacred process from a safe distance which you can book at your accommodations. Its a great place for people who like to relax and chill. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. By the time we came full circle, and found ourselves back in Antigua, we were in need of some much needed downtime. El Paredon, Guatemala: A Beach Paradise if you are a pro surfer this place is for you. Download my free Bargaining Guide. How to get from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala This precious sight is breathtaking as well as beautiful to see as Turtles make their way onto the sand during the night, dig up a hole, and lay their eggs. I only dared to go as deep into the water as my hip height. Theres so much to love about the experience with its mix of tranquility and wildness, its dark sands, huge skies, and powerful ocean. If you get dragged too far one direction, simply get out and walk back up the beach before getting in again. And, it's a place that has changed a lot in the last couple of years. 7 Things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala - Guatemala Explorer I paid Q20 for the crossing, but a local told me it is typically Q10 for motorcycles and Q5 per person. Most hotels in El Paredon are right on the beach or within walking distance. 2:26 hrs away, We use cookies to provide you with an optimal website experience. El Paredn is a tiny fishing village that first gained fame among surfers. It takes around two hours to travel this distance by car. The boat ride takes about fifteen minutes and costs Q5 per person. Although they dont all operate to the same degree, their mission is to collect and protect sea turtle eggs as well as work in education and the protection of nesting sites. I prefer taking the shared shuttle to El Paredon, Guatemala, from Antigua for convenience and reliability. Hire a lancha to slowly paddle you up river and spot some of the regions wildlife on the way. El Paredon has become a popular destination for Surfing, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) due to the swell of the sea and the proximity of mangroves. Here youll be able to see the turtles heads as they come up to the surface for air. Perhaps if you take a kayak tour, you can cover more ground and see more wildlife. So, without further ado, here are three of Guatemalas black sand beaches youll love. However, there are no black sand beaches on the Atlantic side, only the Pacific. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from El Paredon to Antigua. in El Paredon. Table of ContentsWhy Visit Guatemalas Black Sand BeachesThings to do at Guatemalas Black Sand BeachesMy favorite Black Sand Beaches to Visit (plus how to get to each & accommodation options)El ParednSipacateTecojateMotorcycle Day Trip to the Beach Tips & TricksBest time of the year to visit Guatemalas Black Sand BeachesBest time for surfing and boogie boardingBest time for releasing baby sea turtlesBest time for sport fishingThings to know about Guatemalas Black Sand BeachesHow far is Guatemala City to the Beach?How to stay safe on Guatemalas Black Sand BeachesReleasing Baby Sea Turtles on Guatemalas Black Sand BeachesTours that go to Guatemalas Black Sand BeachesDeep-Sea Fishing (Sport Fishing) ToursThe Wrap-Up. +502 3400-1898. Blue Bayou Sport Fishing Lodge: This sport fishing lodge offers all-inclusive packages and everything from pool-side finger food and beer during the shuttle ride, to the main attractionall-day sport fishing. The price for a shared shuttle is around 225 GTQ per person and in most cases, there is a stopover in Antigua. This place offers a full scale of accommodation options; from a beautiful dorm under the eaves, to private beach cabanas with decks & en-suites, you can choose how luxe you want to go (luxe in a Swiss-Family-Robinson kinda way). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im a travel addict, obsessed with exploring our beautiful world, experiencing new cultures, and discovering the beauty of nature - and my goal is to do all of it in an ethical, responsible and sustainable way. These include cookies You can conveniently book a ticket with them online to secure a spot. If there are a lot of rip tides, choose a section between them. I commenced traveling as a young adventurous backpacker, but now prefer to travel in a little more luxury; however, I have not lost my love of adventure. / Because of its prime location, El Paredon is highly regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. One of the things I appreciated most about learning to surf at Paredn was the attitude of the local guys. Pacific Pearls Lodge If youre looking for something upscale and eco-friendly, check out this off-the-grid hotel. If not, that's a problem! If youre the type of traveler who wants to explore at your own pace and wants the freedom to go where you please, renting a car can be an excellent option for getting from El Paredon to Antigua! What is the cheapest way to get from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala? Although some sea turtles lay eggs year-round, your best bet for releasing these cute reptiles at Guatemalas black sand beaches is probably June through February. If you brought talcum powder (I didnt know this trick at the time), rub it over yourself to take off the salt, sand, and sweat and make the ride home more comfortable.