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. Another fun activity offered by La Choza Chula is an authentic Guatemalan cooking experience. The road will naturally bend west. My trip to Tecojate was the first time Id done a motorcycle day trip to Guatemalas black sand beaches. Its an unforgettable experience that you dont wanna miss! There are 2 ways to get from El Paredon to Antigua, including minivan, car.. As a kid, I had a lot of fun climbing on the skinny branches of the mangrove trees around the hotel. Kayak Tour of Naranjo-Sipacate National Park: This tour doesnt include transportation to and from the beach. As a result, the array of people you are likely to meet is also wonderfully diverse, and mixing is massively facilitated by glorious 3 course family dinners served under the stars. It isnt fancy (at all), but their restaurant is a thatched-roof palapa built on stilts right beside the ocean. They give an informative talk and then release the hatchlings at 6 am daily during turtle season. Because of the strong currents and powerful waves, you should definitely book a class with an instructor if youre new to surfing. Cocori Lodge: This is where we stayed and we loved it! Although storms made the waves unruly when I first arrived, I eventually got to have my first surfing lesson and spent the next five weeks swimming out in the rip-tides, paddling my arms for all I was worth, and getting dropped, tumbled, and rolled while I fought my way up the learning curve. Check out this quick guide to the easiest and best ways to make it down to the black sand, surf beach of El Paredn. There was a short in the wiring somewhere in the building, and wed get an electric shock every time we opened the door at least until we got smart and stood on plastic chairs before turning the doorknob. This saves you from possible fare changes along the way. Their fish tacos are amazing. If you purchase items through these links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our memories of our sprints along the beach, our euphoria at learning to surf, and balmy evenings meeting pleasant strangers, are some of our favourites. How to get to El Paredn From Anitgua From Guatemala City From Lake Atitlan Costs of one day in El Paredn EL PAREDN - GUATEMALA El Paredn, the (yet) not so popular paradise of Guatemala. I drove from Solol to Tecojate and back in one day, and spent the following: Gas: Q90 (I still had half a tank once I got home)Parking: Q10 for the dayBoat across the channel: Q5 (one way. Whether youre interested in learning about the local culture, doing water sports, exploring nature or simply relaxing, you can do all of that and more in this little beach town. The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala You can book your shuttle through Viator (if traveling to/from Antigua) or Roadrunner. Seafood is a big draw for visitors as well, with most restaurants offering a variety of fried fish, shrimp, Caldo de Mariscos (seafood soup), and ceviche. Visiting El Paredon | Guatemala's Laidback Surf Town - Gecko Routes Afterwards, youll sit together with the family and enjoy all the food you made. a pool, changing rooms, bathrooms, etc. If you want to go to Paredn by bus from Antigua or Guatemala City, first find a bus that is going to Escuintla. 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. that are necessary for the operation of the site, as well as those that are only used Paredn Surf Camp This was the first hostel in El Paredn. Locals and tourists visit El Paredon from Antigua to relax, unwind and take a break from the busy locations surrounding it. How to get to El Paredon, Guatemala Despite its remote location on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, El Paredon is quite easily reachable from Antigua. I havent been there, but based on the pictures it looks beautiful. 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 hope this El Paredon travel guide gave you an idea of what to expect when visiting this cool surf town. Cocori Lodge A cool beachfront restaurant & bar offering a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Situated on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, El Paredon is a small beach town and an up-and-coming holiday destination. With only one paved road running through the town, most of the land is undeveloped yet well maintained with lush green grass, intentionally planted trees, and grass-topped huts and pavilions that offer shade from the hot Guatemalan sun. See below for more information and booking. There are several hotels in the town of Sipacate, but I always prefer to stay right on the ocean if I can. Some even go surfing. I would alternate between playing with my dog (fetch with driftwood and coconut shells), swimming, and relaxing. This relaxing and inviting beach hotel has a very open layout and offers superb ocean views. Thank you! Theres a beautiful pool, hammocks and a lush garden. According to one review, there is often no water there. Atitrans Travel and Tours services this route. Each catering to 3 different types of traveller. The company that runs the shuttle is called Neway Tours and they charge 110 QTZ (13 EUR) each way. .arf_form_outer_wrapper.ar_main_div_100 .arf_fieldset .formtitle_style{ For travelers who prefer the convenience of door-to-door service and a more direct route to their destination, a taxi is a good option for getting from El Paredon to Antigua. In terms of surfing, the best time to visit El Paredon is also the dry season as the waves are too big throughout the rest of the year. The town is really small and we felt safe even when walking around at night. In Sipacate, get a tuk-tuk to El Escondite (where the Marine base is), then catch a boat to El Paredn. How to get to El Paredon - El Paredon Guatemala But it doesn't need to be a problem for long! Sowa Tours One-Day Beach Trip: This tour takes visitors from Antigua to the Pacific and back in one day. Alternatively you can take a Chicken Bus from Antigua. Ready to go to El Paredon? Recuerda siempre verificar las condiciones de la carretera y el clima antes de tu viaje para asegurarte de tener un viaje seguro y agradable. Paredon Surf House: This stylish and quiet boutique hotel features beautiful Bali-style bungalows with thatched roofs and is also located on the beach. It is one of the ways where you can see the local life in action, though you might need to be extra careful with your belongings when youre riding in one. El viaje en coche dura aproximadamente cuatro horas, dependiendo del trfico y las condiciones de la carretera. If you dont have your own wheels, your best bet is to catch a collectivo (otherwise known as the Chicken Bus) from Antigua. Try swimming diagonally with the waves. Laid back attitudes and hopeless infrastructure (like roads) means you get to meet an intrepid sort of traveller, and many of the best sights, including Tikal, still offer opportunities to visit in relative solitude (provided you get up a little early). Also, I highly recommend choosing a place with a pool because youll definitely want to use it to cool down in the scorching heat. If the waves are too big for you, swim under them (this can be a lot of fun! Desde Escuintla, sigue la sealizacin hacia Sipacate y luego hacia El Paredn. Depending on what beach you go to, it could take anywhere from two hours to four or five. THE 5 BEST Things to Do in El Paredon - Tripadvisor I didnt want her wandering off, or chasing chickens. How to Get here? - El Paredon - Mellow Surf Hostel What is the best way to get from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala? It was awesome! Surf board rentals at local hostel The Driftwood Surfer. I love sharing my passion for Guatemala with visitors and locals alike. The eggs are then placed in their hatchery and when the time is right, the baby turtles are released. We spent 4 dreamy days in the secret surf town of El Paredn. You can also sponsor a sea turtle nest, and release olive ridley sea turtles. If you end up in one of them, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and not try to swim directly towards the shore. We ate beautiful food. They purchase the turtle eggs which would otherwise be sold on the black market for human consumption. Guatemala sits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and has great beaches on both coasts. If you want to go to Sipacate by bus from Antigua or Guatemala City, first find a bus that is going to Escuintla. STANDARD CAR BY AUTHENTIC GUATEMALA. / This is possible with a private transfer or a rental car. Is there any public transportation available from El Paredon to Antigua? During these months, the swells are smaller but more perfect, making for optimal wave-riding conditions. Cue many a 10 hour mini-bus ride, a couple of dodgy road-side sandwiches, and one god-awful night bus. So hot that youd probably burn your feet if you tried to walk barefoot on it. Then read my guide to visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal in northern Guatemala. I created this blog to share my passion for traveling the world and to inspire you to chase your wildest travel dreams! Your email address will not be published. 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. All Rights Reserved. It was a very full day and I was definitely ready to hit the sack by the time I got home, but it was totally worth it. El Paredon, Guatemala, is a small and sleepy surf town. Everyone knows everyone, and the town is generally very safe. We almost always go to Mar Maya Rancho Carrillo at Playa el Chilpetito. / Form is successfully submitted. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price. Take shelter under umbrellas or thatch roofed palapas on the beach. Sunrises are quieter, though equally (if not even more) beautiful. Next time, Im going to take talcum powder with me (see above), to facilitate the process! There are several salt-water swimming pools and a restaurant. La Choza Chula offers a handful of different tours in El Paredon and one of the most popular ones is their Turtle tour. And get cheaper flights, of course. This way, you can split the cost of the ride with the whole group and end up with a bargain! Get 3 extra months free of ExpressVPN when signing up for a 1-year plan. Guatemala City to El ParedonFrom Guatemala City, it takes about 3 hours to drive to El Paredon on a good day. If you have booked somewhere in El Paredon the driver will be able to drop you off at your hostel - its not a big place so it wont be too far out of his way! The local lanchas that will take you to see the mangroves and the sea turtles. 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. In fact, one of the first times we stayed at Mar Maya their bungalows were nothing more than wooden shacks covered in salt spray. They have multiple packages, including airport pickup and from two to seven day tours. Please note that based on your settings, not all I love to travel, and when it comes to getting the most out of my trip, Im all for it. They dont have any board rentals (bring your own boards!). Grab your sunscreen and head to the sand and surf! To avoid overpaying, using a reputable taxi company or agreeing on a price with the driver in advance is recommended. 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. 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! The restaurant offers seafood dishes (try their catch-of-day! Look for the one going to Escuintla. This option is especially convenient if youre traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage or equipment. Continue straight through Patulul and Cocales. 68 For the most part, El Paredon remains an unknown location for the droves of tourists that flock to Guatemala each year, preserving its idyllic laidback qualities and a world away from civilization feeling. Al salir del aeropuerto, puedes tomar un taxi o un servicio de transporte privado hacia El Paredn, que est a aproximadamente dos horas y media de distancia. On the other hand, if youre looking for a place with lots of tourist attractions, upscale hotels and fancy restaurants, El Paredon is probably not for you since you wont find these things there. Enjoy the Beach Living! By the time we came full circle, and found ourselves back in Antigua, we were in need of some much needed downtime. Although El Paredon now has a variety of accommodation options, places to eat and decent internet, it still maintains its rustic charm and a remote feeling think dirt roads and thatched-roof buildings. Note: Although card payments are becoming more common, many businesses in El Paredon still only accept cash. Forget Monterrico or Livingstone, if youre looking for some dreamy west-coast sunset and crowd-free surf, El Paredon should be firmly on your itinerary. A bit on the more expensive side, this hotel is located right on the beach and offers prime views of the ocean. Swell Guatemala Swell calls itself an elegant and cozy surf and lifestyle hostel. (The service is slow, so it is best to order ahead and tell them what time youll want lunch). FAQ Answers to common questions. I havent personally spent the night at Tecojate, but from my research it looks like there are only a couple of options. How to get from Antigua to Semuc Champey, Guatemala, How to get from Rio Dulce to Panajachel, Guatemala. 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. They must have overlooked El Paredn, Guatemala's best beach and possibly one of its best kept secrets. You can catch a public bus at the Antigua bus stop. Atitrans Tours and Travel offer regular shuttle services from Antigua to El Paredon. During our visit in April, we didnt have this issue at all so it might be seasonal. Make sure to check out their offers! You can usually book the kayak or SUP mangrove tours through your accommodation or through Black Sand Kayaks. Visiting Tikal in Guatemala: Everything you need to know. However, its important to note that driving in Guatemala can be challenging, especially if youre not used to the local roads and traffic. You'll travel to Escuintla where you'll transfer buses to Sipacate. Wander the beach and boat launches and find a local willing to take you fishing the next morning. I paid Q20 for the crossing, but a local told me it is typically Q10 for motorcycles and Q5 per person. During a 2-hour class, youll learn to make Guatemalan tortillas, empanadas and other dishes in a local familys kitchen. Algunos hoteles en El Paredn tambin ofrecen transporte privado para sus huspedes. 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). Guatemala El Paredon Exploring El Paredon Where to stay Where to eat How to get around Things To Do You can find the quiet town of El Paredon on Guatemala's Pacific Coast. Therefore, youll need to be cautious and alert while driving, and avoiding driving at night is recommended. There are affiliate links within this article, which help us travel more often! 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. If youre visiting El Paredon between September and December, you can attend a daily baby sea turtle release in front of the Driftwood Surfer Hotel. Find destination, accommodation and travel guides specifically for young and young at heart travelers. Estacin Biolgico El Banco is a community-run conservation station dedicated to protecting sea turtle nesting sites. According to Guatemalas National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP), there are up to 30 turtle sanctuaries in Guatemala. Many come here to relax, surf, or party as there are honestly not many other choices! How much is the Antigua to El Paredon shuttle? El viaje en coche dura aproximadamente dos horas, dependiendo del trfico y las condiciones de la carretera. Take your own boards if you are going to Mar Maya. The following widget shows some of thebest tours in Antigua, Guatemala. Strolling down its cobblestone streets, youll be transported to another time and place, where colonial architecture, colorful markets, and lively street performers beckon you to explore and discover. El Paredn Driftwood Surfer hostel sponsors the turtle sanctuary in El Paredn. Because of its prime location, El Paredon is highly regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Surf El Paredn is the best surfing beach in all of Guatemala, so grab your board and paddle out to this steep beach break. The journey from El Paredon to Antigua typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It includes:* why bargaining is culturally important* ground rules to get you started* tips to take you to the next level* common bargaining phrases* bargaining stories from real life. These include cookies Travel time: ~2 hours. Home Universal Traveller Travel Guides Central America Travel Guide Guatemala Travel Guide Guatemala Transportation. I live in Guatemala where I spent my childhood swimming in caldera lakes, mountain biking through maize fields, and toasting marshmallows over molten lava. Despite its small size, El Paredon has some pretty cool accommodation options for all kinds of budgets. El Paredn is a tiny fishing village that first gained fame among surfers. That black sand gets mighty, mighty hot. The shuttle vans are well-maintained and air-conditioned, with room for your luggage. 1. You can also watch the sunrise or sunset, stargaze, have a bonfire (your hotel or hostel can help with this), or hang out in a hammock. 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. Swell Surf & Lifestyle Hotel: A stylish upscale boutique hotel with a boho-chic vibe, a gorgeous pool and a tropical garden. Although the town is just a few hours drive from Antigua and Guatemala City, it feels like a world away from the crowds and the crazy traffic of the bigger cities. 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. Is it safe to travel from El Paredon to Antigua? The main hostels take turns in hosting events on different nights and everyone is welcome to attend these events even if theyre not staying at that hostel. La forma ms comn de llegar a Guatemala es por avin. Locals tell me that a roundtrip ferry ride for you car costs Q150. There are 4 ways to get from Antigua Guatemala to El Paredn Buena Vista 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. It is not directly on the beach (you'll have to take a very short walk), but it has an outdoor pool and spacious lounge area that add to its relaxed vibe. The break here is steep and heavy, and when the wind picks up it can become borderline unsurfable. Most of their units have A/C, and their bungalows have kitchens, which is great if you are going as a family and want to save on food costs. Connect with your mind and body in beautiful tropical surroundings with the sound of the ocean in the background. Escuintla is recognized for its sugar agro-industry as well as having abundant natural beauty and refreshing places to spend pleasant moments with the family. If you wish to make an enjoyable itinerary from your private transfer to El Paredon, you can do so. A rural fishing village on a black sand beach with palm trees, hammocks, and surf boards galore? Help me dedicate more time and resources to tracking down awesome Guatemalan destinations and writing more helpful posts and guides.Donate Now, 2023 Guate Adventure - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Ultimate Food Tour Antigua 11 Stellar Options, Finca El Amate *Honest Review & Visitors Guide*, Visit the Fabulous La Aurora Zoo Guatemala, 17 Best Hotels Close to Guatemala City Airport, Motorcycle Day Trip to the Beach Tips & Tricks, Best time of the year to visit Guatemalas Black Sand Beaches, Best time for surfing and boogie boarding, Things to know about Guatemalas Black Sand Beaches, How to stay safe on Guatemalas Black Sand Beaches, Releasing Baby Sea Turtles on Guatemalas Black Sand Beaches, ours that go to Guatemalas Black Sand Beaches, Guatemalas National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP). This is definitely on the higher-end of the scale, but you get what you pay for; with gorgeous interiors, a beautiful pool, and plenty of pretty places to kick back and relax. Going to. Mar Maya Rancho Carrillo is a Guatemalan-run hotel. Home to nesting turtles, waves perfect for surfing, and an all-around laidback . On the El Paredon map below, youll find the main points of interest as well as the hotels and restaurants I mentioned in this blog post. You can decide for yourself if you want to help us Some people would recommend using the chicken bus, but Guatemala's public transport isn't the most reliable or safe. Book a tour and take a scenic boat tour of the river-edged Sipacate El Naranjo National Park, lined with mangroves and wildlife. Why you should visit El Paredon, Guatemala + best things to do If youre getting to Paredn on your own, you can choose between two different routes. How can I book transportation from El Paredon to Antigua? I also enjoy hanging out at Mar Maya. Various tour agencies also offer custom tours, so thats an alternative for you if you dont get jazzed up by any of the options below. We ended up driving from Guatemala City to El Paredon and I would only recommend it if youre an experienced and confident driver. Try to pay attention to the conditions and notice when they change. Guatemala City to El Paredon by private transfer | Bookaway This shuttle service offers comfortable and affordable transportation between the two destinations for only USD 26! The long gnarled roots of these water bathing trees support some of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. Minimum size of tour: 4 adults. El principal aeropuerto internacional de Guatemala es el Aeropuerto Internacional La Aurora, ubicado en la Ciudad de Guatemala. Tortugario Monterrico CECON This turtle sanctuary in Monterrico is run by the Universidad San Carlos of Guatemala. Antigua to El ParedonThe drive from Antigua to El Paredon takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 115-145 GTQ per person for a shared shuttle. Devon likes to surf, hike, write, and daydream. Largely untouched and crowd-less you will have ample time to relax, learn and perfect your surfing techniques alongside a handful of others. Desde el Lago Atitln, debers tomar la CA-1 Este hacia Solol y luego continuar hacia la CA-2 Oeste en direccin a Escuintla. Copyright 2022 Universal Traveller by Tim Kroeger Media LLC. Since Guatemala doesnt have the best safety reputation, lets get this question out of the way. You can conveniently book a ticket with them online to secure a spot. This small surf town is easily accessible from Antigua, and appeals to those wanting to break away from the busyness of nearby destinations. While this might go without saying (the sand IS black, after all), Ive heard of a man who got third-degree burns on the bottom of his feet at a beach near Puerto San Jos. 2. If you visit between August and February, you can sponsor and free a baby sea turtle! in El Paredon. We can organize yourtransportation in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Colombia! Cost per person: $129 (2-day tour). Pacific Pearls Lodge If youre looking for something upscale and eco-friendly, check out this off-the-grid hotel. At some beaches with close access to the Canal de Chiquimula, visitors can also go paddle-boarding, clamber around in the mangroves, catch crabs, and watch birds. Tortugario El Garitn This turtle sanctuary is located in El Garitn, Santa Rosa and is run by the Universidad Austriaco. Guests in this area of Guatemala often complain about mosquitoes, so remember to pack plenty of mosquito repellent. With your own vehicle, you can craft your itinerary, pause for spontaneous discoveries, and relish in the convenience of a personal mode of transport. The bus can get pretty crowded. El Paredon is my favorite beach in Guatemala and just a short ride from Antigua. I left my helmet locked to my motorcycle and gave my boots, raingear, and other motorcycle gear (packed into my saddlebags) into the care of the owner of the parking lot. No, there is no direct bus between Antigua and El Paredon. You can book a shared shuttle online if you travel from Antigua to El Paredon without a car. I can easily check for the schedule online and book a ticket on the spot. We had a SCHEDULE. A taxi or Uber service is also something you can consider when traveling from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala. Its one of the best surf spots in Guatemala and the entire Central America! There are 6 ways to get from Antigua Guatemala 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. Required fields are marked *. I took off my jacket, leggings, socks, and boots and put on the wrap-around skirt, flip-flops, and hat. I did enjoy paddling through the mangrove tunnels though. For travelers who prefer a more personalized and customizable transportation option, a private transfer is an excellent choice to get from El Paredon to Antigua! They offer 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day all-included packages. The trip to El Paredn takes two and a quarter to two and a half hours from Antigua by car or shuttle. I chose one of the restaurants built right on the sand there and used it as my home base throughout the day. Make sure to check out all the most recommended tours in Guatemala, which you can book online hassle-free. by public bus, shared shuttle, rental car, taxi, or Uber. La Choza Chula also offer this tour, more information can be found here: https://lachozachula.org/tours/.

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