5 amazing things to do at El Paredon Guatemala + how to get there and useful tips!

If you’re planning to travel from Antigua to El Paredon, Guatemala, I’ve got you covered! This post will guide you to this up-and-coming beach destination, detailing how to get there, what you can expect, and all the activities you can enjoy (and some you might not). Whether you’re a first-timer or looking for updated tips, this guide is for you.

El Paredon is Guatemala’s most popular beach town on the Pacific Coast and a hidden gem among surfing destinations in Central America—if you’ve heard about it, of course.

I’ve visited El Paredon twice during my trips to Guatemala, and in this post, I’ll share my experiences, thoughts, and tips for traveling from Antigua to El Paredon.

The first time I visited in 2018, it was a quiet village with just a handful of hotels and hostels, mostly catering to young backpackers. The vibe was laid-back, but there were minimal amenities—no Wi-Fi, limited dining options, and, unfortunately, many stray dogs on the streets.

When I returned a few years later, I was curious to see how much had changed after hearing about new developments. While I noticed more hotels (some of them quite nice) and a few additional places to eat, the overall vibe of the town hadn’t shifted much. Sadly, the streets and beaches still had significant litter, which detracted from the experience.

If you’re planning a trip to El Paredon, it’s worth visiting for the relaxed beach atmosphere and surf-friendly waves, but keep in mind its rustic charm and environmental challenges.

However, I have to say that after visiting Monterrico a few days later (which is supposed to be a more popular Guatemala Beach destination), El Paredon suddenly became one of the most beautiful places on earth. I realized it’s all a matter of perspective and expectations.

So, although it’s not for everyone I think El Paredon makes it a lovely escape and something different from the usual things to do in Guatemala, especially if you want to relax after the strenuous hiking and a way to spend a few days in peace and tranquility watching amazing sunsets at the sound of the ocean waves.

Therefore, I decided to write this guide to El Paredon, Guatemala, so that you can get prepared and make the most of your trip.

Things you should know about El Paredon Guatemala

As I mentioned in my previous article on the Guatemala beaches it is quite clear that you don’t go to Guatemala for the beach. Guatemala is a beautiful country for outdoorsy, hikers, and nature lovers, but if you are into diving or you love basking in the sun on a beautiful beach, this destination is not for you.

Having said that, among all the beaches on the Guatemalan Pacific coast, El Paredon is the most appealing for many travelers. Here is what you should know about it.

• If you are looking for a peace and quiet destination to just relax while watching and listening to the ocean and reading a book, this is your place

• If you are young and want to party, book the Driftwood Hotel.

• El Paredon is a small village with unpaved roads and lots of street dogs

• there aren’t many hotels, and some are closed in low season, so it’s better to book in advance, especially if you want to travel during the weekend

• it’s the locals’ favorite destination too, hence the above tip.

• if you are a pro surfer, this place is for you. El Paredon, Guatemala, is actually considered one of the top surf destinations in Central America.

• If you are not a pro surfer you should book a class in one of the local surf schools, read more info below.

• The beach is volcanic; therefore, the sand is black, and on a hot sunny day, it gets unbearably hot.

• There are a few places where to eat and not a good variety of options.

• WIFI is not reliable. If you need to work online El Paredon is not your destination.

• Sunsets are gorgeous.

Things to do at El Paredon, Guatemala

Surfing at El Paredo,n Guatemala

Surfing at El Paredon is the main activity and the main reason (but not the only one)why locals and travelers alike love it so much and come to spend a few days in this sleepy town on the Central American coast.

Few people know that this tiny village was put on the map of surfers only a few years ago when a Guatemalan expat decided to open a surf camp there. It is a very simple place where you can either enjoy minimal cabañas or camp in your own tent and enjoy catching the challenging waves or just chill.

The place is still there, but more surfing schools and board rentals have opened in the meantime, creating a nice surfing community made of locals and expats in love with the surf and the peaceful ambiance.

The last time I was there I stayed in a beautiful bungalow in a hotel called Villas Las Olas owned by a Guatemalan man and his Thai wife, both experienced surfers who decided to settle there and create a business around their passion. The best way of living.

They also have a surf school where he teaches, and he explained that surfing at El Paredon is for all levels, from beginners to pros.

The only thing is that for beginners, you need to wait for the right waves, usually in low tide, when it’s easier to surf. That is whyit is important to consider a few days there if you are a beginner because it’s not always possible to get in the water.

On the contrary, if you are a pro surfer, you can enjoy the waves all day long, all year round, as you will always find the perfect waves. You just need to be careful and get to know the area, but if you are a pro, you are supposed to know it already. 🙂

Surf Class costs

El Paredon Surf House

• Surf class – 180 Q per hour

• Surf rental – 150 Q per day

Villas las Olas

• Surf class – 300 Q 2 hours

• Surf rental – 130 Q per day

Just chill!

Who says that when you travel, you always have to keep yourself entertained and occupied? I used to think that way but with time and after travel burn-out, I learned that it’s ok to spend days just doing nothing.

Even if you are a Digital Nomad and work online, you should always find some me-time to just chill and do nothing. Well, at El Paredon, this is easy to do because the WIFI is crap.

Unfortunately, I chose a hotel where they were doing restructuring works, so I didn’t like to hang out by the pool surrounded by workers and noise.

But the room was beautiful, and it helped me relax. Also, I could walk to the beach when it was not too hot and hang out in the nearby hostel, where I had the majority of my meals and read a book by the pool. Or I walk along the shore watching surfers and people playing with their dogs.

It was refreshing and so much needed.

Watch the sunset

At 5 pm, everyone was gathering at the beach to enjoy the spectacular sunset, and every day was a different, magnificent show. I believe it’s also one of the best times of the day to surf, magical.

Look for the Turtles at night (without disturbing them)

At El Paredon, there is a Tortuguero where turtle eggs are collected and protected until it’s time for hatching.

It is my understanding that the Driftwood hostel started this turtle conservation project where hotels buy the eggs from the locals who collect them on the beach (even for local consumption) and hand them to the Tortuguero, where they are kept safe until it’s time for the small turtles to come out and be released.

This way, the locals have a job, and the turtles are safe.

If you want to participate in this program, you can check out the Driftwood Hostel and ask to join one of their night walks on the beach, even if you are not staying there.

If you are on your own, it is NOT recommended to walk alone at night on the beach! Even the guardian at the Tortuguero warned me and kindly offered to take me around. I couldn’t do it because I didn’t know how to get there from my hotel, as there are basically no taxis either.

Check out La Choza Chula community projects

La Choza Chula is a local organization that aims to facilitate the organic growth of El Paredon as a tourist destination while respecting the environment and creating jobs for locals. They are, in fact, supporting the training and schooling of local guides and tourism operators of all sorts.

If you want to stay busy, they offer a variety of activities, and by joining them, you will support their valuable projects.

• Mangrove tours – to see the local fauna, including turtles and different bird species
• Bracelet making
• Guatemalan cooking experience
• Homestay accommodations

Check their website to learn more.

Go Kayaking in the river

Something that I have missed, unfortunately, just beaches I didn’t do my research well (hence this post), is this amazing kayaking tour in the Sipacate Naranjo Natural Park with the company Black Sand Tour.

The tour is among a variety of mangrove forests, lagoons, and sandy beaches along a river that is 20 km long and 1 km wide. You will also see freshwater turtles and Iguanas, as well as many bird species.

It must be a great, peaceful tour in the silence of nature.

How to get from Antigua to El Paredon

The easiest way to get from Antigua, Guatemala, to El Paredon is by tourist buses. If you want to try the chicken bus adventure, I don’t think it is the best time to do it.

Use chicken buses for shorter trips like visiting the small villages around Antigua or around Xela.

Tourist buses from Antigua to El Paredon are faster, safer, and more comfortable, which are three good reasons why you would want to use them.

They are more expensive than the chicken bus, but I believe safety is worth the cost, which is not outrageously high anyway.

You can purchase your trip online with Guatego, but I realized they are more expensive than local travel agencies that you will find in Antigua.

Also, keep in mind that every travel agency sets its own price, but they share the same transport with others most of the time. So you may end up traveling with people who have paid a different price from what you paid.

I realized that New Way Travel charges 110 Q for a one-way trip to El Paredon from Antigua, which is the cheapest you will find. However, I booked my trip from Antigua to San Cristobal de Las Casas with them on my way back to Mexico, and they were more expensive than others. So it depends.

If you are on a budget and have time, I suggest you check out different agencies in the Antigua Historical Center and compare prices.

Otherwise, you can just book with the first agency and spare yourself the hassle of looking for others. Sometimes, time is more valuable than money. Or so I believe.

NOTE – all tourist transportation will pick you up at your hotel in Antigua and drop you off at your hotel in El Paredon. (and vice-versa)

TIP I suggest you note the phone number of the agency so that you can book the return ticket, and in case you have already booked it, you can confirm it by phone.

When is the best time to go to El Paredon?

El Paredon, as much as the entire Pacific coast, is an all-year-round destination. However, the best time to visit depends on what you are interested in.

Summertime is great to see baby sea turtles release, whereas wintertime is the best time to visit El Paredon, Guatemala, for surfing because swells on the Pacific coast are smaller and more perfect, ideal for surfers and body-boarders.

Pro surfers will love this part of Guatemala all year round, though.

For a better understanding, you may want to read my post on the best time to visit Guatemala.

Where to stay at El Paredon

The number of hotels in El Paredon is continuously growing, and now you have more options for different budgets than you did a few years ago. I am sure they will continue to add new places to stay.

Below, I have included the places I have stayed at and the ones I have visited during my stay.

INSIDER TIP – Based on my experience, when planning to travel to El Paredon, it’s best to book a hotel in advance, even during the low season, as many hotels close for renovations. There are not many hotels and they have few rooms.

So if you want to make sure to find the right place for your budget and style preferences, you’d better book in advance.

El Paredon is very popular among locals and travelers because it’s the best place to go on the Pacific Coast in Guatemala. Therefore, it fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

The Swell

This is the place that I wanted to go to in the first place, but it was not available for the dates I was traveling (and it was low season, go figure). It’s a beautiful upscale property featuring spacious rooms with minimal but elegant decor, a pool, and privacy for its guests.

Check rates and info

Ka’ana Surf

Another new, high-end, gorgeous property with spectacular rooms around a pool and a manicured garden. It’s probably the most expensive in the area.

Check rates and info

Paredon Surf House

I love this place very much, especially for hanging out and enjoying a nice meal by the pool and in front of the ocean. It’s the best option for both budget travelers and those who love fancy accommodations.

Surf house offers a cheap dorm for backpackers and more upscale accommodations that are a little pricier but still affordable. Relatively good WIFI is included for the hotel guests only as well. So if you only use the restaurant facilities, you don’t have access to the WIFI.

They also offer surfing classes and rent out surfboards.

• Surf class – 180 Q per hour

• Surf rental – 150 Q per day

Check rates and info

Driftwood surfer

Driftwood Surfer is the place to go for backpackers and party lovers. The place is boisterous because of the constant music and pool parties, but it’s also beachfront. So you have the best of both worlds. Additionally, they offer an interesting program for turtle conservation, which you can participate in.

Surfing classes and board rentals are also available.

Check rates and info

Villas las Olas

This is where I was staying for the second time at El Paredon. The place overall is cozy and quiet, and the rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. I was kindly upgraded to a better room with a/c and an outdoor bathroom, which was nice. They offer Surf Lessons as well for 300 Q per 2 hours and board rentals for 130 Q per day.

Check their page

Where to eat at El Paredon

As I mentioned earlier, dining options in El Paredon are quite limited, especially during the week or in the low season.

For breakfast and late lunch, I often went to Paredon Surf House and Ka’ana Hotel. Both served good meals, though the menu options were not extensive. I usually skipped dinner because I didn’t feel comfortable walking around town alone at night.

One spot I remember from my first visit was The Soul Food Kitchen. While they’ve changed locations since then, I’ve heard their food is still as delicious as ever. They specialize in Thai cuisine, and I recall the flavors being incredible. Unfortunately, on my second visit, the restaurant was closed. However, it’s definitely worth trying if you get the chance. You’ll find it roughly across from Driftwood Hostel, on the opposite side of the road, marked by a small sign.

I also noticed a few new spots in town. At the end of the road near Driftwood Hostel, there’s a charming little coffee shop called El Cafecito del Mar. Though I didn’t get a chance to try it, it looked inviting, and I’ve heard good things about it. Additionally, near The Swell, opposite the Surf House, there’s now an ice cream shop—a delightful addition to this small village.

For those looking to try authentic local food, I was recommended Sandra’s. I didn’t get to eat there myself, but it’s highly spoken of and could be a great option for sampling Guatemalan flavors.

What to pack for El Paredon, Guatemala

Packing for the beach is the easiest kind of packing: a swimsuit, a pareo, flip-flops, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent, and you are good to go.

Although Guatemala is quite a conservative country, and you should dress properly in the city, once you hit the beach, you can relax and lay back.

To learn more about packing in Guatemala, please check out my detailed post.

El Paredon Map