El Paredon: Travel Guide to Guatemala’s Surf Destination

This is a complete travel guide to visiting El Paredon, the only surf destination in Guatemala. This post includes: the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, safety advice, and everything you need to plan your perfect trip to El Paredon.

El Paredon is a tiny village on the west coast of Guatemala. It is known for its volcanic black sand beach, perfect surf, and laid back vibe. El Paredon is one of Guatemala’s up-and-coming holiday destinations.

With consistent surf breaks, El Paredon is the only beach destination in Guatemala where you can surf the Pacific coast. This post will share everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Guatemala’s only surfer destination.

El Paredon has everything you want in a laid back surf town. It has beautiful tropical accommodations, unique cafe’s and restaurants. You can see epic sunrises and sunsets in El Paredon, and the town comes with a few tourist activities that aren’t available in neighbouring Monterrico.

An ideal destination for those seeking to unwind on a beach, El Paredon attracts visitors from all over the world. Here you will find backpackers, beach bums, surfers, yogi’s, families and couples all soaking up the vibes.

Just a few hours from Guatemala City and Antigua. The warm ocean breezes and unspoiled beaches of El Paredon should make it onto your Guatemala itinerary!

Why Visit El Paredon

A few years ago, El Paredon, also known as El Paredon Buena Vista, was a tiny village with limited infrastructure. Today, thanks to its growing popularity, El Paredon has quite a few accommodation options, great restaurants, cafe’s, and decent internet.

El Paredon has however, maintained its rugged charm. Dirt roads lead to the beach and every building comes complete with a thatched-roof. While it is just a few hours from Guatemala’s capital, it still feels like a ‘hidden gem’.

12 Things to do in El Paredon

1.) Learn to Surf/Go Surfing

The most popular thing to do in El Paredon is to surf. El Paredon has exploded on the scene because of its ideal surfing conditions. This is the best place in Guatemala to learn to surf.

There are plenty of surf schools in El Paredon which cater to beginners. It costs around 150Q for a lesson and 80Q to rent a board for 2 hours. Most accommodations will be able to organize this. 

To be clear, the waves in El Paredon can be large and there is an incredibly strong current. If you are just starting out, it is recommended that you do take a lesson. Keep in mind that the waves are easier to navigate during low tide.

2.) Relax on the Beach

The black sand beach of El Paredon is stunning. You would be remiss to not enjoy at least one lazy day catching rays and swimming in the ocean. Grab a book and lay out your towel or find a beach front bar and unwind. The beach stretches for miles either way you look. Soak up the atmosphere and coastal bliss that is El Paredon

PSA: The black sand does get incredibly hot during the afternoon so make sure you bring good beach shoes.

3.) Watch the Sunset

El Paredon is home to the best sunsets in Guatemala. When the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of reds, oranges, pinks, purples and golds. With waves crashing on the beach, the perfect pacific ocean mist floats into the air while silhouettes of palm trees wave in the distance.

The black sand and surfers in the distance adds to the allure of witnessing sunset in El Paredon. It is a ritual the whole town participates in.  When the heat of the day breaks, the town becomes alive. Encouraged only by the art of an El Paredon sunset.

4.) Watch the Sunrise!

Due to El Paredon’s beach facing south, this is one of the few places you can see both sunrises and sunsets from the beach. The sunrise is just as beautiful as the sunset so you should make sure you wake up early enough to experience it at least once.

Try to arrive half an hour before sunrise and you will be treated to a special moment. The sand on the beach will be cool, the sky will glow, the hues will change, and the sun will rise right before your eyes. 

5.) Take a Mangrove Tour

El Paredon is located near the border of the Sipacate Naranjo National Park. With a huge network of mangroves to explore, you can take a tour via lancha boat, kayak or paddle board with a local fisherman.

Paddling through the maze of mangrove tunnels will give you the opportunity to explore the thriving ecosystem while keeping your eyes out of diverse bird species. Most accommodations will organize tours for you, however you can book directly with El Paredon Tours.

El Paredon Tours is a small eco-tour agency providing employment to local guides and donating part of their funds towards the towns secondary school. 

6.) Take a Booze Cruise

If you are interested in partying in El Paredon, you need to join the sunset booze cruise! Every Saturday you can join an all you can drink pirate themed booze cruise through the mangroves. The cruise includes a DJ and drinks, and promises good vibes. It costs 225Q per person or $29USD, departs at 3:30pm and docks at 5:30pm. You can book through the website, or via Cocori Lodge, which is also the gathering point!

7.) Release Sea Baby Sea Turtles at the Driftwood Surfer

El Paredon and the west coast of Guatemala is a prime nesting ground for sea turtles. Every year thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. From September to December, when the eggs hatch, you can participate by releasing baby turtles back into the ocean.

Unfortunately, poaching turtle eggs is not illegal in Guatemala. They are collected and sold on the black market to be eaten as aphrodisiacs. The Driftwood Surfer, as part of their conservation project, purchases over 60,000 turtle eggs each year.

The turtle eggs are placed in a hatchery and monitored until they are ready to be released into the ocean.  Everyday at 5:45am, you can witness the release of the turtles at the Driftwood Surfer. Confirm with their facebook page that a release is happening on the morning you plan to go.

8.) Take a Guatemalan Cooking Class

A fun activity offered by the local eco tour company El Paredon Tours, is to take an authentic Guatemalan cooking class.

Step inside a local families kitchen and learn how to prepare traditional Guatemalan tortillas and empanadas. This 1.5 hour tour includes lunch and a personalized experience, with funds donated to the local secondary school. This tour costs 150Q per person ($20USD).

9.) Take a Long Walk Down the Beach

The beach at El Paredon stretches for miles. You can spend hours strolling along and exploring beautiful untouched scenery.  With limited development, El Paredon feels raw and untamed. Pristine black sand, green tropical flora and a pacific ocean mist combine to create a magical landscape. One that you can have mostly to yourself for as long as you are willing to walk.

*TIP* Be aware that black sand does absorb heat. As the morning turns to afternoon the sand gets extremely hot. If walking after 10:00am and before 3:00pm, stay on the wet part of the sand. It is best to take your walks in the morning or evening. 

10.) Enjoy some El Paredon Nightlife

A direct result of its popularity among travellers, El Paredon has a vibrant nightlife with parties happening every night. The main hostels, Cocori Lodge, the Driftwood Surfer and Mellow Hostel take turns hosting events on different nights. Everyone is welcome to these events even if they are not guests of the property.

I joined in a party at both Mellow and Driftwood. They are great fun, well run, and never get out of hand. They also shut down at a reasonable point in the night and the party continues, optionally, at a special location on the beach. Just follow the crowd. 

11.) Take a Yoga Class

Listening to the sounds of waves crashing against the shore while participating in a yoga class is an incredible experience offered by many of the hotels and hostels in El Paredon. Just imagine having the beautiful black sand beach of El Paredon as the backdrop to your practice.

Whether you’re a practicing yogi or a beginner, El Paredon’s laid back surf vibes provide the perfect atmosphere for a yoga class.  Swell Hotel and Cocori Lodge both have their own outdoor yoga decks and offer daily classes

12.) Get a Day Pass to Playa 14 Beach Club or Cocori Lodge

If you aren’t staying on a beachfront property and like the vibes offered at one of the popular hostels and bars along the beach, many of them offer day passes. These are two of my favourites.

Playa 14 is a beachfront bar and brewery just outside of town. You can take a tuktuk to get there. There is a beautiful infinity pool with an unobscured view of the ocean. There are sun loungers, and a restaurant that serves artisanal beer. It costs 75Q for a day pass during the week and 124Q on the weekends. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Playa 14 is a great place for a lazy beach day.

Cocori Lodge offers something similar. A day pass to their hostel, which has a beautiful pool. It costs 150Q for the day. This however, includes 100Q towards food and drink at their restaurant. It is located right in town, and is a great deal for a day pass.

Best Places to stay in El Paredon

Budget

BUDGET | Driftwood Surfer – A quintessential party hostel. If you are looking for a place to drink, dance, and play beer pong on the beach, the Driftwood Surfer is for you. Not the cleanest hostel, nor the quietest, but definitely the most fun with the best location. Accommodations range from dorms to private rooms. The staff at the Driftwood Surfer are friendly and inviting and the communal spaces are always filled with laughter. Be aware though, this IS a party hostel. 

BUDGET | Mellow Hostel – Mellow is a beautiful hostel. Thoughtfully designed with stone steps leading to thatched roof beach huts and air condition concrete dormitories, this is one of the coolest hostels you can stay in. A social hostel that encourages connecting with fellow travelers, relax by the pool and take part in one of their bi-weekly family meals. 

BUDGET | Cocori – Cocori Lodge is located right on the beach and is one of the best hostels in El Paredon. Cocori really embraces the surfer attitude, and with an incredible pool and restaurant, it is an obvious choice for the boujie backpacker.  You can book private rooms or stay in dorms if you are traveling on a budget. 

Mid Range

MID RANGE | Wander Boutique Hotel – A quiet escape nestled on the coast of El Paredon. This stylish boutique hotel brings modern comforts to the beach. The pool area is surrounded by tropical flora, the rooms are thoughtfully curated and the staff are welcoming. There is a restaurant on site that serves fresh locally sourced healthy food. Averaging $80/night, Wander Boutique Hotel is the perfect seaside escape. 

MID RANGE | Swell Hotel – This El Paredon boutique hotel offers beachfront serenity and stylishly designed rooms in the $100 range. Swell captures the essence of tropical living in a hotel. An outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, thatch roofed buildings, private balconies and an open air restaurant are all features of this hotel.

Luxury

LUXURY | Ka’ana Surf – Ka’ana Surf is El Paredon’s luxury oceanside retreat. This hotel caters to surf enthusiasts and those seeking to unwind in a coastal retreat. Guests are provided with a range of amenities including wellness activities, stylish rooms, surf lessons, and an absolutely beautiful outdoor swimming pool. A tropical getaway, Ka’ana Surf includes thatched roofed buildings, hammocks and chic decor. A little pricier than the rest, but definitely more luxurious. 

LUXURY | Casa Zala – Casa Zala looks as if it has been transplanted straight from Bali. If that is your vibe and you have a luxury budget, then this property is for you. This surf house has a beautiful communal area and a huge pool surrounded by greenery and swinging hammocks. It includes a fully equipped kitchen with private rooms and bathrooms spread around the property. 

Where to Eat in El Paredon

Zicatela | Tasty Mexican restaurant serving tacos, ceviche and more. This restaurant has colourful decor and delicious shrimp tacos!

Soul Food Kitchen | An epic Thai/Asian/Indian fusion restaurant in small town coastal Guatemala with outstanding curries!

Chef in Flip Flops | Always a unique dining experience. Chef in Flip Flips is only open 3-4 nights a week from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. This restaurant has a casual feel but the food says otherwise. They do not take reservations and the food is only available until its sold out. A limited menu that changes weekly based on local ingredients. It will cost you about $20 for a meal here.

Mellow Hostel | The a-la-carte food offered at the Mellow Hostel restaurant is delicious. It serves locally grown fresh ingredients and highlights healthy dining options.

* Mellow Hostel family meal* Twice a week Mellow hosts a family dinner with both vegetarian and meat options where you sit with everyone who wishes to join and chow down on a group menu. Just remember to sign up at the reception desk before 5:00pm that day.

Cocori Lodge | A popular beachfront restaurant and bar that serves local and international cuisine. There is also a bakery here that is open until 11:00pm for those looking for treats. The menu is pretty extensive and the restaurant is happy to navigate eating restrictions.

Is El Paredon Safe?

Destinations in Guatemala which rely on tourism like El Paredon are reasonably safe to visit.  While it is fair to say that safety is a concern in some parts of Guatemala, El Paredon is not one of them.

Due to its large tourist population, you should feel comfortable exploring El Paredon during the day. The town relies on tourism so the locals do their best to keep it safe for their guests. However, you should still continue to be careful after dark wandering around poorly lit areas. A piece of travel advice I would give to any destination. Stay in busy spots and have a buddy.

The biggest safety concern in El Paredon are the strong undertow’s and riptides at the beach. Even if you are an above average swimmer, it is still recommended that you swim closer to shore. These currents can drag you from the shoreline out into the ocean. 

If you end up in a rip tide, stay calm and do not try to swim into shore. Instead you should try to swim parallel to the shoreline or swim with the current until you are out of it.  There are no lifeguards at the beach in El Paredon and the waves can be pretty aggressive. If you choose to swim in El Paredon, make sure there are others around and be aware. 

How to get to El Paredon Guatemala

There are a number of ways to get to El Paredon including tourist shuttle, Uber, chicken bus, tour, and private driver. We will go over them all.

Tourist Shuttle

This is the best way to travel around Guatemala. Tourist shuttles are run by INGUAT, the Guatemalan government. Any tourism office, hotel or hostel will book the shuttles for you. Just tell them where you are looking to go, pay them and they will tell you what time to be ready.

It does not matter what type of accommodation you are staying in, they all book the same, secure shuttles. All tourism hot spots will be covered by INGUAT shuttles and the shuttles collect you from your hotel or hostel.

Antigua to El Paredon via shuttle | Shuttles leave from Antigua to El Paredon twice a day. Once at 9:00am and again at 2:00pm. It takes two and a half hours to arrive to El Paredon and costs $30USD.

Guatemala City to El Paredon via shuttle | Shuttles leaving from Guatemala City always make a short stop in Antigua. They cost $40 per person and typically take 3-4 hours.

Lake Atitlan to El Paredon via shuttle | There is one shuttle per day departing at 1:00pm from Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. It takes about 4 hours and costs $27

Taking a taxi/uber to El Paredon

I prefer taking Ubers in Guatemala because they feel a bit safer and because you are given the price ahead of time, minimizing the chances of being gringo scammed. Uber from Guatemala City will cost around $115USD and will take a little over 3 hours.  The price traveling from Antigua should be similar.

From Lake Atitlan, or Panajachel rather, you will need to take a regular taxi costing around $130USD one way.

If you do take an Uber/taxi to El Paredon from one of the major cities, be prepared to take another form of transformation to your onward destination as there are no Ubers in that area of Guatemala. You will have a hard time convincing a local taxi driver to take you. 

Getting to El Pardon via Private Driver

It is possible to take a private shuttle to El Paredon from Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan and Antigua. The Driftwood Surfer hostel and Paredon Surf house offer them for $90 from Antigua and $110 from Guatemala City. If you are traveling with a group, it is a great option.

Visiting El Paredon on a Private Tour

If you don’t have much time but still want to experience El Paredon, visiting on a guided day tour is a great option. This means you won’t have to deal with any logistics. 

Here’s an El Paredon Tour for you to consider, leaving from Antigua
>>> El Paredon Private Surf day from Antigua <<<

Getting to El Paredon via Chicken Bus

This is the worst way to get to El Paredon and I don’t recommend it for a number of reasons including the time it takes, the lack of comfort, safety issues, potential for confusion, and the moral question of “am I taking this to look cool” or “am I using poverty as tourism?”

From Antigua you take the bus heading to Escuintla from the bus stop near the market. You will change buses in Escuintla to Sipacate and from there grab a tuktuk to El Paredon. It costs about $12USD to do this and can take up 6 hours.

How long to stay in El Paredon

Three days is the ideal amount of time to spend in El Paredon. This will give you enough time to relax on the beach, take a surfing lesson, enjoy a few restaurants, and to indulge in some nightlife.

However, this doesn’t mean you won’t want to stay longer. Add in a couple of tours and yoga classes and you could easily stretch your time in El Paredon to a week. 

When is the best time to visit El Paredon

Technically Guatemala’s dry season runs between between November and April. That being said, the weather on the Pacific coast of Guatemala doesn’t vary too much, nor does the water temperature. This means El Paredon is a great place to visit year round.

What is the weather like?

The dry season in El Paredon runs between November and April. During the wet season, from May to October, you can expect daily downpours in El Paredon. These downpours are usually short lived and at night, but there is a higher chance of experiencing tropical storms.

The daily highs in El Paredon run between 32-34C and lows are 25C. It is insanely hot in El Paredon, always. The temperature of the ocean is also a consistent 30C.

If you are interested in surfing, the dry season tends to bring more favourable conditions and consistent waves. During the wet season the waves can get a little large and unmanageable.

Tips for Visiting El Paredon

Bring bug spray | Do yourself a massive favour and bring bug spray with you to El Paredon. When the sun starts to set, the bugs are relentless. You WILL leave this place with mosquito, gnat, and no-see-um bites. You will be so happy you listened to me when you are spraying yourself down with bug spray.

Book your Accommodations in Advanced | El Paredon is a tiny town, so be aware that some accommodations can get fully booked very quickly. If you want to stay in your hostel/hotel of choice, it is recommended that you book almost a week in advanced. Particularly if you plan to visit on a weekend, or travel during the high season.

Bring Cash as there is only one ATM in town | Bring a reasonable amount of cash with you. There is only one ATM in El Paredon. It is located in the Super 24 convenience store and once the ATM is empty, it is empty.

There are quite a few places in El Paredon that don’t accept card, including some accommodations. When card is accepted, often times a large fee is added on top. So bring enough cash to get through your stay for things like restaurants, rentals, tours and depending on where you stay, accommodations.

Bring Sun Screen | The weather in El Paredon is hot, averaging 34 C. It is your quintessential tropical beach destination so make sure you bring sunscreen with you. The sun is powerful. Especially when you are swimming in the ocean so make sure you bring reef friendly sunscreen.

Monterrico Vs. El Paredon:

Which Guatemalan Beach Destination should you choose?

When it comes to the best beaches in Guatemala, Monterrico and El Paredon top the list. They are also the two most visited beaches in Guatemala. Both of these destinations are well located to Guatemala City, Antigua and Lake Atitlan. As you plan your Guatemalan adventure you might be wondering which of these towns is best for you, or even, if you should visit both?

Personally, I do not believe you need to visit both towns on the same trip. Unless of course you are a beach fanatic on a beach vacation, to which I would question why Guatemala?

The scenery and activities offered in both Monterrico and El Paredon are relatively the same. They are both small towns taking no more than 20 minutes to walk across and they both have epic sunrises and sunsets. There are however, a few things that separate them.

Monterrico

Monterrico is more popular with Guatemalan nationals. It is the original Guatemalan beach destination and slightly closer to Guatemala City, so it can be a little more crowded. Monterrico also has the turtle hatchery, the Tortugario Monterrico (CECON) which you can visit.

El Paredon

El Paredon is a popular surfer and backpacker destination so you can expect to see more international visitors at this beach. English is widely spoken and there are a number of hostels to choose from. You can find more international cuisine and significantly more nightlife. El Paredon is also the place to surf, as the waves are just better here than in Monterrico. 

Due to the international crowd, El Paredon is slightly more expensive than Monterrico. It is also easier to get to with shuttles running frequently taking backpackers from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. El Paredon is much closer to Lake Atitlan.  Regardless of which town you choose, the highlights are going to be similar. It really comes down to Guatemalan or backpacker vibes. 

Monterrico is a typical Guatemalan destination so if you are looking to soak up Guatemalan culture, Monterrico is for you. I have a complete guide to visiting Monterrico which you can find here that includes places to stay, where to eat and things to do.

Where to go after El Paredon

Within Guatemala

From El Paredon you will have a few choices for onward travel within Guatemala.

If you are enjoying the beach vibes, you can head down the coast 2 hours to Monterrico. Monterrico is a slightly larger beach town and more popular with locals as it is the closest beach destination to Guatemala City. There are quite a few unique places to stay and this beach will definitely give you more of a “Guatemalan” experience.

Lake Atitlan is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and is a short (ish) shuttle ride from El Paredon. Exploring the 11 towns of Lake Atitlan is the next best step. Here is a quick guide to visiting Lake Atitlan to help you choose which town to stay in and my personal experience in San Marcos and Panahachel.

From El Paredon, you can also make your way to Antigua, the centre of all things tourism in Guatemala. This beautiful and colourful colonial town has incredible restaurants, museums, and is the place to go to soak up culture in Guatemala. This is also where you climb the famous erupting Acatenango Volcano and where you can roast marshmallows on Pacaya’s lava fields.

Outside Guatemala

If you are planning to head out of Guatemala after El Paredon here are few places to consider:

Belize! If you are looking for the next best beach destination and want to explore the Caribbean side of Central America, Belize is just a short hop away. Placencia is a great choice for a trip to Southern Belize.

Another great option is to head south to Honduras. Copan Ruinas is my favourite town in Honduras and it is a short 15km from the Guatemalan border. Here you can see wild macaws while you wander through massive and uncrowded ancient Mayan Ruins. 

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