The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala

Upon my arrival to El Paredon Guatemala, I was thinking that surf village was going to be a quiet one, but it turned out to be among my top beach escapes in Central America. This El Paredon travel guide is done on the basis of my personal stay where days were based on El Paredon beach, surfing, sunsets and lazy mornings. The village is small and has less than 2,000 people, yet it is full of character. The majority of the visitors visit to do surfing in El Paredon, yoga and nature tours in Sipacate-Naranjo Nature Reserve. My best part was the balance: the day was spent on adventure and the night was full of complete tranquility. In the case you love a beach town that is not crowded, noisy, and does not have a big resort, then these are really the best activities to take place in El Paredon Guatemala.

Where to stay in El Paredon?

The accommodation in El Paredon Guatemala is between cheap hostels to the eco-lodges. I was very close to the beach hence taking walks at sunrise and drinking at sunset were easy. Driftwood El Paredon is social, surf-centric, and social to meet people among the backpackers. You can also find little guesthouses behind palm trees in the El Paredon beach. There are numerous spots where one can rent a surfboard and take lessons – extremely convenient when one is planning to surf in El Paredon every day. I suggest you should book in advance during the high season (November-April) during which occupancy might be up to 80%+. Attempt to remain within a walking distance of the central street of El Paredon restaurants in order to avoid using tuk-tuks at night.

The best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala

1. Rent a board and surf!

The primary attraction of most travelers is surfing in El Paredon and I can understand why. The waves in the beach are regular Pacific and are highest between April and October. I had hired a board directly on El Paredon beach and it cost me approximately 10 dollars per day. Novices may need to get lessons at approximately $20-25 and that is why I was able to avoid wipeouts during my first day. The sand material is a black volcanic and waves may be fierce so always check conditions. These are regarded as the most favourable intermediate surfing locations in El Paredon. I enjoyed morning sessions in the morning, there were not so many people, the weather was cooler, and the waves were cleaner.

2. Eat at one of the local restaurants

The food scene surprised me. Small in size, El Paredon restaurants offer all the fresh seafood, smoothie bowls, and more. I had a great time eating grilled fish that had been caught that morning–the Pacific does not fail here. On average, meals are between 6-12 dollars, which is normal in a beach town. Numerous locations serve surfers and backpackers thus portions are large. You should not miss the local Guatemalan breakfast which includes beans, eggs and fried plantains – an ideal meal before a surf session. The majority of restaurants are closed before 9-10 pm, and hence one should eat early. The small community economy heavily dependent on El Paredon tourism is also supported in a way whereby, local kitchens have been developed.

3. Dine at one of the food huts by the beach

Some of my most memorable meals had been prepared in small beachside food huts on the El Paredon beach. These are small family owned joints that offer tacos, ceviche as well as grilled shrimp with unbeatable ocean views. Prices are cheap compared to larger El Paredon restaurants and average under $8 per meal. One evening I went too late, and found that many huts are filled up by sunset. Carry and carry so you will not use cards. Dining here was very natural and informal compared to having a formal dinner. Besides, you will be just a few steps off the sand, and then you can walk directly to the beach. It is among the underestimated El Paredon beach activities.

4. Head to the beach for sunset

The El Paredon sunset is unnatural. Due to the westwardness of the beach, the sun sets directly into the pacific, illuminated the sky with orange and purple. I went almost every evening. The most pleasant places to see the sunset along the shore of El Paredon would be any place along the coast, although I preferred the places around Driftwood, where there would be more of a party feel. Arrange to come 30 minutes early – the duration of a sunset is approximately 20 minutes though it varies so rapidly. Carry bug spray, the mosquitoes appear immediately after the sun goes down. One of my favorite memories was to see surfers against the sun. It costs nothing, and it is simple and one of the best activities in El Paredon.

5. Book a tour at La Choza Chula

La Choza Chula El Paredon is not merely a tour company, it is also a community project that allows the education of the local community. I have one booked on a mangrove tour with them, of which some of the money goes to schools in the village. The tours are local and small which made the experience personal. They also have cooking lessons and culture, which is ideal in case what you want is more than beach time. One of the most significant activities to do in El Paredon Guatemala is booking, as you would be directly contributing to the town. I suggest to book a day in advance particularly during high season when spaces get filled very fast.

6. Book a local experience

Other than surfing, the local experiences are excellent and made my trip to be even better. I was a participant at a turtle conservation lecture that took place in nesting season (June-December), when thousands of turtles arrive at local beaches. Yoga sessions and cleanups of beaches are also organized in some of the hostels. These activities enable you to relate with the surrounding and the society, and not only the waves. There are numerous activities that cost less than 15 dollars and therefore are the best activities to perform in El Paredon as a backpacker. Use the hostels or local centers and ask around instead of making any online bookings as the prices are usually better. Such small exercises allowed me to enjoy more of El Paredon Guatemala in its non-touristic form.

7. Walk the length of the beach and soak up the tranquility

One morning I was forced to walk the entire length of the beach of El Paredon that is several kilometers long and is virtually undeveloped. It was a raving and serene location, where fishermen and surfers could be seen. It is one of the most enjoyable actions to be done in El Paredon and is free of charge. Early or late – lunchtime, it is hot, 32degC(90degF) or so. Bring water and sandals, it is blazing sand. I found sculptures in the driftwood, seabirds and continuous waves. And the question answer is; is El Paredon worth seeing and yes by itself; it is not a stormy natural phenomenon.

8. Get up for sunrise

Everyone knows how sunsets take all the spotlight; however, it does not mean El Paredon beach sunrise should be neglected and sacrifices early rising. The beach is to the west, but the sun is rising to provide a pink and gold light at the rear of the palm-trees. I liked the peace of the spot as there were fishermen and two or three surfers in the water. It is the season that the weather is cool that is about 24degC (75degF) and it is time to walk. It also happens to be the optimum occasion of taking photographs before the scathing daylight strikes. I then took some coffee in a hostel cafe and observed the village coming to life. Sunrise has very fast become a part of my routine and one of my favorite activities on El Paredon beach.

9. Have a beach day

In some cases the no-plan is the plan. I dedicated an entire day of my life at El Paredon beach only swimming, reading, and napping under the shade. The waves may be violent and therefore never swim alone. There are no guards and it is worth remembering. Carry sunscreen – the sunlight is intense all year round. Sellers sometimes move selling coconuts and snacks and the options are few, therefore pack water. It is precisely this slow pace that attracts a number of travelers. When you are tired of hectic traveling schedules, then this is one of the laxing activities in El Paredon.

10. Book onto a kayaking tour through Sipacate-Nanranjo Nature Reserve

A tour that I liked during my visit was an El Paredon kayaking tour with the Sipacate-Naranjo Nature reserve. The reserve is protecting mangroves, fish, and wildlife at the coast. My guide indicated herons, crabs and even little crocodiles. Tours are 2-3 hours and cost between 25-35. Mornings are also the best time and time when the wildlife is active and there are also lower temperatures. Put on long sleeves – the insects may be fierce in the mangroves. This tour revealed to me the completely other face of El Paredon Guatemala, another aspect much further than the surf scene. It is certainly one of the most distinct day trips of El Paredon.

11. Head to Driftwood for sunset drinks and volleyball

Driftwood El Paredon was my social place of choice. Each night, the tourists have sunset drinks, beach volleyball and music. You can join even when you are not staying there. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are relatively cheap (3-5 dollars), and the environment is entertaining without excessive formalities. It is a really nice place to get to meet other surfers and backpackers sharing a story about their travel. I enjoyed both the sunset at El Paredon and coming after to enjoy my quiet moment and then obtain some social vibe at the same time. Travelling alone, then this is probably one of the most effortless means of communicating and at the same time enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the El Paredon beach.

Faqs

What are the best things to do in El Paredon, Guatemala?

El Paredon Guatemala boasts of the most common activities that include surfing, walks along the sunset, kayaking at Sipacate-Naranjo Nature reserve, beach days and visits to la Choza Chula.

Is El Paredon worth visiting?

Yes, when you are in love with surfing, small beaches, nature tours and without the influx of tourists, El Paredon is a good place to visit.

Is El Paredon good for relaxing?

Absolutely. The Paredon is best to take things at a slower pace and unplug because it has long empty beaches, no nightlife and relaxing sunsets.

Where is the best place to stay in El Paredon?

The social traveler is expected to reserve hostels right on the beach like Driftwood El Paredon, but small eco-lodges are found in the proximity of El Paredon beach.

Is El Paredon expensive to stay in?

No, El Paredon is affordable. The average cost of the budget rooms starts at 10-15 and the private rooms are between 30-80 in different seasons and locations.

Are there things to do in El Paredon besides surfing?

Yes, one can kayak in Sipacate-Naranjo, view the sunsets, attend the cultural tours, go on walks in the beach and rest in the local restaurants and food huts.

Is El Paredon expensive to stay in?

No, El Paredon is still cheap in comparison with the other beach towns. Dorms start at around 10-15, personal rooms 30-80. Peak season (Nov-April) is when the prices are more expensive and hence the early bookings.