If you haven't considered visiting Guatemala I highly recommend putting it on your list, I might say this about every where I visit but I really do mean it about Guatemala. There are a few hot spots everyone travels to such as Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Flores. Those are great and I have a few other blogs about sweet Guatemala but for this blog I'm going to just tell you about El Paredon.
EL Paredon is growing each and every year. It's famously known to be the most popular surf town in Guatemala. Home to the baby sea turtles, and most beautiful sunsets. The nightlife in this quite town is surprisingly crazy.. don't sleep on it ;)
First thing I want to say is El Paredon is freaking small. Like the smallest village I've been in. That doesn't mean there isn't great places to stay, eat, and drink.
So, where to stay in El Paredon?
In my biased opion Mellow Surf Hostel is one of the best hostel in town. It's clean, beautiful, and has some of the best staff/hostel activities. Not saying because I work here, it's one of the nicest hostels I've been to. The owners have put so much thought into every detail here. From booking tours to shuttles they will help you out with anything here.
If you're looking to really party stay at Driftwood, but you're always more than welcome to join other hostels events you don't have to be a guest. Driftwood is the oldest hostel here in El Paredon so it's the most known one. As far as nice... it might not be the cleanest but like I said, if you wanna party hard this is the place for you.
Next hostel that I like is Cocori. The pool is beautiful, it's beach front, and has great events/parties. A lot of people who come to El Paredon end up staying here. One unique feature about the hostel I love is the hammocks and yoga area.
There are also plenty of Airbnbs and other smaller hostels in the area to rent out if you have a bigger group or want to stay alone. Like I said, everyone is welcome to party at the hostels even if they aren't staying there. After my events I'll go visit and party at the hostels and visa versa people will come to us on Thursdays for our big parties. Just if you're coming here be prepared for the lack of air conditioning. You get used to it eventually.
Now what to do in El Paredon? For this place being such a small village there's surprisingly a lot to do. Just don't expect to do much shopping since we don't have really any stores. Whatever you think you might need bring it, plus more.
Every morning through the months of September and December there are baby turtle releases starting at 5:45 every morning. There will be anywhere between 40-2,000 turtles it's amazing to watch them swim off into the ocean. The organization if through driftwood hostel and they run entirely on donations so if you visit, giving 20-100Q would be awesome.
Kayaking the mangroves! The mangroves are really special here. I havent experienced a place that quite before. The best I could compare it to would be being entirely alone in a forest. It's really nice to get away from the people and beach for a bit especially if you're like me and surrounding by people 24/7
One doesn't come to a famous surf town without trying to surf! There are tons of surf lessons given by locals here and organized by the hostels. The lessons are also quite affordable so take advantage while you're here! It's not everyday someone can say they've been surfing in Guatemala.
A quite town during the day, but a crazy one at night. Try partying while you're here. There is something going on pretty much every night here. Every hostel has their specific night where they throw the party and everyone in town will go join. Trust me, the parties are good here!
When you're in a small village ones bound to find some great local restaurants to eat at. Try some authentic food by the locals while you're here!
Catch the sunset at the beach.. we have some of the best sunsets here. Sometimes the Sun just melts into the water it's spectacular. I like to call this hour "happy hour".. I grab a cheap beer at the little market and find myself a nice log. It's truly the best part of my day.
Try local tours with La Choze Chula Project. This organization is really awesome and one you'll want to support. They help the local families earn money by organizing classes such as cooking or bracelet making classes. It's really great to help out the local economy here and the money is going directly to them. They offer a few classes and have a store with clothing made from locations so check it out if you visit.
Lastly, chill on a hammock. There are so many hammocks in El Paredon on the beach or in the hostels. Just sit, read, and enjoy the view. It's an amazing place.
Where to eat?
Although the town is quite and there are quite a few restaurants to pick from there just a bit hidden. Here's a list of all the places people have shared with me and enjoyed.
-Be good cafe
-Soul food
-Bella Luna
-Yolis
-Pasifico
-Best Paredon
-Cafecito Del Mar
-Dosha
-Buena Vista (food trucks area with lots of options)
El Paredon really is a little peace of hidden paradise that I've grown to love and I hope you do also.
Always remember,
Vida simple <3
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