Welcome To
El Paredón
Black sand, barefoot days, and surfboards stacked by the door—El Paredón is Guatemala’s laid-back beach town where time slows down and shoes are optional. This small coastal village has become a favorite stop for backpackers, surfers, and anyone looking to swap cobblestones for crashing waves.
This isn’t a place packed with tours or a long list of must-see sites. It’s beach mornings, hammock afternoons, and bonfire nights—plus surf lessons, cold beers, and sunsets that stop you mid-sentence. You’ll also find SUP and kayak tours through the mangroves, wakeboarding, seasonal turtle releases, and plenty of great food. Whether you’re here for the waves or the reset, El Paredón makes it easy to drop in and stay a while.
Before we dive into the details, here are a few things to know.
Fast Facts About El Paredón
Surf is King
Ideal for beginners, with plenty of waves, board rentals, and local instructors.
Epic sunsets
The west-facing beach delivers amazing golden hour views almost every evening.
Small town feel
No big stores or banks, but you’ll find ATMs, shops, and beachside essentials.
Easy to reach
Daily shuttles from top spots like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City.
How To Get To
El Paredón
El Paredón might feel off the grid, but getting there is easier than you’d think. If you’re coming from Antigua, the ride takes about 2.5 hours—with a scenic stretch through the mountains before reaching the coast.
Traveling from Lake Atitlán or Guatemala City? Most routes include a layover in Antigua, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or reset before the final leg of the trip.
If you’re heading to El Paredón, RoadRunner offers daily shared shuttles for easy, affordable travel—or private rides if you’re after more flexibility, comfort, or a direct pickup. You can book online or message us on WhatsApp to reserve your seat.
What Are the Top Things to Do
in El Paredón?
El Paredón is for people who’d rather move with the tide than stick to a schedule. No maps, no must-sees – just a handful of solid things to do between surf sessions, swims, and sunset beers. Here’s what we always point travelers toward.
Kayak Mangrove Tours
Paddle through winding river channels and coastal mangrove forests that border El Paredón. This peaceful adventure gets you off the beach and into nature, where you might spot birds, crabs, and the occasional iguana basking on a branch. Tours are usually small and low-key, making it one of the most relaxing ways to explore the area.
Wakeboarding in the Mangroves
Want a bit more speed? Book a wakeboarding session through the same lush channels. With calm waters and stunning scenery, it’s a perfect backdrop for both beginners and board junkies looking for a thrill. Check with Cocori Lodge to learn more about their daily tours.
Take a Surf Lesson
This is what El Paredón is known for. Gentle, consistent waves and an easy beach break make it one of the best places in Guatemala to learn. You’ll find plenty of local instructors offering group or private lessons, and board rentals are easy to arrange. Ask at your hostel or stop by one of the surf shops in town to get started.
Party on the Black Pearl Boat
If you’re in town when it’s running, don’t miss this. The Black Pearl is a floating party that cruises through the mangroves, complete with DJs, drinks, and plenty of dancing. It’s a laid-back, open-air vibe and one of the most fun ways to meet people in El Paredón. Tickets are available at Cocori Lodge reception.
Join a Baby Turtle Release
If you’re visiting during turtle season (September to December), don’t miss the chance to take part in a sunrise turtle release. Most hostels run early morning trips to Tortugario El Paredón, where you’ll help guide freshly hatched baby turtles into the waves. It’s simple, beautiful, and supports vital conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles along Guatemala’s coast.
Soak Up the Sunsets
Every evening is golden hour here. The beach is west-facing and wide open, so you never miss the show. Grab a drink, walk barefoot to the shoreline, and just watch. It’s free, effortless, and probably the reason you’ll want to stay another night.
Where to Eat and Drink
in El Paredón?
El Paredón might be small, but the food and drink scene punches way above its weight. From candlelit dinners to iced coffees, beach bars, and breezy brunches, these are the places that keep travelers well-fed and coming back for more.
Emma Cocina Glocal – For creative dishes with deep roots
Emma blends childhood memories, Guatemalan tradition, and modern technique into a menu that’s both comforting and surprising. You’ll find rich local flavors reimagined – like corn dobladas stuffed with hilachas, or beet hummus served with goat cheese and fried tortillas. Every dish is thoughtful, seasonal, and rooted in cultural pride.
Miguelitos (Uno Más Bar) – For air-con, cocktails, and dive bar vibes
Miguelitos is a local favorite and a staple of the El Paredón bar scene. Come for the ice-cold craft beers and cocktails, stay for the A/C, surf crowd, and all-around good times. The music’s always solid, the crowd’s always friendly, and the drinks don’t disappoint.
El Paredón Coffee – For an energizing post-surf brew
This is the go-to spot when you need something mellow. The coffee’s excellent, the snacks are light and refreshing, and the laid-back garden patio is ideal for cooling down after a surf or catching up on your journal. Quiet, welcoming, and always worth the walk.
Aftersun – For feel-good meals that taste as good as they look
Aftersun is all about balance. You’ll find smoothie bowls, colorful salads, cold-pressed juices, and plenty of plant-based options. It’s light, fresh, and packed with the kind of energy that makes you feel like you did something good for yourself.
Playa 14 – For craft beer, pool time, and a beach club vibe
One of Antigua’s most iconic restaurants, Mesón Panza Verde is where art, architecture, and carefully crafted dishes come together. You can dine in the vaulted main sala, out by the garden, tucked into the terrace, or inside La Cúpula, where live music plays on select nights. Recognized with the “Tenedor de Oro” award, this is one of Guatemala’s most acclaimed dining experiences.
Where to Stay in
El Paredón?
There aren’t many towns where you can wake up steps from the beach, swing in a hammock under the palms, and walk barefoot to breakfast—but El Paredón pulls it off. Whether you’re here to surf, chill, or connect, these are two standout spots we always recommend:
Cocorí Lodge
For surf, sun, and social vibes
A beachfront favorite that captures the El Paredón experience in full. There’s a lively social scene, a restaurant and bar with ocean views, daily activities, a refreshing pool, and an unbeatable location right on the sand. Dorms, privates, and even a converted schoolbus give you options depending on your vibe. Great for meeting people and never being far from the next fun thing.
Caracola Boutique Hostel
For slow mornings and stylish escapes
The sister property to Cocorí, Caracola is a calm, design-forward space just a few minutes from the beach. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quieter stay, need to log a few hours of remote work, or just prefer a slower pace. Guests here also get access to Cocorí’s beachfront pool and social events—so you can dip in and out of the action as you like.
The Driftwood Surfer
For surf, soul, and community
This beachfront hostel is all about connection through surf, sustainability, and shared experiences. Guests can join turtle releases, take part in community projects, and unwind by the pool or rooftop restaurant with ocean views. With A/C dorms, private rooms, and a welcoming vibe, The Driftwood Surfer is where travelers can slow down and feel part of a community.
Insider Tips for
El Paredón
Some things you only learn once you’re here. These are the tips we wish more travelers knew ahead of time:
- It can get extremely hot. Most places switch off the AC during the day, so plan on early mornings, slow afternoons, and a lot of hydration.
- Make sure to pack bug spray. Mosquitoes come out strong every evening, especially between 5 and 7 PM, so apply repellent before heading out to avoid the bites.
- Surf conditions are strongest early. If you’re here to catch waves (or learn), aim for morning sessions before the wind picks up.
- Not every road is friendly for rolling luggage. If your bag has wheels, prepare to carry it through sand at some point.
- No need to overplan. Tours and rentals can usually be arranged same-day. Wander, ask around, and go with the flow.
- Turtle release is seasonal. If you’re hoping to see baby turtles, visit between September and December, and ask your hostel about it when you check in.
- The food scene is incredible. While there are plenty of options, don’t skip the local seafood. Fried fish, ceviche, and seafood pasta are staples for a reason.
Ready to Explore El Paredón?
Roadrunner Will Get You There.
Already planning your trip? Then let’s lock in your ride. Book your shuttle with RoadRunner and get there the easy way. No guesswork, no stress, just smooth travel from start to finish.