Best Things to Do in El Paredon
Quick answer: El Paredon is all about surfing, sunsets and slow days. The highlights are a beginner surf lesson, a sunrise sea turtle release from September to December, and a boat or kayak trip through the mangroves of Sipacate-Naranjo National Park. Most visitors spend two to four nights here.
El Paredon is a small fishing village and surf town on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, about 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Antigua. It has a long black volcanic sand beach and very little else, which is the point. Prices below come from travel guides published in 2026; check current rates locally.
1. Take a surf lesson
Most hostels and hotels offer private lessons of 1 to 1.5 hours for about Q150 to Q200 (roughly US$20 to $26). Boards rent for about Q50 to Q60 an hour or Q150 to Q200 a day. Beginners do best in the dry season, from November to April, when waves are smaller, and early mornings and late afternoons are usually calmer. Never surf alone. Read our full guide to surfing in El Paredon.
2. Watch a sea turtle release
Olive ridley, leatherback and green turtles nest here, mostly from June to November. From about September to December, baby turtles are released at sunrise. Driftwood Surfer runs a donation-based release most mornings around 5:45 AM, and you watch from a short distance. Egg collecting is still legal in Guatemala, so the local hatchery buys eggs to protect them, and your donation helps.
3. Tour the mangroves of Sipacate-Naranjo National Park
West of town, this protected wetland is home to egrets, herons, pelicans and iguanas. Take a 1 to 2 hour trip in a wooden boat with local fishermen from the village dock. El Paredon Tours runs these trips, and part of each booking supports the village school.
4. Kayak or paddleboard the river
Black Sand Kayaks runs tours from 90 minutes to over 3 hours, plus rentals. Some hotels, including Cocori Lodge, offer stand-up paddleboard tours. A kayak covers more ground and usually means more wildlife.
5. Catch the sunset (and the sunrise)
You can watch both from the same beach. Sunset is the social hour, with drinks at the beachfront bars. Sunrise is quiet, with fishermen heading out and the sand still cool.
6. Do yoga
Daily, low-key classes run at several stays, including Cocori Lodge, Swell, Zoah, Green Belly, Casa Zala and Shanti Surf Camp. Swell and Cocori have open-air yoga decks.
7. Ride a horse on the beach
Guided horseback rides along the sand are easy to arrange in town. Ask at Driftwood Surfer and go at sunset.
8. Take an ATV tour
Two-hour guided ATV tours follow the beach to the river mouth and the edge of the national park, with a stop at a giant ceiba tree and a river swim.
9. Spend a day at Playa 14
A few kilometers east of town, this beach club has an infinity pool, loungers and its own brewery. Day passes cost about Q75 Wednesday to Friday and Q125 at weekends, and it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
10. Buy a pool day pass
When the sand is too hot, cool off at a hostel pool. Mellow Hostel sells a day pass of about Q150 that includes Q100 of bar credit, and Cocori Lodge sells small day passes too.
11. Take a cooking class
El Paredon Tours runs a 1.5 hour class in a local home where you make tortillas and empanadas and then eat together.
12. Enjoy the nightlife
Nights are relaxed. Driftwood Surfer and Cocori Lodge are the main party spots, and Mellow Hostel has weekly events. On most nights things wind down around midnight.
13. Eat like a local
Meals in town usually cost about US$5 to $10, and most places only take cash. Seafood is fresh from the boats, and the main strip has cafes for smoothie bowls and coffee after a morning surf.
Beach safety
The beach has strong rip currents, and you can’t count on a lifeguard being on duty. Swim only when the sea is calm, stay close to shore and don’t swim after drinking. The black sand gets painfully hot at midday, so wear sandals. Read more in our guide to safety in El Paredon.
Frequently asked questions
Is El Paredon worth visiting?
Yes, if you want surf, sunsets and a laid-back village. If you want resorts, shopping or calm water for swimming, Guatemala’s other beaches may suit you better.
How long should I spend in El Paredon?
Two to four nights is typical. Stay longer if you’re learning to surf.
Is El Paredon good for beginner surfers?
Yes, especially from November to April with a lesson. From May to October the waves are bigger and better for experienced surfers.
When can I see turtles in El Paredon?
Nesting runs mostly from June to November, and hatchling releases from about September to December, at sunrise.
Is there an ATM in El Paredon?
There’s one, at the Super 24 store, and it often doesn’t work. Bring enough cash for your stay.
Plan the rest of your trip with how to get to El Paredon, the best time to visit and where to stay in El Paredon.