15 Exciting Things to Do in El Paredón
Discover the best activities and attractions in El Paredón, Guatemala, beyond surfing and the beach.
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Guatemala’s surf town, El Paredón is small (really small), so it’s fair to wonder how much there actually is to do. Beyond surfing and watching the sunset, sightseeing options are limited, and if you arrive expecting a packed Guatemala itinerary and constant activity, you’ll probably be disappointed.
We loved our time in El Paredón and quickly realised that the town’s appeal isn’t about ticking off sights – it’s about slowing down, which is exactly what we needed after the challenging Acatenango Volcano hike. There are a few activities that are genuinely worth planning around, while others are more about filling time between sipping cocktails by the beach and reading a book while swinging in a hammock. Discover the best things to do in El Paredón, from surf lessons and boat tours to low-effort ways to enjoy the coastline, in this guide.
More from El Paredón
What to do around El Paredón?
El Paredón is a small, sandy, and slow-paced beach town and one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. You won’t find lots of landmarks or adventure activities here, which is exactly the appeal. It’s all about salt in your hair, barefoot beach days, and structuring your day around the tides and the sunset rather than a to-do list.
That said, there’s more to do here than just lie in a hammock. Between surfing on Playa El Paredón, mangrove boat trips, turtle releases, yoga classes, and national park visits, you can easily fill a few days without ever feeling rushed.
El Paredón Activities Map
We’ve pinned the top activities in El Paredón on the interactive map below.
The best things to do in El Paredón
Here are the best activities in El Paredón.
1. Laze on El Paredón Beach
The main draw of El Paredón is its wide stretch of volcanic black-sand beach (Playa El Paredón). It’s long, wild, and almost entirely undeveloped, reminding us of El Cuco in El Salvador.
Unlike more popular beach destinations in Central America, which have been developed for tourism, there are no loungers, beach clubs, or shade (with the exception of a few fought-over palapas) unless you bring your own. The main area sits outside Driftwood Hostel and Cocori Lodge, which have their own ocean view bars.
With crashing Pacific waves and strong rip currents, it’s not safe for swimming, but it’s a lovely place to sit in the sand with a book and watch the surfers. It gets very hot by midday (you’ll need flip-flops, as the sand is too hot to walk on), and there’s very little shade, so bring a hat, eco-friendly sunscreen and water.
2. Learn to surf
Surfing is the main reason people come to town and the best thing to do in El Paredón. With consistent swell, it’s widely considered one of the best places in the world to surf.
There are countless hostels, surf camps, and schools offering lessons and board rentals. Expect to pay around 150-200Q (~$20-30 USD) for an hour-long private lesson or a daily board rental. Some of the top places to arrange lessons or rent a board are:
El Paredón has consistent beach breaks and uncrowded lineups compared to places like Puerto Escondido. Waves are strongest during Guatemala’s rainy season (roughly April to October), when southern swells roll in.
The dry season is the best time to visit Guatemala for surfing, as swell tends to be smaller but still rideable, so it’s best for beginners. But El Paredón isn’t the easiest place to learn to surf, and swimming out to the break can be tough. As the beach has no shelter, strong riptides, and large waves, it’s still challenging, so taking lessons with a local instructor is a good idea.
3. Kayak in Sipacate Naranjo National Park
West of the town sits Sipacate Naranjo National Park, a surprisingly serene mangrove and coastal wetland. The park is quiet, largely untouched, and filled with mangrove forests, lagoons, and sandy beaches.
The best way to visit is on a tour – you can kayak or stand-up paddleboard along the river (Rio Acome) and through mangrove tunnels. Your guide will explain local ecosystems and point out wildlife. You’ll see Guatemalan animals and birds like egrets, pelicans, herons, and if you’re lucky, crocodiles along the edges.
Black Sand Kayaks run several kinds of kayaking tours in El Paredón, ranging from 90 minutes to 3+ hours, as well as kayak rentals.
4. Take a boat trip around the mangroves
For a more relaxing way to see Sipacate Naranjo National Park, you can take a boat trip through the mangroves. Local fishermen offer tours in traditional wooden boats called lanchas (like those used to get around Lake Atitlán), lasting 1-2 hours through twisting waterways. You’ll find them at the pier, Embarcadero del Paredon.
The mangrove ecosystem here is made up of red, black, and white mangroves, which together account for roughly 10% of all mangroves in Guatemala. They aren’t just pretty, but are a critical part of the coastal ecosystem. They protect the shoreline from erosion, act as nurseries for countless fish and crustaceans, filter water, and provide habitat for birds, iguanas, and even the occasional crocodile.
El Paredón Tours (previously nonprofit La Choza Chula) offers locally guided mangrove boat tours, and a portion of every booking goes directly to the village’s secondary school.
5. Release baby sea turtles
El Paredón Beach is a key nesting ground for sea turtles, where multiple species come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand, most notably Olive Ridley turtles.
Community-led conservation initiatives help safeguard the nests and organise hatchling releases throughout the season, typically from June to November for nesting, and from September to early December for hatchlings.
There’s a dedicated turtle sanctuary (Tortugario el Paredon), which buys eggs back from poachers and protects them in the hatchery. The Driftwood Surfer Beach Hostel then runs a hands-off, donation-based release programme at 5:45 AM daily in season, where you watch ethically, from a distance.
Sadly, unlike in Mexico and other Central American countries, turtle egg poaching is allowed in Guatemala under government sanction, so these initiatives are even more important for the conservation of the species.
6. Take a picture of the El Paredón sign
Taking a picture with a multi-coloured sign that spells the name of the place you’re visiting is basically a rite of passage in Central America, and is unsurprisingly one of the best things to do in El Paredón. Of course, there’s a colourful wooden sign to snap a picture with.
You’ll find it over the entrance to Driftwood Hostel, near the main access path to the beach. It’s got some swings hanging from it and a wooden bar, so you can sit with a drink and watch the sunset in style. Go early in the morning if you want it to be empty.
7. Spot stunning street art
For such a small village, there’s a surprising amount of mural work in El Paredón. These vibrant artworks litter the walls along the sandy streets, mostly around hostels, cafés, and surf camps, but you’ll find them in random spots in town, too.
The art reflects surf culture, marine life, and environmental themes, with lots of turtle images. You’ll naturally see most of it just walking between your accommodation and the beach.
8. Shop in boutique stores
El Paredón isn’t a shopping mecca (not like Antigua’s markets), but the town does have a handful of boutique shops and local artisan stores worth exploring. Most shops are small, family-run, and sell handmade goods. You’ll find everything from handwoven hammocks and embroidered textiles to jewellery and eco-conscious souvenirs.
9. Eat your way around town
Being a tiny town, there aren’t loads of places to eat, but the cafés and restaurants in El Paredón are a joy if you like simple and fresh food. The town is dotted with small restaurants and street stalls serving seafood caught that morning, international staples, and classic Guatemalan dishes.
We spent hours hopping between places, trying everything from pupusas to avocado toast. Everything is affordable, with meals rarely topping $5-10 USD. Most places are cash-only, so keep small bills in GTQ handy.
Evenings are the best time to grab a drink and watch the beach day unwind while listening to the waves.
10. Take part in a yoga class
El Paredón is known more for surfing than yoga, but you can still slow it down if you’ve been travelling around Guatemala for a while. The town has its fair share of accommodations offering low-key yoga classes, including:
11. Watch the sunset
El Paredón Beach is super unique, as it’s one of the few places where you can see both the sunrise and sunset, thanks to its south-facing orientation and expansive open horizon. It’s especially popular for sunset, when half the town turns up to watch the end of the day.
With unobstructed views, it’s a damn good sunset. We were treated to a huge glowing orb sending oranges and pinks blazing across the sky. Some beachfront bars offer cocktails during sunset, too, which is super ambient.
12. Get up for sunrise
If you’re an early riser, sunrise in El Paredón is just as magical as sunset, in a completely different way. The morning is quiet, the air is cool, and the beach is empty. You’ll see joggers, early-morning surfers, and local fishermen going about their day before the hostel partiers even wake up.
Photographers will love the golden light that hits the waves and the wet sand perfectly. Simply sitting with a coffee as the sun rises is one of the most peaceful experiences in El Paredón.
13. Relax by the pool
Sometimes, the best activities in Guatemala are simply relaxing and enjoying the vibes. Many boutique hotels in El Paredón have small, chilled pools that are perfect for lazy afternoons. It’s super refreshing in the intense heat – El Paredón is blooming hot!
Some hotels allow day visitors for a small fee, which is ideal if you’re staying elsewhere or just want a short escape from the sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a good book.
14. Party the night away
Nightlife in El Paredón is pretty low-key but still fun. Most evenings are spent at small bars or beach bonfires where locals, expats, and surfers gather.
Music ranges from live acoustic sets to DJ playlists, and the vibe is friendly rather than pretentious. We spent our evenings drinking at beachfront bars, with views of the sea.
Nights here rarely go past 12:00 AM (which is the cut-off time), but Mellow Hostel is the place to go if you want weekly events and parties. It’s not Cancún or Tulum, but it’s a good night out.
15. Stay in a boujee hotel
El Paredón has plenty of boutique hotels where you can splurge if you want a little luxury. Since there’s not a lot to do in town, it’s worth splashing out on a nice place to stay. We’ve written a whole guide on where to stay in El Paredón, including our top boutique picks, which include:
If you want to save some money on accommodation, you don’t need to miss out. You can get a day pass for several hotels, including Cocori Lodge on the beach and Playa 14, a beachfront bar and brewery that sits outside El Paredón.
FAQs: The best things to do in El Paredón
To help you choose what to do in El Paredón, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions.
What is El Paredón, Guatemala, famous for?
El Paredón is a sleepy beach town on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, best known for its long black sand beach, consistent surf breaks, and laidback vibe. Beyond surfing, El Paredón is famous for its wildlife, including iguanas, birds, and the occasional crocodile, as well as the unique mangrove ecosystems just inland, made up of red, black, and white mangroves.
What to do in El Paredón when it rains?
Rainy days in El Paredón are surprisingly peaceful and perfect for exploring the town’s slower side. Visit small cafés and local restaurants for a cup of Guatemalan coffee or a hearty plate of fresh seafood. Art lovers can wander the streets to spot colourful murals and street art, which pop even more against the wet sand. Many local shops sell handmade textiles, jewellery, and eco-conscious souvenirs, giving you a taste of local craftsmanship.
What to do in El Paredón at night?
Nightlife in El Paredón is low-key, in keeping with the town’s relaxed rhythm. Small beach bars and guesthouse terraces host live music, fire pits, and casual parties that stretch into the evening. Grab a cold beer, listen to a local band, or join a sunset-to-dark bonfire gathering on the beach. For a quieter night, head to the beach with a blanket and watch the stars reflect on the black sand.
What to do in El Paredón as a couple?
Couples will find plenty of romantic options in El Paredón. Morning yoga by the beach or a paddle through the calm mangroves sets the tone for a relaxing day. Rent bikes or ATVs to explore the surrounding coastline, stopping at secluded beaches for a private picnic. Sunset on the shore is almost a rite of passage here, especially at Playa El Paredón, where the black sand and fiery skies create perfect photo opportunities.
What to do in El Paredón as a family?
El Paredón is surprisingly family-friendly, especially for kids who love nature and outdoor activities. Families can take guided boat trips through the mangroves, spotting birds, iguanas, and other animals along the way. Surf lessons are available for older children, and simple yoga or wellness classes can give the whole family a calm morning break. Conservation experiences, like visiting the sea turtle hatchery or taking part in local environmental initiatives, provide both fun and education, leaving a lasting impression on young travellers.
Read next:
A Traveller’s Guide to El Paredón: Guatemala’s Surf Town
Where to Stay in El Paredón: 17 Hotels For Every Budget from Boutique to Boujee
17 Cool Cafés, Bars, and Restaurants in El Paredón
A Complete Guide to Surfing in El Paredón
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