El Paredon is tiny and walkable, with just a few sandy, unpaved streets, so you can reach most places on foot in minutes. However, the soft sand and dusty dirt roads make it difficult for strollers and wheelchairs, and the black sand gets very hot midday. Footwear is a must, and there are no taxis, so expect to walk everywhere.
El Paredon is considered a relaxed, friendly and generally safe small town, with locals used to welcoming visitors. Petty theft is uncommon but possible, so keep an eye on your belongings. The biggest hazard is the ocean itself, which has strong currents and rip tides, so swim and surf with care, ideally near areas where lifeguards are present.
Tipping is appreciated in Guatemala. Restaurants often add a 10 percent service charge, but leaving a little more for good service is welcome. For tour guides, surf instructors and drivers, a small tip is customary and warmly received. Since El Paredon runs largely on cash, carrying small quetzal notes makes it easy to tip as you go.
Surfing is the main draw, with lessons and board rentals widely available, though the waves and currents suit confident swimmers. Beyond the beach, take a boat or kayak tour through the mangrove canals to spot birds and wildlife, join a seasonal sea turtle release at dawn, try a local cooking class, and simply soak up the famous black-sand sunsets.
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), often shown as Q. In a small town like El Paredon, cash is essential, as there is little to no ATM access and many places do not accept cards. Bring enough quetzales for your whole stay, ideally withdrawn beforehand in Antigua or another larger town, to cover food, activities and accommodation.
The official language is Spanish, and many Indigenous Mayan languages are also spoken across Guatemala. In El Paredon, a growing beach destination, you will find English spoken at many hostels, surf schools and restaurants used to international visitors. Learning a few Spanish phrases like hola and gracias is appreciated and helps you connect with the friendly local community.
On the coast, fresh seafood is a highlight, often served simply grilled. Try classic Guatemalan dishes like pepian, a rich spiced stew, and tamales or pupusas. Breakfast often features eggs, black beans, fried plantains and handmade tortillas. Cool off with fresh tropical fruit and a cold coconut, and look for small family-run spots serving home-style local cooking.
El Paredon is warm year-round. The dry season, roughly November to April, brings sunny days and is the liveliest time, with the best surf often from around October to March. The green season, from May to October, is hotter and more humid with afternoon showers, but quieter. Sea turtle hatchling releases typically happen from about September to December.
Daytrip is a private car service platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Daytrip offers private door-to-door transfers with optional sightseeing stops, hourly driver hire, and curated day trips â all with local English-speaking drivers and operating across 130+ countries.
The cancellation policy may vary depending on your trip. The cancellation conditions available for your booking will always be shown before confirming your trip. Depending on eligibility, Daytrip offers different cancellation options:
Non-refundable: If your trip is canceled after confirmation, the amount paid will not be refunded.
Standard: If your trip is canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, the amount paid will be refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund.
Flexible: If your trip is canceled at least 1 hour before the scheduled departure time, the amount paid will be refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 1 hour before departure are not eligible for a refund.
Trips booked less than 24 hours before departure may not be eligible for free cancellation unless stated otherwise during the booking process.
Yes! Book a private, door-to-door airport transfer with a local English-speaking driver. Enjoy fixed and transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and the option to pay in advance without the hassle of exchanging cash at a foreign airport.
You will receive the vehicle that best fits the number of travelers in your group, ranging from a sedan to a van for groups of up to 7. Depending where you travel, you can book anything from a sedan comparable to a Toyota Corolla to a Mercedes V-Class to a Classic Cuban Car. While the exact model may vary, we always ensure that the vehicle provided meets your needs in terms of safety, reliability, and comfort. You may be upgraded to a larger vehicle class free of charge depending on availability. Since our largest vehicle seats 7, for groups larger a combination of vehicles will be used. We will send you the exact vehicle details a few days before your trip.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
