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Home / Beaches / Playa El Paredón

Playa El Paredón

Пляж Эль-Паредон
Guatemala · Beach · Monterrico
moderate
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for surfers, backpackers and young people. Suitable for active recreation, yoga and beach parties. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong waves and currents.

Best month

January

Water
+28.5°C
Length
—
Playa El Paredón, featuring a calm atmosphere and scenic views. It has a less crowded setting and soft sand, popular for a quiet retreat.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Playa El Paredón, featuring a calm atmosphere and scenic views. It has a less crowded setting and soft sand, popular for a quiet retreat.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Picturesque beach on the Pacific coast
  • Crystal-clear water
  • Excellent swimming and snorkelling conditions
  • Scenic views of the ocean and rocks
  • Well-developed infrastructure: restaurants, toilets
  • Free access
  • Water sports opportunities

Cons

  • Rocky shore in some places
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Can be crowded in high season
  • Mosquitoes and sandflies
  • Water can be murky after rain
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for surfers, backpackers and young people. Suitable for active recreation, yoga and beach parties. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong waves and currents.
Features
What makes this beach unique
One of the best surf spots in Central America with consistent waves and black volcanic sand. The village is known for its relaxed bohemian atmosphere.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
black
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
grey
Water Clarity
moderate
Average Water Temp
+28.5 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.5 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
1.2 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
November December
Season end
March April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
moderate
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
low
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. A popular tourist spot, but take usual precautions.
Dangerous creatures
stingrays
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
10 pcs
Best restaurants

Paredon Surf House

International

Surf house restaurant with ocean views, serving international dishes and seafood.

Playa 14

Local

Beach bar and restaurant with local cuisine and craft beer.

Café El Paredón

Cafe

Cosy cafe with breakfast, coffee and smoothies.

Nearby cuisines

Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean

Must try: Grilled fish, prawns, ceviche

Local

Traditional Guatemalan cuisine

Must try: Tacos, tortillas, beans

International

International dishes for tourists

Must try: Burgers, pasta, smoothies
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash First aid kit Surfboard
Best Time to Swim
Early morning for surfing and calm water. In the evening — beautiful sunsets and lively atmosphere in bars.
Local Rules
Swimming is recommended only in the presence of lifeguards. Littering is prohibited.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Guatemalan Pacific Coast

Scenic coast with black volcanic sand and calm water

Monterrico

Picturesque town with restaurants and craft workshops

Mangroves

Scenic mangrove forests with rich fauna

National Park

National park with tropical forests and beaches

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa El Paredón: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity moderate, average temperature +28.5°C, warms up to +30.5°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa El Paredón: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 1.2 m.
Playa El Paredón: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Playa El Paredón: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — black. Texture — fine.
Playa El Paredón: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November, December. It ends in March, April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa El Paredón: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa El Paredón: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: stingrays. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa El Paredón: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, parking, Wi-Fi, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa El Paredón: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Playa El Paredón: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Paredon Surf House, Playa 14, Café El Paredón. Cuisines available: Seafood, Local, International. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa El Paredón: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, First aid kit, Surfboard.
Playa El Paredón: when is the best time to swim?
Early morning for surfing and calm water. In the evening — beautiful sunsets and lively atmosphere in bars.
Playa El Paredón: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is recommended only in the presence of lifeguards. Littering is prohibited.
Playa El Paredón: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa El Paredón: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for surfers, backpackers and young people. Suitable for active recreation, yoga and beach parties. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong waves and currents.
Playa El Paredón: what makes this beach unique?
One of the best surf spots in Central America with consistent waves and black volcanic sand. The village is known for its relaxed bohemian atmosphere.
Playa El Paredón: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Picturesque beach on the Pacific coast, Crystal-clear water, Excellent swimming and snorkelling conditions, Scenic views of the ocean and rocks, Well-developed infrastructure: restaurants, toilets, Free access, Water sports opportunities. Cons: Rocky shore in some places, Limited infrastructure, Can be crowded in high season, Mosquitoes and sandflies, Water can be murky after rain.
Playa El Paredón: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Guatemalan Pacific Coast, Monterrico, Mangroves, National Park. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa El Paredón: how do I get to the city of Monterrico?
The beach is located near the city of Monterrico. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Monterrico.

City

Monterrico

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Guatemala
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 13.916700, -90.466700

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