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Home / Beaches / Playa El Paredón Sur

Playa El Paredón Sur

Южный пляж Эль-Паредон
Guatemala · Beach · El Paredón
moderate
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for surfers and active holidaymakers. Suitable for those wanting to learn to surf. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong currents.

Best month

January

Water
+28.0°C
Length
3 000 m
The southern part of El Paredón Beach, featuring calm water and scenic views. It has a less crowded setting and soft sand, popular for a quiet retreat.
Surface
sand
Waves
strong
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
The southern part of El Paredón Beach, featuring calm water 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

  • Long consistent waves for surfing
  • Volcanic black sand
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Close to Sipacate-Naranjo National Park
  • Many surf schools and hostels
  • Scenic sunsets
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • Strong rip currents
  • No lifeguards
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Few restaurants on the beach
  • Volcanic sand can be hot
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for surfers and active holidaymakers. Suitable for those wanting to learn to surf. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong currents.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The beach is known for its long consistent waves, considered among the best in Central America for learning to surf. The black volcanic sand gives the beach a unique look.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
black
Sand Texture
Grain size
coarse
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
15 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
3 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
grey
Water Clarity
moderate
Underwater Visibility
5.0 m
Average Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
strong
Wave Height
1.5 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
November
Season end
April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
high
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. The area is popular with surfers and travellers. The main risks are related to strong currents.
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
3 pcs
Best restaurants

Local Eateries

Guatemalan

Small local eateries with traditional cuisine and seafood

Surf Camp Restaurants

International

Restaurants at surf camps with international dishes

Nearby cuisines

Guatemalan

Traditional Guatemalan cuisine with corn, beans and meat

Must try: Pepian, tamales, chicharron

Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean

Must try: Prawns, grilled fish, calamari
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
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 Hat Sunglasses First aid kit Surfboard
Best Time to Swim
The best time for surfing is from November to April when waves are more consistent. In the morning winds are lighter. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
Local Rules
Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Never turn your back on the ocean. Do not leave litter.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Sipacate-Naranjo National Park

National park with mangroves and rich wildlife, popular for ecotourism

Sipacate

Neighbouring town with restaurants and shops, a 10-minute drive away

El Paredón

Village with surf schools, hostels and restaurants

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa El Paredón Sur: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity moderate, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 1.5 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 15 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — black. Texture — coarse. Beach length — 3 000 metres.
Playa El Paredón Sur: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November. It ends in 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 Sur: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking, Wi-Fi. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa El Paredón Sur: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa El Paredón Sur: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Local Eateries, Surf Camp Restaurants. Cuisines available: Guatemalan, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Hat, Sunglasses, First aid kit, Surfboard.
Playa El Paredón Sur: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for surfing is from November to April when waves are more consistent. In the morning winds are lighter. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Never turn your back on the ocean. Do not leave litter.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa El Paredón Sur: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for surfers and active holidaymakers. Suitable for those wanting to learn to surf. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong currents.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is known for its long consistent waves, considered among the best in Central America for learning to surf. The black volcanic sand gives the beach a unique look.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Long consistent waves for surfing, Volcanic black sand, Authentic atmosphere, Close to Sipacate-Naranjo National Park, Many surf schools and hostels, Scenic sunsets, Affordable prices. Cons: Strong rip currents, No lifeguards, Limited infrastructure, Few restaurants on the beach, Volcanic sand can be hot.
Playa El Paredón Sur: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Sipacate-Naranjo National Park, Sipacate, El Paredón. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa El Paredón Sur: how do I get to the city of El Paredón?
The beach is located near the city of El Paredón. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for El Paredón.

City

El Paredón

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