Safira Velasquez This post provides detailed information on how to get to El Paredon, Guatemala, including collective buses, prices, routes and tips. El Paredon is one of Guatemala’s safest beaches and offers the most activities of any beach in the country. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, a visit to El Paredon is an absolute must.
What to expect in El Paredon. Guatemala
El Paredon, a village in Guatemala with a beach of over 3 km (1.9 mi) in length, is an excellent destination for surfers. The main attraction is surfing, with many hotels offering classes and board rentals. Other activities include SUP, kayaking, and baby turtle release. You can also explore the local food, bars, cafes, and hotels with pools, with day passes starting at 100 GTQ (12.50 USD). To learn more about what to do in El Paredon, click here.
Also read:
The top 5 hotels in El Paredon, Guatemala
Where to take surfing lessons in El Paredon, Guatemala
Where to eat in El Paredon, Guatemala
Where El Paredon is located
El Paredon is located on the Pacific coast 130 km (80 mi) from Guatemala City and 105 km (65 mi) from Antigua Guatemala. The full name of this coastal village is El Paredon Buena Vista, Sipacate. It belongs to the municipality of Escuintla in the south-central region of Guatemala.
How to get to El Paredon by chicken bus
However, here you will find all the information you need to know to ride a chicken bus to El Paredon.
Be cautious of your belongings while traveling to ensure safety.
From Guatemala City
Take the Transpacifico Sur chicken bus from Centra-Sur bus terminal also called CENMA. It departs at 3:30 PM every day from stop No. 39. A one-way ticket is 35 GTQ (4.60 USD), and the journey will take approximately 4 hours due to multiple long stops along the way.
To ensure you find the bus on time, I suggest you arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before the departure time. Be aware that the stop number may have changed and take necessary precautions to keep your belongings safe, and avoid carrying valuables with you.
From Antigua
From the bus terminal in Antigua, take the chicken bus to Escuintla, which costs 20 GTQ (2.50 USD) one way. Starting at 5:00 AM, departure times are every 30 minutes approximately. When you arrive at the Terminal Sur of Escuintla, take the chicken bus to Sipacate, which leaves every hour. The one-way fee is 35 GTQ (4.60 USD). When you arrive in Sipacate, take a tuk-tuk to the dock of El Escondite for 5 GTQ (0.60 USD). Finally, here you will take a boat to the village of El Paredon for another 5 GTQ (0.60 USD).
Read How to ride chicken buses in Guatemala to know more about safety tips
How to get to El Paredon by car
From Guatemala City
It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive 130 km (80 mi) from Guatemala City to El Paredon along a relatively well-maintained road.
You have two options:
1. Take the CA-9 highway south, then CA-9A and the exit to Juan Gaviota Boulevard and finally the RD-Escuela 38. See Google Maps.
2. Take the CA-9 highway south, followed by CA-2 towards Gomera and Sipacate. At Sipacate, you need to take the ferry to cross the channel with your car. This costs 85 GTQ (10.60 USD) for a one-way trip. See Google Maps.
I suggest selecting option number 1 as it is the faster route, and you do not have to purchase ferry tickets. However, please note that you have to pay a toll fee of 15 GTQ (2 USD) when you get to kilometre 55.
From Antigua
Take the RN-14 highway southbound and after 33 kilometres (20 miles) take the exit towards Escuintla. At this point you join the CA-9 and then the CA-9A highways. Finally, at kilometre 101 take the detour to Juan Gaviota Boulevard and RD-Escuela 38. See Google Maps.
How to get to El Paredon by shuttle
From Guatemala City
Every day, shuttles depart to El Paredon at 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. The journey will take 4 hours or more as everyone has a long stop in Antigua Guatemala. There are no direct shuttles from Guatemala City. I suggest booking the shuttle at NeWAY tours or on GuateGo.com.
Therefore, for me the best option for safety and time is to go by car. Renting a car is highly recommended in Guatemala: waiting times between stops and connections can be long; and chicken buses are not the safest.
From Antigua
Getting to El Paredon from Antigua is easy and convenient. Antigua is the main hub for accessing the country’s tourist sites, and there are many small transport agencies located around the city. These agencies provide two shuttles daily to El Paredon, at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. To ensure you have a seat, be sure to book the shuttle 24 hours in advance.
You can also take a one-day surf excursion from Antigua. It includes equipment, round-trip transport, surfboard, instructor, brunch and exclusive access to the facilities at Cocori Lodge, one of the largest hotels in El Paredon. Click the button below to book.
Get your personalized itinerary
Contact me via:
Please allow 3 – 5 business days to get a response.
Also read:
Interesting facts about Mayan culture in Guatemala today
How to hike the Pacaya Volcano from Antigua: Tours and Prices