El Paredon: No Longer Central America’s Best-Kept Secret

Nestled on Guatemala’s untamed Pacific coast, El Paredon is no longer just a whisper among the well-traveled - it’s a destination that's well and truly earned it's place on your itinerary. A world apart from the well-beaten tourist trails in Central America, this surf-meets-community haven remains raw, real, and unapologetically full of character. It’s a place where black volcanic sand stretches endlessly, where sunrises and sunsets bleed into the ocean, and where the rhythm of the tides literally sets the pace of local life.

El Paredon is a town of contrasts and surprises. The same waves that attract world-class surfers crash along a stunning coastline, while just beyond the shore, the winding mangrove river offers a secret, serene, world of calm. El Paredon a place where backpackers, surfers, explorers and luxury seekers converge, yet somehow, it's a town that has managed to keep its local heart beating strong. Days are spent chasing barrels or exploring hidden gems; nights are electric, with open-air parties pulsing beneath a sky full of stars.

But El Paredon is more than just a travel destination - it’s a story waiting to be told.

Beyond a Guidebook

That story waiting to be told? Well, that's where El Paredon Insider comes in. But this isn’t just another travel directory, or business masquerading as a generic “things to do” guide . El Paredon Insider is real, authentic storytelling that dives deep into the people, places, and spirit that make this little surf town town unlike anywhere else. A town where two nights turn into four, or a week turns into a month, or what you once thought was a destination on your bucket list becomes home - all within the blink of an eye.

What to Expect from El Paredon Insider

We’ll bring you more than just recommendations—we’ll immerse you in the stories that define this town. Get ready for:

• In-depth profiles on the people behind the businesses - family-run eateries, el Paredon's OG hostels and hotels, the incredibly talented surf instructors destined for world recognition, and the families crafting treasures from Guatemala’s rich traditions.

• Exclusive features on the natural wonders of El Paredon - from dawn baby turtle releases and open water giant turtle watching tours to the thrill of wakeboarding and peaceful kayaking through el Paredon's web of mangroves.

• A deep dive into the food culture—from the best street eats to groundbreaking chefs serving truly stunning glocal cuisine.

• Event spotlights - whether it’s a floating DJ set on the Black Pearl, live music in the local dive bar, sunset salsa classes or epic festivals during Guatemala's holiday periods.

• Untold stories of the locals - we're talking about the people who've shaped El Paredon’s identity, from the first surfers to arrive on these shores to the new generation of Guatemalan entrepreneurs transforming the town.

• Sustainability and conservation efforts - highlighting the people and projects protecting El Paredon’s fragile ecosystem.

At El Paredon Insider, we’re not just celebrating what’s already here—we’re documenting a moment in time, capturing the evolution of a town that is rapidly becoming one of Central America’s most exciting destinations.

Whether you’re a traveler looking for something real, or a local rediscovering the magic of your own backyard, join us as we dig deeper—beyond the surf, beyond the parties, beyond the guidebooks.

Welcome to El Paredon Insider—where the black sand holds more stories than footprints.