LOCAL GUIDE
El Paredón: Guatemala's Best-Kept Secret
El Paredón remains refreshingly authentic and wonderfully safe. In this tight-knit fishing village where everyone knows everyone, families stroll the beach at sunset without a worry. With just a handful of bars, cafes, restaurants, and mini supermarkets, the village has found the perfect balance—enough amenities to keep you comfortable, but not so many that it's lost its soul. It's Guatemala's Pacific at its best: peaceful, friendly, and now with excellent coffee.
Just 2.5 hours from Guatemala City’s La Aurora Airport, Casa Hibisco offers front-row access to El Paredón's renowned surf breaks and relaxed beach culture. Here, days unfold to the rhythm of the waves, whether you're surfing, running with the kids on the beach, watching sea turtles nest on the black sand, or exploring the surrounding mangrove forests.
Direct flights to GUA airport
- From US: Daily direct flights from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, NYC, and more. Most flights are 2.5-5 hours via United, American, Delta, Jetblue or Avianca.
- From Canada: Direct flights from Montreal and Toronto (5.5 hours) via Air Canada. Montreal flies 2x weekly starting October 2025, Toronto 3x weekly.
GUA airport to Casa Hibisco
- Private Transfer: 2.5 hour direct drive, $100-150 each way for up to 8 passengers. English-speaking drivers available. Book 48 hours in advance.
- Rental Car: Major agencies at the airport (Budget, Hertz, Avis). 4WD recommended but not required as roads are paved 90% of the way. Secure parking available at Casa Hibisco.
Day adventures by car
- Antigua — Colonial architecture and volcano views (2 hr)
- Lake Atitlán — Maya villages and crater lake beauty (3 hr)
- Auto Safari Chapín — Drive-through wildlife park kids love (1.5 hr)
- Iztapa — Sportfishing town (45 minutes)
GOOD TO KNOW
BEACH ETIQUETTE: The black volcanic beaches are El Paredón’s crown jewel, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Treat them like royalty—no littering and no glass bottles. Bring bug spray at sunset or the sandflies will ruin the moment!
CASH IS KING: While some trendy spots take cards, cash is your golden ticket for street food, surf lessons, and fresh seafood. Make sure you bring enough Guatemalan quetzales, as there's currently only one ATM in El Paredón inside the Super 24 convenience store in town, but it's notoriously temperamental — sometimes working, sometimes not.
ISLAND TIME IS REAL: Things move slowly here, and that’s the beauty of it. Life in El Paredón is casual and unhurried. Whether you’re waiting for a fresh coconut or a tuk-tuk ride, just relax—it’s all part of the charm.
CASH IS KING: While some trendy spots take cards, cash is your golden ticket for street food, surf lessons, and fresh seafood. Make sure you bring enough Guatemalan quetzales, as there's currently only one ATM in El Paredón inside the Super 24 convenience store in town, but it's notoriously temperamental — sometimes working, sometimes not.
ISLAND TIME IS REAL: Things move slowly here, and that’s the beauty of it. Life in El Paredón is casual and unhurried. Whether you’re waiting for a fresh coconut or a tuk-tuk ride, just relax—it’s all part of the charm.
SURFER’S PARADISE: El Paredón’s surf breaks are legendary. If you’re still figuring out which way to hold a board, take a lesson from one of the many surf schools in the area.
ROAD RULES: In El Paredón, traffic is scarce, but don’t expect clearly marked pedestrian crossings or sidewalks. Tuk-tuks will zip you around town for a few quetzales. Just make sure to negotiate your fare before hopping in! As always, be safe, use good judgment and ride at your own risk.
SÍ, HABLO ESPAÑOL: While speaking Spanish isn’t essential, a smile and a little effort go a long way. Practice saying gracias and hola — it might just score you a bigger scoop of mango sorbet at the local heladería.
WEATHER: With sunshine nearly year-round, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Expect a tropical climate with occasional rain and thunder during the wet season (May–October). Due to our luxurious but wild location, occasional power outages may occur during storms.
ROAD RULES: In El Paredón, traffic is scarce, but don’t expect clearly marked pedestrian crossings or sidewalks. Tuk-tuks will zip you around town for a few quetzales. Just make sure to negotiate your fare before hopping in! As always, be safe, use good judgment and ride at your own risk.
SÍ, HABLO ESPAÑOL: While speaking Spanish isn’t essential, a smile and a little effort go a long way. Practice saying gracias and hola — it might just score you a bigger scoop of mango sorbet at the local heladería.
WEATHER: With sunshine nearly year-round, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Expect a tropical climate with occasional rain and thunder during the wet season (May–October). Due to our luxurious but wild location, occasional power outages may occur during storms.