Expats and surfers from various parts of the world come to El Paredon to enjoy the endless blue waters and premium natural waves! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to El Paredon.
There’s a new wave in the surfing world and you definitely need to catch it! If you are just starting your journey of exploring Guatemala, El Paredon is definitely one of the destinations you need to put on your list.
El Paredon is the hottest destination in Guatemala on the Pacific Coast and is best known for its surfing spots, chilled-out vibes, beach parties, and kitesurfing!
It’s a long strip of soft sand with some interesting rock formations and waves that are great for surfing. In between swells, the water is calm enough to swim.
The friendly atmosphere and the unique scenery are big reasons why tourists keep coming back to El Paredon. There are beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean day or night with amazing sunsets over the coast. Fishing boats on the beach and young surfers in the water create a cozy view.
There are also a handful of local eateries and rooms to rent if you want to spend some time here.
Have a break from the daily stress and visit the beautiful beaches where you can escape reality and enjoy nature!
Fly away with your kayak or stand up paddleboard, catch some sunsets and explore, or just sit on your own cabaña porch with a cold beverage and watch all this beauty unfold before your eyes!
Ready to have a blast?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to El Paredon.
Read also:
- Semuc Champey Natural Pools and Caves
- Hiking the Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala
- Best things to do In Antigua, Guatemala
How far is Antigua from El Paredon?
The distance from Antigua to El Paredon is 65.8 miles or 106 kilometers. Depending on how you choose to travel, it can take anywhere from three to five hours to reach El Paredon!
Transportation Options from Antigua to El Paredon
The following table outlines all transportation options from Antigua to El Paredon:
Method | Travel time | Price |
---|---|---|
Shared Shuttle from Antigua to El Paredon | 4 hours 30 minutes | USD 29 |
Tourist Bus from Antigua to El Paredon | 4 hours 30 minutes | |
Bus from Antigua to El Paredon | 6 hours | |
Private Transfer from Antigua to El Paredon | 2 hours 15 minutes | |
Rental Car from Antigua to El Paredon | 2 hours 15 minutes | |
Taxi/ Uber from Antigua to El Paredon | 2 hours 15 minutes |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Antigua to El Paredon. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
Getting to El Paredon from Antigua
1. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
The best way to travel from Antigua to El Paredon is with Artitrans’ daily shuttle!
This is the most common way tourists choose to travel since it’s easy, affordable, and convenient!
The company Atitrans provides one shuttle departure daily, so ensure you save your seats in advance.
Atitrans Shared Shuttle Schedule:
- 09:00 AM to 01:30 PM: Shared Shuttle to El Paredon from Antigua
Total price: USD 29
2. Tourist Bus from Antigua to El Paredon
Journey Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
If you want to take a bus to travel to El Paredon, there are multiple companies in Antigua providing this service.
Tourist buses from Antigua to El Paredon offer convenience, security, and comfort, making them a great choice for travelers!
Even though they are more expensive than chicken buses, I believe they are worth the price, which is not outrageous.
Compare prices at different Agencies in Antigua Historical Center if you are on a budget and have the time.
3. Public Bus (Chicken Bus)
Journey Duration: 6 hours
If you want to experience the Guatemalan chicken bus adventure, now is the time to do it!
There is nothing more Guatemalan than chicken buses. Throughout the country, you’ll see these highly modified former North American school buses painted garishly.
This is Guatemalan public transport! All buses run continuously, and they cost almost nothing. There are times when they are very crowded, and there is only standing room; sometimes, they are bumpy and a bit reckless.
In general, chicken buses are recommended for shorter trips like touring small villages around Antigua and Xela, but it’s also possible to catch one to reach El Paredon.
This route requires you to go to the Antigua bus stop, located just behind the main market, but you’ll have to transfer twice and get a tuk-tuk.
You can set out on this adventure if you don’t mind a bit of discomfort and are comfortable with the risk!
4. Private Transfer from Antigua to El Paredon
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Booking a private shuttle to El Paredon is a great way to get an affordable shuttle service to El Paredon when traveling in a group!
No queues, no delays, you will reach your destination quickly, with a great deal of flexibility and comfort!
These transfers provide a door-to-door service, so you don’t have to carry baggage across Antigua to the bus station.
You can find a range of travel agencies throughout Antigua and arrange a transfer that will allow you more comfort and flexibility when traveling. It’s a little pricey – but not if you split the costs!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Antigua to El Paredon. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
5. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Renting a car to travel through Guatemala is one of the best choices you can make!
Drive to El Paredon, or anywhere else for that matter, by yourself and make your travel a fun experience!
Arrange your own schedules, make detours, explore and stop wherever you like with one of the rentals Antigua offers!
There are car rental companies that will provide you with a vehicle at a very affordable price; just make sure to cover all the important details before you set off!
6. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
And lastly, if you run out of options and wish to reach El Paredon as fast as possible, you can always grab a taxi or an Uber.
If you are traveling in a group, this isn’t much more expensive than the shuttle, and it is more convenient. The fare will be anywhere from USD 75 to USD 95. Make sure to negotiate a price before departure.
Taxis Mariscal and Taxis Amarillo are two reliable taxi companies in Antigua that can take you to your destination!
However, you should remember that there are no Ubers to take you back to Antigua if you decide to return.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use US dollars in Guatemala?
US dollars are by far the most accepted foreign currency in Guatemala; however, it is not a semi-official currency, so don’t go around with an armload of dollars without a single quetzal in your pocket. Try hotels or stores owned by foreigners if you want to cash in Euros or other foreign currencies.
What language do they speak in Guatemala?
Guatemala’s official language is Spanish.
How many days should I spend in El Paredon?
While there is not a lot to do in El Paredon, it’s a great place to relax – you won’t want to rush yourself, so it’s recommended that you stay for at least two nights.