El Paredón beach
Mangroves, Turtles and Kayaking in Sipacate National Park
Sipacate-Naranjo National Park: Ecotourism in the Pacific
Sipacate-Naranjo National Park: Nature in the Pacific
Sipacate-Naranjo National Park is a protected area located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, in the department of Escuintla. It encompasses mangroves, estuaries, black sand beaches, and the mouths of several rivers, forming one of the country's most important coastal ecosystems. It is the main green lung of the El Paredón Buena Vista area.
Biodiversity of Sipacate-Naranjo National Park
The park is home to an extraordinary diversity of fauna: American crocodiles, sea turtles (leatherback, hawksbill, and olive ridley), manatees, otters, over 200 species of birds (including herons, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, and frigatebirds), and a wide variety of fish and crustaceans in its mangroves. Red, white, and black mangrove vegetation covers a large part of the territory.
Activities in Sipacate-Naranjo National Park
The main ecotourism activities are: boat tours through the mangrove channels, ecological kayaking through the estuaries, bird watching, sea turtle tours (August–December season), and the 2-day Sipacate-Naranjo kayak expedition that travels the Chiquimulilla canal from El Paredón to El Naranjo.
How to Visit Sipacate-Naranjo National Park
The main access is from El Paredón Buena Vista, Sipacate. Organized tours depart from the local pier and are guided by certified tour operators. It is recommended to book turtle tours in advance as spaces are limited to minimize environmental impact.
Sipacate-Naranjo Kayak Expedition (2 days)
This is the park's most epic adventure: 2 days of kayaking through the Chiquimulilla Canal, paddling through mangroves, camping on the beach, and observing wildlife. The expedition covers approximately 40 km and goes from El Paredón to El Naranjo. Available for groups of 2-8 people with a specialized guide.
Related pages
- El Paredón Guatemala: Complete Guide
- Sipacate Guatemala
- Activities in El Paredón
- El Paredón Beach Guide
- How to Get to El Paredón
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Sipacate-Naranjo National Park, Guatemala
Hotels in Playa El Paredón, Guatemala
This little beach town is delightfully underdeveloped, authentic, and relaxed. This is not a resort town by any means. Lots of small hotels and hostels. The temperature stays hot at night, and you might have difficulty sleeping. The beach was mostly clean, and the waves were good.
Absolutely love this beach and community. Felt safe everywhere we went and locals were really nice and welcoming.
Travel Guides
The 8 Best Beginner Surfboards (2026 Guide for El Paredón)
The 8 Best Beginner Surfboards (2026 Guide for El Paredón)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sipacate-Naranjo National Park?
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