Surf and Yoga Retreat in Guatemala
On our first visit to the small fishing village of El Paredon, we fell in love. We were taken by the winding, dusty roads, black sand beaches, and the dreamy west coast sunsets. At this retreat in Guatemala, you will find relaxation, good vibes, and empty waves.
Explore Guatemala
The Surf
We love El Paredon for many reasons, but one of the highlights is its access to waves for all levels. Whether you are a beginner or expert, there will be plenty of waves for you. The surf here is mostly beach breaks and river mouths; with some swell-dependent opportunities to surf secret point breaks. This laid-back beach town faces south, meaning it picks up just about every swell along the Pacific. With this consistent swell comes consistent waves. Wake up every day to the sounds of the ocean and just steps away from an empty lineup. Join us here before the crowds arrive.
Included:
- 6 days of surf coaching
- Intro to surfing
- Beach session
- Surf theory classes
- Paddle school
- Video analysis
- 1:1 feedback
- Surf videos from your week (included in surf photo package – extra cost)
- Professional surf photos (extra cost)
- Daily transport to and from the best surf breaks
The Yoga
Enjoy peaceful yoga classes overlooking the stunning landscape of green jungle meeting the blue sea. Offered as the perfect compliment to daily surfing, let your body and mind relax and reset. Our highly experienced teachers will tailor classes to the needs of the group, so that everybody is welcome to unwind and enjoy the endless benefits of yoga.
The Adventures
Settle into the laid-back lifestyle of El Paredon! This lazy beach town is not yet on many travelers’ radars, but it won’t be long until the secret is out. El Paredon is part of a National Park – promising lush mangroves, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife. Plenty of adventures await you in this down to earth fishing village.
- Go on a boat cruise and wake surf through the estuary
- Take a cooking class with a local family
- Join us for dinner at a local restaurant
- Spend an afternoon volunteering with a local NGO!
The Food
At Rise Up, we believe food should not only taste good, but make you feel good. Using fresh and local ingredients, all of our meals will fuel you for the week. Our talented chefs create delicious and nutrient dense meals and will cater to any dietary need. We enjoy all of our meals family-style, eating in the breezy, open-air dining area. With four meals on offer every day, plus appetizers and dessert, you will be able to cruise through each day with energy and a full belly!
The Familia
At Rise Up, you are welcomed into the family the moment you arrive in Guatemala. The week is designed to make you feel at home – so that you can relax, have fun, and create lasting connections. We cannot wait to share an unforgettable week with you!
The Space
Our Guatemala surf lodge offers cozy vibes with a rustic, boho-chic aesthetic. Choose from a variety of room options, including a spacious loft room, bungalow, poolside swim-up cabana, or a surfer studio. When you are not out surfing, you can hang by the pool, take a siesta in the hammocks, or go for a walk on the black sand beach. Kick your shoes off, put your laptop away, and come share in our little Guatemalan oasis.
- Beach side accommodation
- Tropical garden showers
- Patios and a cozy lounging area
- A/C available
- WiFi – but we recommend disconnecting!
Pricing
Shared Room Non-AC
$1950
Double Room Non-AC
$2150
Double AC
$2550
Single AC (Limited Availability)
$2950
Prices are per person in USD
*Our retreats run from Saturday to Saturday, though we can arrange arrivals on different days – please email [email protected]
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page.
Not Included
- Flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for staff
- Massages
Book Your Surf & Yoga Retreat Now!
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Please write us an email: [email protected]
Tom Kim
July 23, 2023.
Coolest kids in the water
Elisha WC
July 22, 2023.
Echoing all the other reviews, Rise Up is def everything it offers to be and more. The Nicaragua trip was excellent - the staff were super chill, super helpful, and super fun; the food was amazing - fresh and local; the location was awesome; the activities were a great way to see more of the local community and experience living there. And of course, the surf was SO FUN. 10/10 would do again.
Rosalin Brueck
July 21, 2023.
Our group of friends have been going to Rise Up for about 5 years now, and it never disappoints! The food is fresh and delicious, accommodations are clean and comfortable, and staff and surf coaches are awesome. We have been to multiple locations in Nicaragua and to Costa Rica. This year we are doing 2 trips with Rise Up. They have a great selection of boards to choose from and take you to the best breaks for your ability. I highly recommend booking your trip now!
Hkeller
July 11, 2023.
I Recently went to the jungle escape in Costa Rica, and it was one of the best trips I have ever been on. There was a perfect right hand point break that gave me some of the longest rides of my life. All of the staff were so amazing and you really do improve your surfing with all of the things you learn from your surf coach. At first I tried to get friends to come with me, but decided to go alone when none of the dates worked for them. I was a little hesitant about at first, but decided to book it regardless. If you are debating whether or not to go because you are alone I would 100% recommend going. You will meet so many great people and it’s crazy how close you can get with people in only a week. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to learn how to surf or is an advanced surfer. Loved my time there and am definitely going to do another riseup retreat. Also the food is sooo good!
Madeline K
July 11, 2023.
I just finished my third trip with Rise Up Surf Retreats and as expected, it was another amazing trip! I've been to one of their Costa Rica locations and now two of the Nicaragua locations and plan to try another Nicaragua location next time. The swell in June and July has been pumping and there's more to come in November and beyond. I highly recommend this trip to all of my friends of all surfing levels and backgrounds. My hot tip is to research what the conditions are typically like in the month that you're planning to go (for big waves vs small waves, etc.).
The coaches are thorough and dedicated to helping you improve. Norvin is one of my favorite people to learn from. Yoga with Jenna is relaxing and much needed to compliment the daily surfing. Video analysis with Rise Up is everything. They help you spot your bad habits quickly and identify and work towards your goals for the week. Rise Up is great at taking you to uncrowded (often empty!) lineups and respectful of the environment and local people. Bringing a board is optional. I've brought one but most people just show up with their regular luggage and try different boards from the Rise Up quiver, which is plentiful and diverse and included in the trip cost.
This food and drinks are amazing (thank you Facundo and Pepe) and the stay at Luxury Escape last week was super comfortable. The kitchen staff went above and beyond to accommodate any allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences. Pictured here is one of the shared rooms and the private ocean view room. All the rooms at this location have air conditioning. The friendly cleaning staff clean your room every day.
Don't hesitate to to reach out to Phil and Corina over email or Whatsapp with any questions at all! Everyone on the team is helpful, nice, and knowledgeable. Have fun on your trip!
Julia Szafir Bochner
July 4, 2023.
Had one of the most memorable weeks of my life! It was magical. Strongly recommend it 🙂
Brazil Rule
June 19, 2023.
I recently got to experience Rise Up at the Eco Bay location in Nicaragua and absolutely loved it! It was an intimate experience with a small group size with all fellow solo travelers. I was a beginner surfer and was lucky to have one on one coaching experience that really gave me a solid foundation and helped me feel comfortable on the board. They would also always ensure to take us to the right beach at the right time of day to get the best waves possible tailored to our skill levels. All the meals were delicious and I greatly enjoyed all the activities, getting to see more of the local culture. The yoga and add-on massages were also a great mix to help the body recover. All staff were super friendly, great at what they did, and ensured a smooth trip for us all. Was special to be able to unplug and be present, would highly recommend! 🙂
Carly Michelakis
June 14, 2023.
Everything about Rise Up Jungle Escape was amazing! The staff were kind and helpful. The food was nourishing and delicious. The waves were consistent and the instructors were very helpful. The lodge was beautiful and there was so much wildlife! Overall, this was an amazing week and I will definitely return someday! Thanks you to everyone at Rise Up, hasta luego!
Lilly Michelakis
June 13, 2023.
Just sign up! I cannot recommend Rise Up enough. My sister and I attended the Jungle Escape location and loved it. The grounds were gorgeous and located right on the beach. The food and staff were amazing. The Rise Up staff were the best. They are great people in general but also very knowledgeable and great coaches. I went into the week a very inexperienced surfer and finished the week feeling like I had learned a lot and improved greatly. The whole experience is 10/10 and I can’t say enough good things about it.
Lisa Buckley
May 7, 2023.
This was my 2nd retreat with RiseUp and it was epic. I love the culture and everyone on the team are super talented and good people. Costa Rica Matapalo was beautiful. Andrea the host welcomed us and gave us the overview. Erick and Lance our surf instructors were thoughtful, patient, constructive and supportive. Maria the yoga teacher was brilliant and the massages were out of this world. It was fab to see Fran again and meet such a wonderful group of humans. Thank you and Pura Vida! Lisa xo
EWC
10/10 would do again Echoing all the other reviews, Rise Up is def everything it offers to be and more. The Nicaragua trip was excellent - the staff were super chill, super helpful, and super fun; the food was amazing - fresh and local; the location was awesome; the activities were a great way to see more of the local community and experience living there. And of course, the surf was SO FUN. 10/10 would do again.
Staci K
When can I go back? What a ride! The Rise Up retreat in the Osa Peninsula / jungle experience in Costa Rica was a structured, organized, entryway into the unfamiliar rugged jungle landscape. And your surfing will improve!The accommodations were rustic and beautifully crafted. The mosquitoes nets and fans are your best friend at night.The best parts of this retreat are the surfing, yoga, delicious abundant fresh food, and community of like minded surf folks that you will meet. The local surf coaches are great and all of the staff crafted a safe and fun environment to surf in.The surf instructors really care about your experience and Vendela is a really awesome person and effective teacher. Yoga with Maria was without a doubt an essential partnership in this retreat. After a surfing session, her surfing focused yoga classes targeted your sore areas. All while monkeys are playing in the trees overhead. The entire team at Rise Up is super. I’ve learned so much, improved my surfing, and have great photos and videos. Def sign up for the photo / video package. I’ve met new friends for life and have wonderful memories. Would definitely do another surf retreat with Rise Up in the future.
Lori B
Great time in Costa Rica!!! I had the most incredible time with Rose Up the instructors are helpful, patient, and kind. Some as more intermediate surfer who only surfs a handful of times a year I feel like for the first ever I was able to really improve my surfing and know what I need to do to keep improving. The food and accommodations were amazing! Woke up to the sounds of monkeys every morning 😍😍😍.
Global22017110263
Costa Rica Jungle Escape I Recently went to the jungle escape in Costa Rica, and it was one of the best trips I have ever been on. There was a perfect right hand point break that gave me some of the longest rides of my life. All of the staff were so amazing and you really do improve your surfing with all of the things you learn from your surf coach. At first I tried to get friends to come with me, but decided to go alone when none of the dates worked for them. I was a little hesitant about at first, but decided to book it regardless. If you are debating whether or not to go because you are alone I would 100% recommend going. You will meet so many great people and it’s crazy how close you can get with people in only a week. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to learn how to surf or is an advanced surfer. Loved my time there and am definitely going to do another riseup retreat. Also the food is sooo good!
Julia Bochner
rise up luxury nicaragua It was our first surf camp and we couldn't be happier!We progressed so much with out surfing and had so much fun at the same time. The staff was incredible and made our stay memorable from beginning to end- couldn't thank them enough, really felt like a familia by the end.The food was amazing as well and our room was very clean and nice. 10/10 - we loved it so much we booked another location for christmas!
Ambassador784035
Just sign up! Just sign up! I cannot recommend Rise Up enough. My sister and I attended the Jungle Escape location and loved it. The grounds were gorgeous and located right on the beach. The food and staff were amazing. The Rise Up staff were the best. They are great people in general but also very knowledgeable and great coaches. I went into the week a very inexperienced surfer and finished the week feeling like I had learned a lot and improved greatly. The whole experience is 10/10 and I can’t say enough good things about it.
tabitabitabiko
Rise Up Costa Rica It was an amazing experience which I could only wish I had done earlier! The coaches are incredible and I learned so much during this retreat. The villa in Costa Rica was gorgeous and I really enjoyed the jungle vibe. Everyday, there are many activities (yoga, horse back riding etc) so you can immerse yourself in a vacation/surfing vibe with fun and like-minded people. Thank you Rise-Up for such an incredible week!
Rachel M
Amazing retreat experiences After 2 Rise Up Retreats this year I have only the best reviews- wonderful coaches (Denis, Vendela, Justin, Norvin and more!) and talented photographers (Matt), beautiful accommodations, incredible food, and inspiring group of like minded people who have become my friends!
Daniella D
Just go! It's a phenomenal experience and the instructors work very hard to help you understand how to level up. Be a good listener and let them help you be better. Phenomenal videos and photos from surf photographers. Amazing team <3
Abby R
had a blast in Costa Rica Review for the luxury retreat in costa rica (paying extra to have air conditioning was totally worth it!). This was my second Rise Up retreat, and I'm already planning my third. Dedicated and fun coaches who give incredible feedback that help you advance faster than you thought possible, beautiful waves for all abilities, and activity-packed days that still give you time for a little r&r if you need it. Rise Up is the perfect vibe for folks who are looking for a retreat where you're active, never feel like a tourist, and aren't into woo-woo bullsh_t. Our trip was 50% solo travelers (including myself) so you can feel completely comfortable traveling alone - you'll meet great like-minded folks and form warm connections in a matter of hours. I'm so grateful to the rise up folks for creating these experiences, and will definitely keep coming back for more!
