Sipacate-Naranjo National Park, National park in El Paredon, Guatemala
Sipacate-Naranjo National Park is a protected coastal area in Guatemala, located near the village of El Paredon on the Pacific coast. It covers a narrow strip of land about 20 kilometers long, with black sand beaches, mangrove forests, and a network of water channels running through it.
The land around Sipacate-Naranjo was used by fishing and farming communities for generations before it received any formal protection. It was eventually designated as a national park to safeguard its coastal ecosystems, which had remained largely untouched by development.
The black sand beaches of the park are nesting grounds for several endangered sea turtle species, including the Olive Ridley and the Leatherback. Visitors who come at the right time of year may see turtles coming ashore at night to lay their eggs.
El Paredon is the best base for visiting the park, as the village sits right at the edge of the protected area. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks, since there are no shops or services inside the park itself.
Over 90 bird species have been recorded in the park, including frigatebirds, pelicans, and several endangered migrants that stop here during their yearly journey. Kayaking through the mangrove channels is one of the few ways to get close to these birds without disturbing them.
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