Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in Guatemala: Paddling Through Mangroves
Each year we celebrate birthdays in three ways:
- We always do something just the four of us – usually go out to dinner – this is normally gifted by my parents since they don’t live close by to give us a chance to celebrate in their name
- We usually go away for at least one night somewhere – doesn’t have to be far from home, but a fun trip to be together
- Host a party or a travel-themed party – either intimate or a large, depending on who’s birthday it is
Coming Up with Unique Birthday Party Ideas for Boys is Half the Fun
This year, to stay on track for my son’s 7th birthday, I wanted to do something special and out of the ordinary.
But the options around Antigua, Guatemala are limited. There are a ton of kids and toddlers party places. Especially if you’ve lived there for many years and have pretty much done all there is to do.
After brainstorming ideas with friends, I decided to do a weekend long celebration for my baby who is turning seven.
Finca Zapote is one of these incredibly beautiful places in the middle of nowhere. Getting to it is an adventure. But once you have arrived, you can not believe this place exists.
It’s like an oasis after crossing four rivers and 20 kilometers of dirt roads.
The plan was to rent one of their houses, they have two one for eight people and one for twenty people.
We wanted to keep the sleep over small, so only invited one other family to join us for the night celebration in the house for eight.
Which, by the way, was huge. With two maids that help with all you need.
And what makes it even more fun, it’s totally dog friendly.
The amount of activities that are available are incredible.
You can rent a huge water slide and watch the kids never tire as they go one after the other over and over again.
A beautiful natural pond.
Plenty of brotherly bonding moments.
Paddle boarding for all ages and sizes.
Even dogs love to enjoy the tranquility and special-ness of the place.
This is the backyard of the Lake House that we rented.
This is literally a dream come true. And one of the best ways we have enjoyed spending a 21 birthday travel and time together.
However, by far the most fun was the Tarzan swing and jumps off of it.
It never gets old.
You can also go kayaking and fishing (as shown above).
But the best part, was the day of the actual birthday.
With a ton of our friends loving this idea of getting away from Antigua and celebrating. This was by far one of the best birthdays our family has ever shared with friends.
And one my son will remember forever.
So grateful to be living near this paradise and sharing it with others.
To rent a house you need to have a minimum amount of people. For the Lake House you need at least 4 people and the price varies from $50 and up per person, depending on how long and when you are visiting.
The larger house, that can fit 20 people, you need a minimum of ten people and the price is around the same as the other house, but changes with seasons.
There is a day entry fee of around $20 per adult and $10 per child and $4 for a dog.
You can NOT simply arrive, you need to find out when it’s open. And reserve it as well if you have 15 or more people.
