Experiencing Playa Paraíso in Tulum’s Beauty

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Experiencing Playa Paraíso in Tulum’s Beauty

Playa Paraiso, in the Riviera Maya, is like heaven on Earth; tourists from all over rank this beach as the top in Mexico and one of the best in the world.

First of all, for the beauty of its water, with a beautiful blue color gradation, which goes from clear to turquoise and darker shades in the short distance, turning it into an incomparable colored symphony.

Secondly, for its wide, smooth, and white sandy beach, where sunbathing is a gift to the body with the caress of the sand and the burning heat of the sun.

Also, the temperature of the water is just perfect.

For these and other reasons, I put Playa Paraiso first in the ranking of Mexican sandy beaches.

Furthermore, you’ll find all the facilities demanded by first-class tourists, with bars that serve ice-cold beers and the most refreshing tropical cocktails to beat the Caribbean heat.

Likewise, some excellent restaurants make fresh seafood with the most delicious recipes and accompaniments, and comfortable hotels to rest peacefully after a busy day at the beach.

Playa Paraiso has spectacular attractions nearby, such as the archaeological site of Tulum, several cenotes, and Xel-Ha Park.

Where is Playa Paraiso?

Playa Paraíso is the most famous sandy beach in Tulum, a municipal entity located in the central-northern sector of the state of Quintana Roo, in the Riviera Maya.

Tulum borders the Caribbean Sea to the east, the state of Yucatan to the west, and is also bound by the Quintana Roo municipalities of Solidaridad to the north and Felipe Carrillo Puerto to the south.

The town of Tulum is only 7 km from Playa Paraiso, while Playa del Carmen is 68 km away, and Cancun is 134 km away.

Where to stay in Playa Paraiso or nearby

In the vicinity of Playa Paraiso, there are several hotels where you will enjoy an unforgettable stay.

Very close to the sandy beach, on the Tulum – Boca Paila road, you will find the beautiful cabins of Villa Pescadores Tulum, combining rustic architecture with all the comfort of first-class hotels.

Also, super close to Playa Paraiso, at km 1 of the road to the archaeological site of Tulum, is La Vita e Bella, with beautiful cabins and excellent amenities, both in the rooms and the rest of the hotel.

Cabañas Zazilkin is distinguished by the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms.

Ana y José Charming Hotel & Spa, at km 7 of the Tulum – Boca Paila highway, is an ideal lodging for a romantic getaway, as attested by many couples who have lived the experience and are eager to repeat it.

Mezzanine Colibrí Boutique Hotel, also on the Tulum – Boca Paila road, takes care of every detail to provide a happy stay to its guests.

The Diamante K Hotel is a lodging gem for its beauty, comfort, and attention to detail.

Other great hotels near Playa Paraiso are Mestizo Gallery and Hotel Acuario Tulum.

Explore the archaeological site of Tulum

One of the great attractions of Tulum is the Mayan-walled city located in front of the sea in the Tulum National Park.

The original name of the pre-Hispanic city was “Zama,” which means “dawn” in the Mayan language.

The word “Tulum,” which means “wall,” is also indigenous, and it was used when the site had already been abandoned.

Some inscriptions prove that the settlement existed in the 6th century, although most constructions are between the 13th and 15th centuries.

The main building of the Tulum ruins is El Castillo, a construction erected by Mayan architects on a cliff, which was a kind of lighthouse to help indigenous navigators avoid the dangerous coral reef near the coast, the second largest in the world.

Another attractive building at the site is the Temple of God, with a striking asymmetrical façade and paintings allegorical to birth and renewal.

Archaeological findings in Tulum have proven its importance as the main Mayan commercial crossroads on the territory’s coast that now forms the state of Quintana Roo.

Visit the Cenotes near Playa Paraiso

Near Tulum and Playa Paraiso, there are several cenotes of great beauty, which also ensure magnificent days of diving and snorkeling.

The majestic Gran Cenote is circular, and its clear and beautiful water allows you to admire the large rock formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites.

The beautiful Cenote Carwash has this curious name because it used to be a car wash, although its indigenous name is Aktun Ha.

It is located 8 km from Tulum along the road to Cobá and has an average depth of 3 meters. It has a platform from which children enjoy fun and refreshing dips.

Another famous Cenote is Cenote Calavera.

This Cenote got its name (Calavera = Skull) because it resembles a human skull when looked at from above. (As long as the sun’s rays point in a particular position).

The Calavera Cenote is very famous because it is used to obtain diving certifications.

Other attractive cenotes near Playa Paraíso that will surprise you with their beauty are Zazil-Ha and Cristal.

Xel-Ha Ecological Park

This spectacular park is located about 17 km north of Playa Paraiso on the Riviera Maya highway.

Xel-Ha is a beautiful cove formed by the union of the subterranean waters with those of the Caribbean Sea, creating an immense natural pool that is a paradise for observing its rich underwater life.

“Xel-Ha” means “place where the waters are born” in the Mayan language. 

The beauty of Xel-Ha is such that, according to legend, the Mayan gods created the place as the abode of the guardians of the Earth, the heavens, and the waters.

The mixture of fresh and salt waters, with different densities and temperatures, creates in Xel-Ha natural phenomena that are rare in the world simultaneously in one place, such as mirages, thermoclines, and haloclines.

Those who most enjoy Xel-Ha are divers and snorkelers due to the transparency of the water and the rich biodiversity, which includes dolphins, manatees, and fish of all sizes and colors.

Near Xel-Ha is a cave where you can admire prehistoric specimens of extinct mollusks embedded in the walls.

Try the food

Quintana Roo’s gastronomy combines the Mayan culinary art, the European contribution of the Spaniards, and classic and gourmet international cuisines.

Caribbean lobster is one of the main protagonists in the menus, prepared in all styles.

Grouper and snook stand out among the fish, and snails among the mollusks.

You can’t miss the dogfish bread and the tikinxic, the Mayan fish barbecue from the pre-Hispanic-influenced cuisine.

Traditional inland cuisine is also found in Playa Paraiso and the rest of the Mexican Caribbean coast.

Exotic meats, such as armadillo and tepezcuintle, are available if you go to the right place, as well as turkey, pork, and rabbit prepared with the most delicious sauces.

And you can’t forget classic delicacies like chilmole, mole, relleno blanco, relleno negro, cocido, etc.

What are the best restaurants near Playa Paraiso?

Speaking of food, I will list some of the most popular restaurants highly recommended by visitors. Take note:

You may want to read: Tulum’s Top 6 Beach Restaurants for Every Meal of the Day

• Sensaciones Restaurant has left a great impression on those who have tried its ceviche, fish fillets, and chicken fajitas
• Kitchen Table runs in a cozy rustic space, and there are excellent reviews of the stuffed avocado, grilled octopus, and seafood grill, all dishes served with a very creative presentation
• Revolucion Pancho Villa has a Mexican and seafood menu, operates in a large and beautiful palapa, and stands out for its Mexican sauces, from spicy to very spicy
• Mi Amor Restaurant is one of the must-visit restaurants in Playa Paraiso for couples, with delicate French cuisine and a paradisiacal ocean view
• At Santa Fe Restaurant, the beer is always ice cold, and the fish, seafood, and meats are deliciously prepared
• La Coqueta is a small and informal place with a very original menu, and its diners rave about burritos and shrimp tacos
• If you’re looking for a good steakhouse near Playa Paraiso, you should go to El Asadero. If you don’t eat meat, they have delicious grilled fish and seafood too

Are there any Spa and Yoga studios in Playa Paraiso?

In the vicinity of Playa Paraiso, several spas and Yoga studios combine cleanliness, comfort, and the best treatments for body and soul in the Riviera Maya.

Animamente is a wellness center on Calle 3 Sur in Tulum, offering the best massages in town.

Tribal Yoga, on Avenida Coba, has beautiful facilities and teachers who intensely feel and teach yoga and Pilates.

Kaze Therapy Space’s healing treatments, at km 7.5 on the Tulum – Boca Paila highway, have an excellent reputation; they operate in a quaint facility, rustically integrated into the surroundings.

Yäan Wellness Energy Healing Spa operates in a beautiful facility at km 10 of the Tulum – Boca Paila highway and is known for its aromatherapy massages.

Mayan Clay Spa & Bathhouse, located at km 8.5, specializes in clay work, offering soft, warm, and pleasant treatments.

Yoga Dicha Estudio, SUP Yoga Tulum, and Tulum Jungle Gym are other centers near Playa Paraiso with positive reviews.

Time for some drinks

If you spend the day in Playa Paraiso and at night you want to go out with friends for a few drinks, in the city of Tulum, there are several options to enjoy your favorite beverages in a fun and safe environment.

The Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar, on Calle Centauro Sur, is acclaimed for its drinks and jazz band. Try their signature cocktail: The Guarapo.

Curandero serves the best Micheladas in town on Tulum Avenue and Beta Corner.

At km 1.5 of the Tulum – Boca Paila highway, you will find Mezzanine Bar, a cozy place with an ocean view, serving a good selection of craft beers.

If you’re looking for something quieter, there are several cafes and bohemian-type bars with a more quiet and chill vibe. You’ll see them as you stroll through the village.