Paraíso is a port town of about 25,000 people on Tabasco’s Gulf of Mexico coast. Busy with fishing and the oil industry at the nearby port of Dos Bocas, it is also the gateway to the state’s beaches, lagoons and fishing villages, and a short drive from the Maya ruins of Comalcalco and the cacao haciendas.
Why visit Paraíso
For simple seaside pleasures and great seafood: lagoon boat trips, fresh oysters, long sandy beaches, and an easy combination with chocolate and archaeology inland.
Top things to do around Paraíso
Mecoacán lagoon and El Bellote
A large lagoon of mangroves and oyster beds. Boat trips leave from El Bellote, where seafood restaurants line the water.
Puerto Ceiba
A fishing village between the lagoon and the sea, with boats, bridges and simple fish restaurants.
Beaches
Wide, quiet Gulf beaches stretch along the coast, popular with local families at weekends and at Easter.
Comalcalco
About 20 km inland, the Maya city built of fired brick, with temples and a small museum.
The cacao route
Nearby haciendas grow cacao and show how chocolate is made, with tastings.
Day trips from Paraíso
Villahermosa, with the Olmec heads of the Parque-Museo La Venta, is about 75 km away, and the fishing village of Chiltepec lies further along the coast.
Best time to visit Paraíso
November to April is the least rainy period, although northern winds (*nortes*) can bring cool, cloudy days in winter. May is very hot, and the rainy season runs from June to October.
Getting to Paraíso
Villahermosa airport (VSA) is about 1.5 hours away by road. Buses run from Villahermosa and Comalcalco; a car is best for the lagoon, beaches and haciendas.
What to eat in Paraíso
Oysters fresh or grilled, seafood cocktails, pejelagarto, fish in green sauce and local chocolate.
Paraíso FAQ
Is Paraíso good for swimming?
Yes, on calm days; check local flags, as the Gulf can be rough with the winter *nortes*.
How far is Comalcalco?
About 20 km, around 30 minutes by car.
