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Visit Mayan Ruins, White-sand Beaches, and Lush Rain Forest in Mexico's Next Ecotourism Destination

Tabasco, Mexico, may fall under the radar of most travelers, but its historic capital city, jaw-dropping natural wonders, and archeological sites make it a destination worth exploring. 

Tabasco, located in southeastern Mexico, is home to a blossoming ecotourism industry, thanks to its white-sand Gulf coastline, mountain villages, and unrestrained rain forest, home to parrots, monkeys, and Mayan ruins.

But as Tabasco's tourism sector fortifies, so, too, may industrialization. It is the home state of Mexico's populist president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and the site of the country's largest oil refinery and the Tren Maya, a rail line intended to connect Mexico's five southernmost states, slated to be completed by 2024.

For now, at least, Tabasco remains somewhat under the radar, making it an up-and-coming tourist destination to visit before it booms. Here's where to go and what to see.

Villahermosa

Fly into the state capital of Villahermosa, just a short hop from Mexico City or Cancun, and book a stay at Hotel Boutique Menta & Cacao , housed in a government-protected, century-old, robin's-egg-blue building. It's located in Villahermosa's historic downtown, just a short drive from the open-air Parque-Museo La Venta . More of a garden than a museum, the museum-park houses a collection of colossal heads made by the Olmecs, the first known civilization of Mesoamerica. Sculpted out of enormous basalt boulders, the heads are believed to date as far back as 900 BCE.

Villa Luz Ecological Reserve

From Villahermosa, it's an hour-and-40-minute drive to this park, home to the Cascadas de Villa Luz waterfalls. Swim in the crystal pool at the bottom of the falls, or take a walk across swinging suspension bridges shrouded in dense greenery. Later, retire to one of the brightly painted bungalows at the nearby eco-retreat Kolem Jaá , which also offers ziplining, caving, and rappelling excursions. The neighboring mountain village of Tapijulapa — known for its white houses with red tile roofs — is one of 132 towns across Mexico that has been designated a "Pueblo Mágico" (magical town) by the ministry of tourism.

Cocina Chontal

One of the world's best restaurants , Cocina Chontal , is located just outside the archaeological site at Comalcalco, the westernmost city built by the Mayans. (And it's worth the 50-minute drive from Villahermosa!) This traditional restaurant cooks authentic fare over an open fire, and serves huge portions. Come hungry, and relax in one of the hammocks as you wait to be served.

It's also worth visiting the archaeological site Palenque, historically known as Lakamha ("big water"), located in the neighboring state of Chiapas, just two hours by car from Villahermosa. This impressive Mayan city-state was one of the most powerful of the Classic Maya period, reaching its peak population in the 7th century. An overnight stay in nearby El Panchan, where hostels are a dime a dozen, can break up the trip.

Also in Chiapas, but not far from Tapijulapa, sits El Chichón, an active volcano that makes a magnificent day hike. Those who reach the top will be rewarded with views of the emerald-green crater lake in the volcano's center.

Local adventure-travel outfit Jungla Experience , which operates in Tabasco and Chiapas, can create a custom ecotourism itinerary. Its standard offerings include a three-day tour of Chiapas and Tabasco, a three-day tour of the Mayan ruins, including Palenque, Yaxchilán, and Bonampak, and two days of hiking the Chichonal Volcano and Pico de la Pava, the highest peak in Tabasco.

You can also take a one-day city tour of Villahermosa with Mexitours , which includes a stop by Museo La Venta and Yumka, an ecological reservation, complete with wetlands, savannas, and lakes.

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First off to clarify, the well-known Tabasco sauce you can buy at the store is not from Tabasco, México. The sauce is made in Louisiana in the USA. None of the peppers used in this sauce are grown in the state of Tabasco.

Villahermosa is the capital city where visitors can explore an outdoor park where relics from the largest Olmec city are showcased.

To the north of the city are a handful of lessor known beaches located on the Gulf of México.

Tabasco is also a region where cacao is grown which is the main ingredient for making chocolate. Tours to the fields and processing centers can be arranged. 

Location: Gulf Coast Region

Capital City: Villahermosa

Pueblo Magicos Tapijulapa

Distances from Villahermosa to Paraiso – 47 mi / 76 km Tapijulapa – 50 mi / 81 km

Campeche, CAMP – 238 mi / 383 km Palenque, CHIS – 90 mi / 145 km Tuxtla Gutierrez, CHIS – 154 mi / 248 km

Nearest Airports from Villahermosa Villahermosa International Airport VSA 8 mi / 12 km

Palenque International Airport PQM 68 mi / 110 km

Ciudad del Carmen International Airport CME 88 mi / 141 km

Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport TGZ 100 mi / 160 km

Weather in Hermosillo Jan High 70s / Low 60s Feb-Mar High 80s / Low 70s Apr-Jul High 90s / Low 70s Aug-Dec High 80s / Low 70s 

Villahermosa Local Pozol Chocolate Drink

We can help you custom design a guided tour to include Tabasco. Contact Us

Olmec Stone Heads

Villa Luz Falls - Tapijulapa

Chocolate Drink Video

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Discover the 10+ Best Places to Visit in Tabasco, Mexico

10 Best Places to Visit in Tabasco, Mexico - Tabasco, Mexico is a state located in the southeast of the country. Where to go in Tabasco?

Mundo Maya Travel

• Updated: December 5, 2023

Where is Tabasco Located?

Tabasco, Mexico is located in the southeast of the country, bordering the states of Campeche and Veracruz. It is a coastal state, with a long history dating back to the Maya civilization. The capital city of Tabasco is Villahermosa, which is also the largest city in the state. Other notable towns include Ciudad del Carmen and Coatzacoalcos. The name “Tabasco” comes from the Nahuatl word tlapallo meaning “land of humidity” or “watery place”.

10 Best Places to Visit in Tabasco, Mexico You Can’t Miss

1. palenque de san lorenzo.

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2. Tabasco Cathedral

3. la venta museum and park, 4. ocelot island.

Ocelot Island is a small island off the coast of Tabasco, Mexico. The island is home to a species of wild cat known as the ocelot. The ocelot is a shy and reclusive creature that is rarely seen by humans. The island was named after the ocelot, and it is thought to be the only place in the world where these cats still live in the wild. The island is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including iguanas, snakes, and birds.

5. El Tajin

El Tajin is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in present-day Mexico. The site is noted for its unique architecture and extensive use of carved stone. El Tajin was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Tajin and one of the largest cities in the region. It flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries CE but was abandoned soon after.

6. Comalcalco Ruins

Comalcalco is a ancient Maya city located in Tabasco, Mexico. The ruins of Comalcalco are some of the best preserved in the region and provide insight into the daily life of the Maya people. The city was first settled around 800 BC and reached its peak around 1200 AD. Comalcalco was an important trading center for the Maya people and evidence of this can be seen in the many artifacts that have been found at the site. The ruins of Comalcalco are a must see for anyone interested in the Maya culture. The site is well preserved and provides a unique insight into the everyday life of this ancient civilization.

7. Rio Lagartos

Rio Lagartos is a small town located in the Mexican state of Tabasco. The town is situated on the shores of a lagoon of the same name, which is home to a large number of flamingos. Rio Lagartos is a popular tourist destination due to its unique location and wildlife. Visitors to the town can take part in tours of the lagoon to see the flamingos up close, as well as other wildlife such as crocodiles. The town also has a number of traditional Mayan ruins that can be visited. Rio Lagartos is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Mexico.

8. Villahermosa: One of the Best Places to Visit in Tabasco, Mexico

9. Hormiguero

Hormiguero is a town located in the Mexican state of Tabasco. It is the capital of the municipality of Centla. The town has a population of approximately 8,000 people. Hormiguero is located in the southeastern part of Mexico, near the border with Guatemala. The town is situated on a river and is surrounded by mountains. Hormiguero has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. The town is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the ruins of an ancient Maya city and a nature reserve. Hormiguero also offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as hiking, biking, and bird watching.

10. Villa Luz Ecological Reserve

Nestled in the heart of Tabasco, Mexico, Villa Luz Ecological Reserve is a hidden gem. The reserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it a perfect place for nature lovers to explore. Villa Luz Ecological Reserve was established in 2001 and spans over 1,000 hectares. The reserve is made up of four different ecosystems: rainforest, swamp, savannah, and mangrove forest. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities such as bird watching, hiking, and canoeing. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or learn more about the amazing biodiversity of Tabasco, Villa Luz Ecological Reserve is the perfect place for you.

11. Cocina Chontal: One of the Best Places to Visit in Tabasco, Mexico for Local Cuisines

If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic taste of Tabasco, Mexico, look no further than Cocina Chontal. This restaurant specializes in traditional Chontal cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Cocina Chontal’s menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes, including shrimp in coconut milk, chicken in green mole sauce, and pork ribs in achiote marinade. With so many delicious options to choose from, it’s no wonder this restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, Cocina Chontal is sure to have something to tantalize your taste buds.

12. Tortuguero Ruins

The Tortuguero Ruins are a group of ancient Maya ruins located in Tabasco, Mexico. The site was once a thriving city, but was abandoned centuries ago. Today, the ruins are overgrown and largely unexplored. The Tortuguero Ruins are an intriguing mystery, one of the best places to visit in Tabasco, Mexico. Little is known about the people who lived there or why they left. The site is fascinating to archaeologists and history buffs alike. Despite its remote location, the Tortuguero Ruins are definitely worth a visit. The ancient city has a unique atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else.

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13. Paraiso: One of the Best Places to Visit in Tabasco, Mexico for Unique Architectures

Paraiso is one of the best places to visit in Tabasco, Mexico. The town is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is home to a variety of businesses and attractions. Visitors can enjoy the town’s beaches, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Paraiso Tabasco is also a popular destination for fishing and water sports.

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• Archaeological Site Visits
• Horseback Riding
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• Whitewater Rafting
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• Chiapas Maya Heartland
• Visit a potters village
• Walk through impressive Maya Ruins
• Learn about the Olmec people
• Swim at the Mishol-Ha Waterfall
• Chiapas Adventure
• Bike across the Chiapan countryside
• Hike Montebello Lakes
• Search for jaguars, eagles & macaws
• Boat to Rio Lacantun

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Top Tabasco Travel Destinations

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Top choice in Tabasco

Surrounded by jungle trees and little visited by tourists, the small but impressive Maya ruins of ancient Comalcalco are the most westerly known Maya ruins. Architecturally they're unique due to many of the buildings being constructed of bricks and/or mortar made from oyster shells. Comalcalco was at its peak between AD 600 and 1000, when it was ruled by the Chontals. It remained an important center of commerce for several more centuries, trading in a wealth of pre-Hispanic luxury goods.

At the entrance to the complex is a small museum with a fine array of sculptures and engravings of human heads, deities, glyphs and animals, such as crocodiles and pelicans.

Beyond the museum, the first building you encounter is the great brick tiered pyramid, Templo 1 . At its base are the remains of large stucco sculptures, including the feet of a giant winged toad. Further temples line Plaza Norte , in front of Templo I. In the far (southeast) corner of the site rises the Gran Acrópolis , which has views from its summit over a canopy of palms to the Gulf of Mexico. The Acrópolis is fronted by Templo V , a burial pyramid that was once decorated on all sides with stucco sculptures of people, reptiles, birds and aquatic life. At Templo V’s western foot is Templo IX , which has a tomb lined by nine stucco sculptures showing a Comalcalco lord with his priests and courtiers. Above Templo V is the crumbling profile of El Palacio , with its parallel 80m-long, corbel-arched galleries, probably once Comalcalco’s royal residence. Information is in both Spanish and English.

If coming via public transport, there are several options. The easiest, but most expensive way is via taxi from the center of Comalco (around M$60). From Villahermosa, if you take Comalli or ADO buses to the center of Comalco, ask to be directed to the supermarket Chedraui. From here, take a combi (direction Paraiso) and ask to be let off at the ruins turn-off. From here it's a 20-minute walk along a pleasant house-lined street. Alternatively, from Villahermosa, ask the Comalli buses to drop you near the ruins turn off if they head that way; be aware that you are on a main highway.

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https://​www​.inah​.gob​.mx​/zonas​/9-zona-arqueologica-de-comalcalco

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Parque-Museo La Venta

This fascinating outdoor park and museum was created in 1958, when petroleum exploration threatened the highly important ancient Olmec settlement of La…

Museo Regional de Antropología

27.72 MILES

Villahermosa's excellent regional anthropology museum (even the shiny modern building it's housed in is impressive) holds some stunning exhibits on Olmec,…

Hacienda La Luz

Hacienda La Luz, one of several local plantations making chocolate from home-grown cacao, offers informative guided tours (a basic tour is one hour, but…

Casa de los Azulejos

27.48 MILES

This lovely historic home, diagonally opposite the Palacio Gobierno, is more interesting for its Spanish tiles, than its museum contents (which tell the…

Museo de Historia Natural

26.12 MILES

Named after Tabasco's best-known naturalist, the small Museo de Historia Natural has good displays on dinosaurs, space, early humanity and Tabascan…

Nearby Tabasco attractions

1 . Hacienda La Luz

2 . Parque-Museo La Venta

3 . Museo de Historia Natural

4 . Casa de los Azulejos

5 . Museo Regional de Antropología

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9 of the Best Things to do in Villahermosa, Mexico

• Last Updated 4 December 2023

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Whether you only have one day, or a little longer, these are the best things to see and do in Villahermosa, the state capital of Tabasco, Mexico…

A lot of people – and online sources – told me to skip Villahermosa. The Mexican state of Tabasco is better known for its oil fields than for tourism, and most people agreed that there’s simply not enough to do in the state capital to tempt tourists.

But I was passing through anyway, so I decided to give Villahermosa a chance! And I discovered that this river-surrounded city actually has quite a lot to offer.

It may not be quite the “beautiful town” the name promises, but there’s plenty to fill a day or two in Villahermosa. This is a city of wide rivers, serene lakeside walks, and rich archaeology. Oh, and one of the best ceviche I’ve eaten in a while! And if you stay longer, there are plenty of day trips to explore more of Tabasco itself.

If you’re simply passing through, as I was, or sticking around for a while, these are my picks for the best things to do while you’re visiting Villahermosa. Buen viaje…

Shortlist: If you Only Have a Day in Villahermosa

• 1 – Parque-Museo La Venta
• 2 – Laguna de las Ilusiones
• 3 – Mirador de las Aguilas
• 4 – La Cevicheria Tabasco
• 5 – Señor de Tabasco Cathedral
• 6 – Zona Luz (Historic Centre)
• 7 – Regional Museum of Anthropology
• 8 – Casa de los Azulejos
• 9 – Grijalva River

Where to Eat in Villahermosa

More day trips from villahermosa, more on mexico.

Since many people just stop over in Villahermosa for a day on the way to somewhere else, here’s a quick list of the can’t-miss stops. More info on each one in the next section.

• Parque-Museo Villahermosa – Mesoamerican archaeology in a park setting with a small (skippable) zoo.
• La Cevicheria – for amazing seafood (or vegan ceviche).
• Malecon de las Ilusiones – lakeside walk.
• Regional Museum of Anthropology – for Mesoamerican artefacts and the area’s history.

9 Things to do in Villahermosa

Tabasco in general is a bit more of an “off the beaten path” destination in Mexico . Villahermosa doesn’t get a lot of non-native tourists, so if you’re not Mexican you may find yourself standing out.

This can also mean (generally) lower prices than more touristy spots in Mexico – winner! It helps if you can speak a little Spanish here, as I found not many people I interacted with spoke English and most tours I saw appeared to be only in Spanish. BUT everyone was super friendly and very patient with my (disastrous) Spanish.

Anyway, without further waffle, here are the top things to do in Villahermosa…

1 – Discover Prehispanic Carvings at Parque-Museo La Venta

Without a doubt, the top thing to do in Villahermosa is to visit the Parque-Museo La Venta . This “park museum” is full of sculptures, altars, and other stone relics from La Venta, an ancient Olmec city in Tabasco state that pre-dates Chichen Itza by over a thousand years.

In fact, the Olmecs were the first major Mesoamerican civilisation. They founded La Venta around 1200 BC, and between about 800 to 400 BC it was the most important settlement in Mesoamerica.

Most of the sculptures that have been transferred to the Parque-Museo in Vellahermosa date from 700-400 BC. Most impressive are the enormous carved stone heads – thought to be portraits of Olmec rulers.

Signs are all in English as well as Spanish and have lots of information. The sculptures are laid out along a trail that winds through a forest, so wild animal encounters are not uncommon. Especially the coatis : cute, fluffy mammals who seem to have the run of the park! There are also lizards, boas (apparently) and occasional monkeys, as well as the ever-present mosquitos – bring repellent!

It’s worth noting that there’s also a zoo inside the Parque Museo. Enclosures were mostly large and looked to be in OK condition, but I found it a little depressing. If you dislike animals in captivity, you can skip the zoo and head straight for the Archeological Park once inside.

Top tip – visit on a Monday, when entrance is free for everyone (except during summer holidays). This is also good if you don’t want to feel like you’re supporting the zoo. On other days, visitors pay $57 MXN (about $3 USD).

DAY TRIP – La Venta itself is about 1.5 hour’s drive from Villahermosa and can be visited as a day trip.

2 – Walk Along the Laguna de las Ilusiones

In the northwest of Villahermosa is a vast and beautiful lagoon called Laguna de Las Ilusiones. Skirting the lake is the Malecon de las Ilusiones; a wide walkway shaded by trees which winds along the water’s edge through the Parque Tomás Garrido Canabal.

There are vendors selling street food, scurrying coatis, and a couple of playparks for families. It’s a really lovely, serene area and a great spot for a walk once you’re done visiting La Venta. The lake itself is rich in birdlife; walk along the Malecon spotting great egrets, herons, and cormorants.

I recommend visiting in the late afternoon, when the sun is less fierce and the golden light makes the lake all the more beautiful.

3 – Climb the Mirador de las Aguilas

Sadly, this was closed when I went: apparently, it’s a bit of a potluck as to whether you’ll find it open or not. So don’t make a trip here especially! But if you’re visiting the Laguna de las Ilusiones anyway, and you’re lucky enough to find this free observation tower open, climb to the top for some stunning views of the lakes. From photos I’ve seen online, it looks well worth it!

4 – Eat Ceviche at La Cevicheria Tabasco

Honestly, it might be worth visiting Villahermosa JUST to eat at this restaurant!

La Cevicheria Tabasco has a great range of fresh, delicious ceviche and seafood dishes (there’s also a yummy-sounding vegan ceviche) – all served in a funky environment with fantastic service. I recommend the ceviche de la casa (which comes with a ginger dressing). And if you’re a fan of Mexican agua frescas, try the bright pink Agua de Matalí (similar to agua de jamaica).

5 – Admire the Señor de Tabasco Cathedral

You can see the twin towers of the rosy-hued Tabasco Cathedral from across the city. It was built between 1945 and 1970, after the original cathedral was destroyed during an anti-religious campaign in the 1930s. As a result, there’s not much in the way of history or religious iconography to see, but the facade and the tall, carved towers are pretty – so it’s worth swinging by if you have time.

6 – Wander Around the Zona Luz

Like many other Mexican cities, Villahermosa has a historic centre, called the Zona Luz. It’s not as pretty as others I’ve seen, but there are a few nice streets with pastel-coloured buildings – particularly Narciso Sáenz and the pedestrianised Calle Lerdo de Tejada – and there appeared to be quite a lot of new stuff popping up when I visited, so the area has the potential to become quite lovely.

Don’t miss…

• Plaza de Armas – the city’s main plaza, home to the Government Palace.
• Monumento al Bicentenario de la Independencia – a large, rusted iron monument on the far side of the Plaza de Armas.
• Simon Bolivar statue at the top of the steps at Calle Lerdo de Tejada.
• Parque de los Pajaritos – a cute, leafy square home to a number of parrots and a (now thankfully empty) aviary.
• Galería de Arte El Jaguar Despertado – small gallery and cafe showcasing local art and culture.

7 – Learn More at the Regional Museum of Anthropology

Villahermosa’s Museo Regional de Antropología Carlos Pellicer Cámara is apparently Mexico’s second-largest collection of anthropological artefacts. Housed within a large, modern building, it’s a great place to learn more about the Olmec civilisation, as well as the history of the Maya, Zoque and Nahua cultures in Tabasco.

This is also the home of the infamous Tortuguero Monument 6 – the stone tablet that gave rise to the myth that the Mayans had predicted the ‘end of the world’ for 21st December 2012.

8 – And at Casa de los Azulejos

Known as the “house of tiles”, this gorgeous blue-tiled building in the Zona Luz is home to the Tabasco History Museum.

The exhibits tell the story of the state’s history, but really, the main reason to visit is for the stunning Catalan tiles which cover every room.

9 – Walk Along the Grijalva River

Perhaps the “hermosa” (beautiful) part of Villahermosa comes from the number of parks, lakes and rivers there are in the city centre.

If you have time for one last activity in Villahermosa, take a walk along the Grijalva River’s eastern bank. You can cross the river via the wordily-named Puente Peatonal Manuel Pérez Merino (formerly the Puente Solidaridad) near the Plaza de Armas.

On the far side, you’ll find a wide esplanade and a cycle lane. Between the walkway and the river is a long area of parkland with a gravel path winding between lush tropical trees and flowers.

There was also a new esplanade being built on the city-side bank when I visited, so soon you’ll be able to walk a circuit along both sides of the river.

Antigua Cafe – a cute little spot for breakfast or lunch with decent coffee and a nice view of the Obelisco Plaza. I loved the house special Cappucino Antigua.

Cafe del Correo – OK coffee and very friendly service in the heart of the Zona Luz.

La Cevicheria Tabasco – I already mentioned this one above. Great restaurant with fresh ceviche (including vegan options) and excellent service.

If you find any more great places to eat in Villahermosa, leave a comment to let me know and I’ll add them in!

• La Venta – Visit the archaeological site of an ancient Olmec city from between 1200 and 400 BC. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Villahermosa, or you can take a bus or colectivo from outside the ADO station.
• Chichonal Volcano – Hike into the Chiapas mountain range to reach the top of a volcano for a view of the emerald-green lake inside the caldera.
• Villaluz Waterfalls and Tapijulapa “Magic Town” – rappel and zipline over waterfalls, visit a cave, and visit the Pueblo Magico of Tapijulapa. If you don’t want to book a tour, it’s also possible to visit both of these spots by driving. You should also be able to get to Tapijulapa by bus and colectivo (connecting in Jalapa) but it looks like a tricky journey.
• Pantanos de Centla – A Biosphere Reserve and extensive wetland region in Tabasco. Take a tour to see local wildlife.
• Palenque – the famous Mayan ruins of Palenque in Chiapas state are just over two hours from Villahermosa. You can get there by bus, and take a colectivo straight to the ruins from outside the ADO station – although personally, I think it’s worth spending at least a night in Palenque before returning. You can also take a day tour to Palenque from Villahermosa which includes a guided tour of the ruins. Find out more in my post about how to get to Palenque .

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12 of the Best Hotels in Holbox

• Last Updated 3 April 2024

From luxurious beachside villas to stylish boutique hotels… these are some of the best hotels in Isla Holbox, Mexico!

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