Tabasco is Mexico’s land of water. Great rivers – the Grijalva and the Usumacinta – wind through lagoons, mangroves and rainforest to the Gulf of Mexico. This was the heartland of the Olmecs, the oldest great civilisation of Mesoamerica, and it is still the home of cacao, the bean that gave the world chocolate.
Why visit Tabasco
For archaeology and nature off the main tourist trail: Olmec sculpture, a Maya city built of brick, chocolate haciendas, wetlands full of birds and a warm, welcoming food culture. It is also the gateway to Palenque, about two hours away.
Top places to visit in Tabasco
Villahermosa
The state capital on the Grijalva river. The Parque-Museo La Venta displays colossal Olmec heads and altars in a jungle park, and the Carlos Pellicer Regional Museum of Anthropology covers the region’s ancient cultures.
Comalcalco
The westernmost great Maya city, unique for being built of fired bricks because the region has no stone. Nearby, cacao haciendas show how chocolate is made from the bean.
Pantanos de Centla
One of the largest wetland reserves in North America, with mangroves, lagoons, manatees and hundreds of bird species, best seen by boat.
Tapijulapa and Villa Luz
A Pueblo Mágico of white houses with red roofs in the southern hills, next to the Villa Luz park with its sulphur springs, waterfalls and cave.
The Gulf coast
Around Paraíso, beaches, the fishing village of Puerto Ceiba, the Mecoacán lagoon and the oyster boats of El Bellote.
Best time to visit Tabasco
November to April is the least rainy and least hot period. May is very hot, and the rainy season runs from about June to October, when floods can affect roads.
Getting to and around Tabasco
Villahermosa airport (VSA) has flights from Mexico City and other cities. First-class buses link Villahermosa with Paraíso, Comalcalco and Palenque. A car gives freedom for the cacao route and the coast; for the wetlands, join a boat tour.
What to eat in Tabasco
Pejelagarto (gar fish) grilled or in tamales, tamales de chipilín, fresh oysters from the lagoons, and pozol, a refreshing drink of maize and cacao. Don’t leave without local chocolate.
Tabasco travel tips
- Dress for heat and humidity: light clothes, a hat and plenty of water.
- Use insect repellent, especially near rivers and mangroves.
- Check the weather in the rainy season before driving.
Tabasco FAQ
Is Tabasco sauce from Tabasco, Mexico?
The famous sauce is made in Louisiana, USA; it takes its name from the Mexican state, a land of chilli peppers.
How far is Palenque from Villahermosa?
About 140 km, roughly two hours by road.
