Villahermosa is the capital of Tabasco, a city of about 340,000 people built where the Grijalva river winds between lagoons and tropical greenery. It is the best place in Mexico to see the art of the Olmecs, and a convenient base for the Maya ruins of Comalcalco and Palenque.
Why visit Villahermosa
For Olmec archaeology and lush nature, riverfront walks, good regional food, and its position as a gateway to Tabasco’s cacao route and to Palenque in Chiapas.
Top things to do in Villahermosa
Parque-Museo La Venta
Created by the poet Carlos Pellicer, this park displays colossal Olmec heads, altars and stelae from the site of La Venta along jungle paths, next to the Laguna de las Ilusiones.
Carlos Pellicer Regional Museum of Anthropology
A museum of the region’s ancient cultures, with Olmec and Maya pieces.
The Grijalva riverfront
The malecón along the river is a place for walks, sunset views and boat trips.
Zona Luz and the old town
The pedestrian historic centre, with the Casa de los Azulejos – a tiled mansion now a history museum – and the cathedral nearby.
Yumká
An eco-park on the edge of the city with jungle, savannah and lagoon areas and their animals.
Day trips from Villahermosa
The brick Maya city of Comalcalco and the cacao haciendas (about 1 hour), the beaches and lagoons around Paraíso, the wetlands of Centla, and the Maya city of Palenque (about 2 hours).
Best time to visit Villahermosa
November to April is the least rainy and least hot period. May is the hottest month, and the rainy season runs from June to October, sometimes with floods.
Getting to and around Villahermosa
Villahermosa airport (VSA) has flights from Mexico City and other cities. The ADO bus station connects with Palenque, Mérida and the coast. Taxis are easy; a car or tours are best for day trips.
What to eat in Villahermosa
Pejelagarto (gar fish), tamales de chipilín, pozol made with cacao, fresh seafood from the coast and Tabasco chocolate.
Villahermosa FAQ
Is Villahermosa a good base for Palenque?
Yes, many visitors fly into Villahermosa and drive or take a bus to Palenque, about two hours away.
How long should I stay?
One or two days for the city, plus day trips.
