Welcome to Best Places to Visit in Tabasco, Mexico! This is the perfect destination for adults looking to explore this deep state. Tabasco has something for everyone with its lush jungles, stunning beaches, and abundant wildlife.
Whether looking for an adventurous getaway or a relaxing vacation, you’ll find plenty of amazing sights and activities to choose from. Let us guide you to the best places in Tabasco, Mexico! We’ll share our user-friendly tips and insights so you can plan an unforgettable trip.
Tabasco, also known as the Free and Sovereign State of Tabasco, is one of 32 Federal Entities in Mexico. It is divided into 17 municipalities, with Villahermosa as its capital.
It is situated in the country’s southeast corner, bordering Veracruz and Chiapas to the south and Campeche to the northeast. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the north. Because it receives abundant rainfall all year, most of the state is covered by rainforests. It is also home to small lakes, wetlands, and rivers.
La Venta
LA VENTA is one of the best places to visit in Tabasco. La Venta, a pre-Columbian archaeological location of the Olmec civilization, is in the current-day Mexican state of Tabasco. The museum “Parque- Museo de La Venta” has some artifacts. It is located in Villahermosa. This is Tabasco’s capital. In the Early Formative period, the Olmecs emerged from the Gulf Lowlands’ sedentary farmers. They ruled the Olmec heartland in Veracruz, Tabasco.
It measures approximately 200 km (124 mi) in length and 80 km (50 mi) wide. The heartland contains the Coatzacoalcos River, which runs through it. This is where you will find the main Olmec sites of La Venta Tenochtitlan and Laguna de Los Cerros. Although La Venta was occupied around 1200 BCE (a layer of occupation), La Venta reached its peak after the fall of San Lorenzo in 900 BCE. After 500 years of dominance, La Venta was almost abandoned at the start of the fourth century BCE.
Unlike later Aztec or Maya cities, La Venta was constructed from clay and earth. There was very little locally available stone. However, imported large quantities of basalt stones were from Tuxtla and almost exclusively used for monuments such as the colossal heads and the “altars,” which were thrones and other stelae. Complex A’s basalt columns surround Complex A, for example, quarried from Punta Roca Partida on the Gulf coast, north of the San Andres Tuxtla volcano.
A petroleum refinery has covered the entire southern portion of the site. This makes excavations difficult, if not impossible. Many of the monuments from the site are now displayed in Tabasco’s archaeological museum and park.
Yumka
This well-maintained safari park allows you to get close to animals and plants from Africa, Asia, and Mexico by boat, toy train, and walking tours. Yumka is a safari and wildlife park. It aims to educate and protect the ecosystems in Tabasco state. You will find many exotic species as you explore the 250-acre (101-hectare) aviary, jungle, and lagoon.
Yumka is named after a Mayan word meaning an elf who looks after the jungle animals. The Chontales people are a Mayan tribe from Tabasco that believe in the existence of a sacred spirit that takes care of the natural environment.
The park tour includes a combination of a boat ride, train ride, and walking safari. You can walk through the lush jungle habitat on foot using a variety of trails and bridges. Can find raccoons, iguanas, and howler monkeys freely. You can admire the magnificent beauty of large cats like jaguars, pumas, and tigers.
The botanical garden and vivarium offer a wealth of color and aroma. Take a ride on the toy train and explore the vast savanna. Watch as elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, and zebras co-exist harmoniously. The aviary is home to many birds, such as macaws, cockatoos, and toucans. In the reptile room, pose with a snake around your neck.
Motorboats can cruise across the tranquil lagoon. It is home to crocodiles, manatees, hippos, and other animals. The jungle zone has a bridge that allows access to a small portion of the lagoon. Visit the manatee reserve for information about these herbivorous aquatic mammals’ lives and conservation efforts.
It is located 12 miles (20 km) east of Villahermosa. A taxi or renting a car is the best way to get there. You can park your car at the park’s entrance. Yumka is open every day and charges an admission fee. Although most guides can only speak Spanish, some may be able to provide English-language information. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat to protect yourself from the scorching sun.
Tomas Garrido Canabal Park
Tomas Garrido Canabal park is a great place to relax. You can have a picnic, throw a Frisbee or lay on the soft grass while you shut your eyes. Here is some fantastic news. You don’t have to pay a penny to visit Tomas Garrido Canabal Park, Villahermosa.
This recreation area and green space are just one part of your adventure. You can also enjoy a day at nearby attractions such as La Venta Museum-Park and Villahermosa Market.
Galerias Tabasco
Galerias Tabasco can be your one-stop shop for shoes, clothes, and other general supplies. It doesn’t matter what you are looking for, and it is hard to leave empty-handed. This shopper’s paradise is a popular destination for Villahermosa visitors.
Galerias Tabasco, however, is only one of the many attractions worth visiting in the region. La Venta Museum Park is a great place to keep your eyes open if you have the time.
Hormiguero
Hormiguero is one of the best places to visit in Tabasco. Hormiguero, a Mayan city, was at its height during the Late Classic Period (650-850). It is 22 km south of Xpuhil In the Mexican state of Campeche. Only a handful of the 84 structures have been excavated.
Structure II, the largest excavated building on the site, is also one of the most theatrical Rio Bec buildings. It is rectangular and has two towers of false-staircase towers on either side. There are many large chambers inside.
The Central Group is located nearby. This complex contains prominent temples that aren’t often excavated. Structure V, the largest of all the structures, is the most striking. It’s a tall pyramid with a well-preserved Chenes-style temple at its top.
Playa Varadero
Paraiso, a municipality and town located in the northern part of Mexico’s state of Tabasco, is about 75 kilometers north of Villahermosa, the state’s capital. It can be found in the Gulf of Mexico. The area has been used for fishing and agriculture in the past.
It is also an oil-producing area, with Dos Bocas being the most oil-oriented port. Although it is still very underdeveloped, tourism is also possible in the area. It is part of the state’s Cacao Tour tourism program.
Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco
Organize a tour of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco, and you’ll experience the power of walking through the hallowed halls. This will give you a fascinating insight into local politics. This modern government building is located in Villahermosa and offers free entry.
Universidad Juarez Autónoma de Tabasco makes a great day trip and is affordable! You can also visit Villahermosa Market, La Venta Museum Park, and Tomas Garrido Canabal Park to see more of the area.
Dos Bocas Port
Dos Bocas Port is one of the best places to visit in Tabasco. Every day, all kinds of cargo move in and out of Dos Bocas Port. You can see cranes loading and unloading containers from large ships. This waterfront industrial area is a great free attraction in Paraiso.
There are many other things to do in these areas. We suggest the Temple of Saint Mark as a place to start if you want to explore the area after Dos Bocas Port.
Tortuguero Ruins
Tortuguero or El Tortuguero, is an archaeological site in southernmost Tabasco. Mexico This was the foundation that supported a Maya city in the Classic period. It is notable for using the B’aakal symbol glyph, also used as Palenque’s primary title. Modern development and looting have caused extensive damage to the site. In the 1960s, a cement plant was built on top of it.
Most of Tortuguero surviving monuments date back to the reign of Balaam Ajaw (“Jaguar King”), who ruled between 644 and 679. These monuments record victories over neighboring states, which may suggest that his father and son were both named Ik’ Muuy mwah.
Monument 6 in Tortuguero currently generates discussion because it contains the only known inscription that depicts the end of the 13-Bak’tun era. Grube, Martin, and Zender stated that it refers “to the end of the 13th B’ahktun which will be seen in the year 2012”.
As for what will happen, they said “…utom “it will happen,” followed by “something that we cannot understand” and “he will descend” yem. The last glyph starts with ta and ends with something. This is not the end however. World .”
La Venta Museum-Park
La Venta Museum-Park is one of the best places to visit in Tabasco. A tropical park is home to a zoo that features native species and an outdoor museum that displays remnants from an ancient civilization. La Venta Museum Park allows you to tour centuries-old megalithic buildings and view big cats, monkeys, and other wild animals.
This fascinating outdoor museum and zoo feature sculptures from the Olmec culture. It is an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that predates the Aztecs and Mayans. The park is 8 acres (3 ha) in size and is divided into two areas: the archeological and the zoological. The zoo is the closest section to the main entrance. Many animals are native to the tropical region, such as turtles, big cats, and crocodiles.
Then, go to the archeological site and follow the marked paths. These ancient monuments include colossal head statues and altars. These Olmec remains were removed from La Venta archeological area in the 1950s to safeguard them from oil drilling programs.
The heads were located in La Venta’s central ceremonial zone. These heads are believed to be portraits of rulers. The ancient tomb is made from natural basalt columns. Study the carvings on the stone altars. Altar Five, also known as the Altar of the Children, comprises five headdress-wearing men carrying children.
The other exhibits include an unfinished stone carving representing a head, a representation depicting a young goddess, and a figure showing a monkey looking up at the sky. Information panels near each exhibit provide more information in Spanish or English.
The park is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) from Villahermosa’s Zona Luz. This historic center is about 2 miles away. You can either take a taxi or park on a nearby street. La Venta Museum-Park is free to enter and is open every day. Students are eligible for discounts.
The light-and-sound show is available for a fee. It takes place from Tuesday through Sunday three times per night. You should bring mosquito repellent as the park is in a tropical jungle-like setting. Your visit should take at least two hours.
Conclusion
Tabasco, Mexico, is an excellent and unique place to visit, offering a wealth of exciting attractions and activities. From the vibrant culture, rich history, stunning landscapes, and stunning beaches, there is something for everyone in Tabasco, Mexico. Whether looking for an adventure, a relaxing holiday, or exploring a unique culture, Tabasco is the perfect destination for adults.
So, if you are looking for a great vacation destination, consider a trip to Tabasco and enjoy the best Mexico offers. All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, La Venta Museum-Park is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Tabasco.
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