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Whether or not you solely have sooner or later, or a little bit longer, these are the perfect issues to see and do in Villahermosa, the state capital of Tabasco, Mexico…
Lots of people – and on-line sources – advised me to skip Villahermosa. The Mexican state of Tabasco is best recognized for its oil fields than for tourism, and most of the people agreed that there’s merely not sufficient to do within the state capital to tempt vacationers.
However I used to be passing via anyway, so I made a decision to provide Villahermosa an opportunity! And I found that this river-surrounded metropolis truly has quite a bit to supply.
It might not be fairly the “lovely city” the title guarantees, however there’s lots to fill a day or two in Villahermosa. This can be a metropolis of broad rivers, serene lakeside walks, and wealthy archaeology. Oh, and among the finest ceviche I’ve eaten shortly! And in the event you keep longer, there are many day journeys to discover extra of Tabasco itself.
For those who’re merely passing via, as I used to be, or sticking round for some time, these are my picks for the perfect issues to do whilst you’re visiting Villahermosa. Buen viaje…
Shortlist: For those who Solely Have a Day in Villahermosa
Since many individuals simply cease over in Villahermosa for a day on the way in which to elsewhere, right here’s a fast listing of the can’t-miss stops. Extra information on every one within the subsequent part.
- Parque-Museo Villahermosa – Mesoamerican archaeology in a park setting with a small (skippable) zoo.
- La Cevicheria – for superb seafood (or vegan ceviche).
- Malecon de las Ilusiones – lakeside stroll.
- Regional Museum of Anthropology – for Mesoamerican artefacts and the realm’s historical past.
9 Issues to do in Villahermosa
Tabasco usually is a little more of an “off the crushed path” vacation spot in Mexico. Villahermosa doesn’t get numerous non-native vacationers, so in the event you’re not Mexican you might end up standing out.
This could additionally imply (typically) decrease costs than extra touristy spots in Mexico – winner! It helps in the event you can communicate a little bit Spanish right here, as I discovered not many individuals I interacted with spoke English and most excursions I noticed seemed to be solely in Spanish. BUT everybody was tremendous pleasant and really affected person with my (disastrous) Spanish.
Anyway, with out additional waffle, listed below are the highest issues to do in Villahermosa…
1 – Uncover Prehispanic Carvings at Parque-Museo La Venta
Definitely, the highest factor to do in Villahermosa is to go to the Parque-Museo La Venta. This “park museum” is filled with sculptures, altars, and different stone relics from La Venta, an historical Olmec metropolis in Tabasco state that pre-dates Chichen Itza by over a thousand years.
In actual fact, the Olmecs have been the first main Mesoamerican civilisation. They based La Venta round 1200 BC, and between about 800 to 400 BC it was crucial settlement in Mesoamerica.
A lot of the sculptures which have been transferred to the Parque-Museo in Vellahermosa date from 700-400 BC. Most spectacular are the large carved stone heads – considered portraits of Olmec rulers.
Indicators are all in English in addition to Spanish and have a number of info. The sculptures are laid out alongside a path that winds via a forest, so wild animal encounters should not unusual. Particularly the coatis: cute, fluffy mammals who appear to have the run of the park! There are additionally lizards, boas (apparently) and occasional monkeys, in addition to the ever-present mosquitos – carry repellent!
It’s value noting that there’s additionally a zoo contained in the Parque Museo. Enclosures have been largely giant and seemed to be in OK situation, however I discovered it a little bit miserable. For those who dislike animals in captivity, you may skip the zoo and head straight for the Archeological Park as soon as inside.
Prime tip – go to on a Monday, when entrance is free for everybody (besides throughout summer time holidays). That is additionally good in the event you don’t need to really feel such as you’re supporting the zoo. On different days, guests pay $57 MXN (about $3 USD).
DAY TRIP – La Venta itself is about 1.5 hour’s drive from Villahermosa and might be visited as a day journey.
2 – Stroll Alongside the Laguna de las Ilusiones
Within the northwest of Villahermosa is a huge and exquisite lagoon referred to as Laguna de Las Ilusiones. Skirting the lake is the Malecon de las Ilusiones; a large walkway shaded by timber which winds alongside the water’s edge via the Parque Tomás Garrido Canabal.
There are distributors promoting road meals, scurrying coatis, and a few playparks for households. It’s a extremely beautiful, serene space and an amazing spot for a stroll when you’re accomplished visiting La Venta. The lake itself is wealthy in birdlife; stroll alongside the Malecon recognizing nice egrets, herons, and cormorants.
I like to recommend visiting within the late afternoon, when the solar is much less fierce and the golden gentle makes the lake all of the extra lovely.
3 – Climb the Mirador de las Aguilas
Sadly, this was closed once I went: apparently, it’s a little bit of a potluck as as to whether you’ll discover it open or not. So don’t make a visit right here particularly! However in the event you’re visiting the Laguna de las Ilusiones anyway, and also you’re fortunate sufficient to seek out this free statement tower open, climb to the highest for some gorgeous views of the lakes. From pictures I’ve seen on-line, it seems to be nicely value it!
4 – Eat Ceviche at La Cevicheria Tabasco
Truthfully, it is perhaps value visiting Villahermosa JUST to eat at this restaurant!
La Cevicheria Tabasco has an amazing vary of contemporary, scrumptious ceviche and seafood dishes (there’s additionally a yummy-sounding vegan ceviche) – all served in a cool surroundings with unbelievable service. I like to recommend the ceviche de la casa (which comes with a ginger dressing). And in the event you’re a fan of Mexican agua frescas, strive the intense pink Agua de Matalí (just like agua de jamaica).
5 – Admire the Señor de Tabasco Cathedral
You possibly can see the dual towers of the rosy-hued Tabasco Cathedral from throughout town. It was constructed between 1945 and 1970, after the unique cathedral was destroyed throughout an anti-religious marketing campaign within the Nineteen Thirties. Because of this, there’s not a lot in the way in which of historical past or non secular iconography to see, however the facade and the tall, carved towers are fairly – so it’s value swinging by you probably have time.
6 – Wander Across the Zona Luz
Like many different Mexican cities, Villahermosa has a historic centre, referred to as the Zona Luz. It’s not as fairly as others I’ve seen, however there are a number of good streets with pastel-coloured buildings – significantly Narciso Sáenz and the pedestrianised Calle Lerdo de Tejada – and there seemed to be various new stuff popping up once I visited, so the realm has the potential to develop into fairly beautiful.
Don’t miss…
- Plaza de Armas – town’s essential plaza, house to the Authorities Palace.
- Monumento al Bicentenario de la Independencia – a big, rusted iron monument on the far aspect of the Plaza de Armas.
- Simon Bolivar statue on the high of the steps at Calle Lerdo de Tejada.
- Parque de los Pajaritos – a cute, leafy sq. house to quite a lot of parrots and a (now fortunately empty) aviary.
- Galería de Arte El Jaguar Despertado – small gallery and cafe showcasing native artwork and tradition.
7 – Study Extra on the Regional Museum of Anthropology
Villahermosa’s Museo Regional de Antropología “Carlos Pellicer Cámara” is seemingly Mexico’s second-largest assortment of anthropological artefacts. Housed inside a big, fashionable constructing, it’s an amazing place to be taught extra in regards to the Olmec civilisation, in addition to the historical past of the Maya, Zoque and Nahua cultures in Tabasco.
That is additionally the house of the notorious Tortuguero Monument 6 – the stone pill that gave rise to the parable that the Mayans had predicted the ‘finish of the world’ for twenty first December 2012.
8 – And at Casa de los Azulejos
Often called the “home of tiles”, this beautiful blue-tiled constructing within the Zona Luz is house to the Tabasco Historical past Museum.
The displays inform the story of the state’s historical past, however actually, the principle motive to go to is for the gorgeous Catalan tiles which cowl each room.
9 – Stroll Alongside the Grijalva River
Maybe the “hermosa” (lovely) a part of Villahermosa comes from the variety of parks, lakes and rivers there are within the metropolis centre.
When you’ve got time for one final exercise in Villahermosa, take a stroll alongside the Grijalva River’s jap financial institution. You possibly can cross the river through the wordily-named Puente Peatonal Manuel Pérez Merino (previously the Puente Solidaridad) close to the Plaza de Armas.
On the far aspect, you’ll discover a large esplanade and a cycle lane. Between the walkway and the river is a protracted space of parkland with a gravel path winding between lush tropical timber and flowers.
There was additionally a brand new esplanade being constructed on the city-side financial institution once I visited, so quickly you’ll be capable to stroll a circuit alongside each side of the river.
The place to Eat in Villahermosa
Antigua Cafe – a cute little spot for breakfast or lunch with respectable espresso and a pleasant view of the Obelisco Plaza. I liked the home particular Cappucino Antigua.
Cafe del Correo – OK espresso and really pleasant service within the coronary heart of the Zona Luz.
La Cevicheria Tabasco – I already talked about this one above. Nice restaurant with contemporary ceviche (together with vegan choices) and glorious service.
For those who discover any extra nice locations to eat in Villahermosa, go away a remark to let me know and I’ll add them in!
Extra Day Journeys from Villahermosa
- La Venta – Go to the archaeological web site of an historical Olmec metropolis from between 1200 and 400 BC. It’s a few 1.5-hour drive from Villahermosa, or you may take a bus or colectivo from outdoors the ADO station.
- Chichonal Volcano – Hike into the Chiapas mountain vary to succeed in the highest of a volcano for a view of the emerald-green lake contained in the caldera.
- Villaluz Waterfalls and Tapijulapa “Magic City” – rappel and zipline over waterfalls, go to a cave, and go to the Pueblo Magico of Tapijulapa. For those who don’t need to e-book a tour, it’s additionally attainable to go to each of those spots by driving. You must also be capable to get to Tapijulapa by bus and colectivo (connecting in Jalapa) however it seems to be like a difficult journey.
- Pantanos de Centla – A Biosphere Reserve and intensive wetland area in Tabasco. Take a tour to see native wildlife.
- Palenque – the well-known Mayan ruins of Palenque in Chiapas state are simply over two hours from Villahermosa. You will get there by bus, and take a colectivo straight to the ruins from outdoors the ADO station – though personally, I feel it’s value spending no less than an evening in Palenque earlier than returning. You may also take a day tour to Palenque from Villahermosa which features a guided tour of the ruins.
