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Whether or not you solely have at some point, or a bit of 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 – informed 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 by anyway, so I made a decision to offer 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 identify guarantees, however there’s a lot 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 best ceviche I’ve eaten shortly! And for those who keep longer, there are many day journeys to discover extra of Tabasco itself.
In case you’re merely passing by, as I used to be, or sticking round for some time, these are my picks for the perfect issues to do when you’re visiting Villahermosa. Buen viaje…
Shortlist: In case you Solely Have a Day in Villahermosa
Since many individuals simply cease over in Villahermosa for a day on the way in which to some place else, right here’s a fast record of the can’t-miss stops. Extra data on every one within the subsequent part.
- Parque-Museo Villahermosa – Mesoamerican archaeology in a park setting with a small (skippable) zoo.
- La Cevicheria – for wonderful seafood (or vegan ceviche).
- Malecon de las Ilusiones – lakeside stroll.
- Regional Museum of Anthropology – for Mesoamerican artefacts and the world’s historical past.
9 Issues to do in Villahermosa
Tabasco generally is a little more of an “off the overwhelmed path” vacation spot in Mexico. Villahermosa doesn’t get a number of non-native vacationers, so for those who’re not Mexican it’s possible you’ll end up standing out.
This will additionally imply (usually) decrease costs than extra touristy spots in Mexico – winner! It helps for those who can converse a bit of 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
Indubitably, 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 historic Olmec metropolis in Tabasco state that pre-dates Chichen Itza by over a thousand years.
Actually, the Olmecs had been the first main Mesoamerican civilisation. They based La Venta round 1200 BC, and between about 800 to 400 BC it was an important settlement in Mesoamerica.
Many of the sculptures which were transferred to the Parque-Museo in Vellahermosa date from 700-400 BC. Most spectacular are the big carved stone heads – regarded as portraits of Olmec rulers.
Indicators are all in English in addition to Spanish and have a number of data. The sculptures are laid out alongside a path that winds by 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 – convey repellent!
It’s price noting that there’s additionally a zoo contained in the Parque Museo. Enclosures had been principally giant and seemed to be in OK situation, however I discovered it a bit of miserable. In case you dislike animals in captivity, you possibly can 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 for those who 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 could 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 bushes which winds alongside the water’s edge by the Parque Tomás Garrido Canabal.
There are distributors promoting avenue meals, scurrying coatis, and a few playparks for households. It’s a very pretty, serene space and a terrific spot for a stroll when you’re performed 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 mild makes the lake all of the extra lovely.
3 – Climb the Mirador de las Aguilas
Sadly, this was closed after I went: apparently, it’s a little bit of a potluck as as to if you’ll discover it open or not. So don’t make a visit right here particularly! However for those who’re visiting the Laguna de las Ilusiones anyway, and also you’re fortunate sufficient to search out this free commentary tower open, climb to the highest for some gorgeous views of the lakes. From photographs I’ve seen on-line, it appears to be like properly price it!
4 – Eat Ceviche at La Cevicheria Tabasco
Truthfully, it could be price visiting Villahermosa JUST to eat at this restaurant!
La Cevicheria Tabasco has a terrific vary of contemporary, scrumptious ceviche and seafood dishes (there’s additionally a yummy-sounding vegan ceviche) – all served in a cool setting with improbable service. I like to recommend the ceviche de la casa (which comes with a ginger dressing). And for those who’re a fan of Mexican agua frescas, attempt the brilliant 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 the town. It was constructed between 1945 and 1970, after the unique cathedral was destroyed throughout an anti-religious marketing campaign within the Nineteen Thirties. Consequently, there’s not a lot in the way in which of historical past or spiritual iconography to see, however the facade and the tall, carved towers are fairly – so it’s price swinging by in case you 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 couple of good streets with pastel-coloured buildings – notably Narciso Sáenz and the pedestrianised Calle Lerdo de Tejada – and there seemed to be various new stuff popping up after I visited, so the world has the potential to grow to be fairly pretty.
Don’t miss…
- Plaza de Armas – the town’s most important plaza, residence to the Authorities Palace.
- Monumento al Bicentenario de la Independencia – a big, rusted iron monument on the far facet 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. residence to various 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 outwardly Mexico’s second-largest assortment of anthropological artefacts. Housed inside a big, fashionable constructing, it’s a terrific place to study 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 attractive blue-tiled constructing within the Zona Luz is residence to the Tabasco Historical past Museum.
The displays inform the story of the state’s historical past, however actually, the primary purpose 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.
In case you have time for one final exercise in Villahermosa, take a stroll alongside the Grijalva River’s jap financial institution. You possibly can cross the river by way of the wordily-named Puente Peatonal Manuel Pérez Merino (previously the Puente Solidaridad) close to the Plaza de Armas.
On the far facet, you’ll discover a large esplanade and a cycle lane. Between the walkway and the river is an extended space of parkland with a gravel path winding between lush tropical bushes and flowers.
There was additionally a brand new esplanade being constructed on the city-side financial institution after I visited, so quickly you’ll have the ability 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 beloved 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 wonderful service.
In case you 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 website of an historic Olmec metropolis from between 1200 and 400 BC. It’s a few 1.5-hour drive from Villahermosa, or you possibly can take a bus or colectivo from exterior the ADO station.
- Chichonal Volcano – Hike into the Chiapas mountain vary to achieve 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. In case you don’t need to ebook a tour, it’s additionally potential to go to each of those spots by driving. You also needs to have the ability to get to Tapijulapa by bus and colectivo (connecting in Jalapa) but it surely appears to be like like a difficult journey.
- Pantanos de Centla – A Biosphere Reserve and in depth 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 exterior the ADO station – though personally, I feel it’s price spending no less than an evening in Palenque earlier than returning. You may as well take a day tour to Palenque from Villahermosa which features a guided tour of the ruins.