Land of Chocolate and Ancient Olmec Culture
Tabasco, located in southeastern Mexico bordering the Gulf of Mexico, remains one of the country’s least-explored states by international tourists despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Known for its chocolate production, lush rainforests, and as the cradle of the ancient Olmec civilization, Tabasco offers authentic experiences away from the tourist crowds.
VILLAHERMOSA
The state capital features:
- La Venta Park-Museum: An open-air museum housing colossal Olmec stone heads and monuments set in a tropical forest
- Yumká Ecological Reserve: A unique conservation center where animals roam in semi-natural habitats
- Tomás Garrido Canabal Park: A pleasant green space with lakes, jogging paths, and recreational areas
- Regional Museum of Anthropology Carlos Pellicer Cámara: Housing important archaeological treasures
OLMEC HERITAGE
Tabasco was home to the Olmec civilization, considered the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica:
- Comalcalco Archaeological Site: The only Maya city built with bricks instead of stone
- Pomoná Archaeological Zone: A former Maya trading center with well-preserved structures
- Moral-Reforma Archaeological Site: Ancient Maya settlement featuring numerous stelae
NATURAL WONDERS
- Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve: One of Mexico’s most important wetland systems, home to manatees, jaguars, and hundreds of bird species
- Agua Selva: A pristine ecological zone featuring waterfalls, natural pools, and dense rainforest
- Coconá Caves: An underground system of caverns with impressive rock formations
GASTRONOMY
Tabascan cuisine features unique flavors combining indigenous, Spanish, and Caribbean influences:
- Pejelagarto (alligator gar fish) prepared various ways
- Chirmole (black soup with turkey)
- Chocolates and cacao products (Tabasco is the birthplace of chocolate in the Americas)
- Tabascan-style tamales wrapped in banana leaves
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Cacao Route: Visit working cacao farms and learn about chocolate production
- Grijalva River Tour: Explore the region’s main waterway and surrounding ecosystems
- Traditional Markets: Experience authentic local life at markets in towns like Tacotalpa and Teapa
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The driest months are February through May, making this the best time to explore Tabasco’s natural and archaeological attractions.
DISCOVER, EXPLORE AND LIVE THE ODISEA.