Tabasco can be explored through a range of themes: Maya archaeology and museums, cocoa and chocolate, and river, lagoon and jungle landscapes. First consider which places and themes you want to make the focus of your trip. Options range from individual museums to themed routes through several municipalities, so the choices for planning your trip vary accordingly.

Maya Sites and Museums

At Parque Museo La Venta, original Olmec artifacts are displayed in a natural jungle setting. This open-air archaeological museum combines the chance to see the artifacts with a lush green environment. Museo de Historia de Tabasco, also known as Casa de los Azulejos, offers a different perspective on the history of Tabasco. Housed in a 19th-century building, it displays objects and photographs relating to the state’s history. Its program includes exhibitions, children’s workshops, conferences, concerts and theater performances.

The archaeological sites also differ in size and facilities. In Balancán, Zona Arqueológica Moral Reforma preserves the central area of a Maya city spanning 72 hectares. Zona Arqueológica Pomoná lies between Emiliano Zapata and Tenosique; it comprises six buildings and an on-site museum. At Zona Arqueológica de Comalcalco, fired clay bricks characterize the architecture of the Maya archaeological site, which also has an on-site museum. Those interested in regional cultures can visit Casa Museo Tomás Garrido at Finca Villa Luz, three kilometers from Tapijulapa. The collection includes documents, photographs, archaeological artifacts from the Zoque culture and regional handicrafts.

Cocoa, Chocolate and Regional Cuisine

The Ruta del Cacao al Chocolate runs through Cunduacán, Comalcalco and Paraíso and includes agritourism and archaeological attractions. A guided tour of the cocoa plantations at Hacienda Jesús María introduces the traditions of the cocoa-growing region and explains the journey from bean to chocolate. The focus there is on the production process. In Comalcalco, a hacienda presents the history and origins of cocoa; chocolate and award-winning bonbons are among the tastings on offer. Another hacienda in the town of Tecolutilla de Comalcalco offers experiences related to chocolate-making, tastings of pozol and chorote, and traditional regional cuisine. Each of these experiences has a different focus: a plantation tour, the history of cocoa, or chocolate paired with local drinks and food.

Routes and Landscapes

If you want to explore nature and history together, the Ruta de los Ríos Mayas runs through Jonuta, Emiliano Zapata, Balancán and Tenosique. Its themes include adventure, nature and history. The Ruta Aventura en la Sierra has a different focus: it includes picturesque villages, waterfalls, caves, rivers and gastronomy, with mountaineering, zip-lining and rappelling among the activities mentioned. The Gran Ruta Villahermosa brings together river and lagoon landscapes, parks, ecotourism, museums and historic monuments. Comparing routes by landscape and activities can help you choose one that suits your interests.

For underground landscapes, Grutas del Coconá offers a 492-meter route through eight chambers and passageways featuring geological formations. Jonuteek offers a different kind of nature experience: this protected area for manatees and migratory birds provides canoe trips and wildlife watching. Every year on Palm Sunday, the same-named ritual in Cueva de las Sardinas Ciegas is held in honor of abundance. These options offer very different kinds of outings, from underground formations and wildlife watching to a recurring tradition.

Getting There and Planning Accommodation

The described route to the Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve starts in Villahermosa, with a shared transport service to Frontera followed by a shared taxi. As transport arrangements can change, check the latest information before setting out. Plan the rest of your trip around the places you want to visit and check the connections for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Xalapa, Villahermosa, Buenavista, Cuajimalpa, Cárdenas, Paraíso, Tapijulapa, Ocuiltzapotlan, Tepetitán, Comalcalco, Tacotalpa, Huimanguillo, La Venta, Cunduacán.

For the main travel overview: Mexico.