Villahermosa, Mexico
Region: Tabasco
Geographic Coordinates: 17.989200, -92.928100
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with rainy season from May to October.
Population: 353577
Language: Spanish
Villahermosa is the capital city of Tabasco, Mexico, Located in the southeast region of the country. The city sits on the banks of Grijalva River and has a population of over 800, 000 people. Villahermosa is renowned for its vibrant culture, Rich history, And stunning natural beauty. La Venta Museum-Park is one of the most famous attractions in Villahermosa. This outdoor museum showcases a collection of ancient Olmec artifacts and sculptures that date back to 1200 BC. Visitors can explore replicas of Olmec temples and learn about their fascinating culture.
Parque-Museo La Venta is another must-see attraction in Villahermosa that boasts a large collection of native animals such as jaguars, Monkeys, Crocodiles, And snakes. Visitors can take guided tours around the park or explore on their own while learning about local flora and fauna. For those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or bird watching, Parque Museo de la Venta offers beautiful trails through lush jungle landscapes that lead to breathtaking waterfalls like El Aguacero waterfall which cascades down into natural pools perfect for swimming.
Villahermosa also has an impressive culinary scene with plenty of delicious local dishes to try out including traditional tabascan cuisine like chaya soup made with spinach-like leaves from a local plant called chaya mixed with chicken broth or fish tacos served on tortillas made from scratch right before your eyes. The city’s historic center features beautiful colonial architecture dating back to Spanish rule in Mexico including La Catedral de Tabasco which was built in 1778 making it one oldest religious buildings still standing today in all Latin America.
for those interested in shopping or nightlife options Villahermosa has plenty to offer with modern malls like Plaza Altabrisa featuring international brands alongside traditional markets selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. Nightlife options include bars, Clubs, And live music venues that cater to all tastes from salsa dancing to rock concerts. Villahermosa is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, Hiking through lush jungles or enjoying the local cuisine and nightlife scene, This city has it all.
Important Landmarks
- La Venta Museum-Park
- Yumka Ecological Reserve
- Tabasco Park Museum
- Parque Museo de La Venta
- Cathedral of Villahermosa
- Carlos Pellicer Camara Regional Anthropology Museum
- Tomás Garrido Canabal Park
- Papagayo Interactive Museum
- Plaza de Armas
- Tabasco History Museum
Primary Industries
- Villahermosa, Mexico is a major hub for the oil and gas industry due to its proximity to large reserves of petroleum in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Other major industries in Villahermosa include agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
- The city also has a growing technology sector with several IT companies and startups located there.
- Some of the largest businesses in Villahermosa include:
- Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex)
- Tabasco Refinery
- Grupo Bimbo
- Coca-Cola Femsa
- Walmart de México y Centroamérica
Noteable History
- The founding of Villahermosa in 1564 by Spanish conquistador Diego de Quijada.
- The Battle of Tabasco in 1847 during the Mexican-American War, where Mexican forces led by General Juan Bautista Traconis fought against American forces led by Commodore Matthew Perry.
- The discovery of oil in the region in the early 20th century transformed Villahermosa into a major oil-producing city.
- The Mayan archaeological site of La Venta, located just outside Villahermosa is known for its impressive stone sculptures and artifacts dating back to around 1200 BC.
- Notable people from Villahermosa include writer Carlos Pellicer Cámara, musician Celso Piña, and politician Adán Augusto López Hernández who is currently serving as Governor of Tabasco state.
Museums and Things To See
- La Venta Museum-Park: This open-air museum showcases the Olmec civilization, featuring giant stone heads and other artifacts.
- Tabasco History Museum: This museum highlights the history of Tabasco, including its pre-Hispanic roots and colonial past.
- Yumka Ecological Park: A nature reserve with a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden.
- Carlos Pellicer Camara Regional Anthropology Museum: Exhibits on the indigenous cultures of Tabasco state.
- Tomas Garrido Canabal Park: A large park with a lake, playgrounds, gardens, and outdoor art installations.
- Parque Museo La Venta II: A smaller version of La Venta Museum-Park with replicas of some of the original sculptures.
- Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles): An 18th-century building covered in blue-and-white tiles that now houses a cultural center.
- Cathedral of Villahermosa: The main Catholic church in Villahermosa is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture.
- Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace): The state government building features murals by Mexican artist Diego Rivera depicting the history of Tabasco state.
- Malecon Carlos A Madrazo Becerra (Boardwalk): A scenic boardwalk along the Grijalva River lined with restaurants and shops offering views over the river and city skyline.
Sports Teams
- Olmecas de Tabasco: This is a professional baseball team that was founded in 1975 and plays in the Mexican League. The team has won several championships over the years and is known for its loyal fan base.
- Jaguares de Chiapas: Although technically based in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, this soccer team has played some of its home games at Estadio Victor Manuel Reyna in Villahermosa. The team was founded in 2002 and has had some success over the years, including reaching the finals of the Copa MX tournament in 2014.
- Halcones UV Xalapa: This basketball team from Xalapa sometimes plays games at Polideportivo Carlos Martínez Balmori in Villahermosa. The team was founded in 1959 and has won multiple championships over the years.
- Toros de Tabasco: This is another professional baseball team that plays at Estadio Centenario 27 de Febrero in Villahermosa. The team was founded relatively recently, in 2017 but has already gained a following among local fans.
- Pumas UNAM Tabasco: This soccer club is affiliated with Club Universidad Nacional (Pumas) from Mexico City and competes primarily at the youth level (U-20). While not as well-known as some of the other teams on this list, it provides opportunities for young players to develop their skills and potentially move up to higher levels of competition.
Cultural Events
- Festival de la Ciudad: A week-long celebration of the city’s founding, featuring music, dance, and food.
- Feria Tabasco: A 10-day fair showcasing the state’s culture, traditions, and cuisine.
- Carnaval de Villahermosa: A colorful carnival with parades, music, and dancing.
- Festival Internacional Cervantino Villahermosa: An annual cultural festival featuring theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions.
- Expo Feria Tabasco: An agricultural fair that highlights the region’s farming industry while also hosting live music shows.
- Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): This traditional Mexican holiday is celebrated throughout Villahermosa with altars dedicated to loved ones who have passed away.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week): The week leading up to Easter is a time of religious observance in Mexico marked by processions and other events in Villahermosa.
- Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day): September 16th marks Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1810; celebrations include parades and fireworks displays throughout the city.
Cuisine
Traditional Mexican Dishes
- Tacos de cochinita pibil – a traditional Yucatan-style pork taco.
- Chiles rellenos – stuffed peppers typically filled with cheese or meat.
- Queso fundido – melted cheese served with tortillas.
- Sopa de lima – a lime-infused chicken soup.
- Huachinango a la Veracruzana – red snapper in a tomato-based sauce with olives and capers.
Popular Restaurants in Villahermosa
- La Pigua – seafood restaurant known for its huachinango (red snapper) dishes.
- Los Arcos – serves traditional Mexican cuisine, including chiles rellenos and tacos al pastor.
- El Gordo y El Flaco – offers an extensive menu of Mexican dishes, including sopa de lima and tacos de cochinita pibil.
- La Taberna del Buzo – specializes in seafood, particularly ceviche.
- El Parrillaje – Argentine-style steakhouse with grilled meats such as ribeye and sirloin steaks.
Parks and Recreation
- Parque La Choca is a large park that offers walking trails, playgrounds, and a lake for visitors to enjoy.
- Parque Museo La Venta showcases the ancient Olmec civilization through sculptures, gardens, and a zoo.
- Parque Tomas Garrido Canabal is situated in the city center and has amenities like a lake for boating or fishing, walking paths, and playgrounds for children.
- Yumka Ecological Reserve is an ideal destination for nature lovers with its hiking trails through tropical forests where visitors can see animals such as monkeys and jaguars.
- Tabasco Park offers thrilling rides like roller coasters and water rides along with other attractions.
- Balneario Villahermosa caters to all ages with swimming pools of different sizes to accommodate everyone’s needs.
- Planetario Tabasco 2000 is an educational center dedicated to astronomy where visitors can observe stars & planets in real-time shows.
- Casa de los Azulejos Museum houses pre-Columbian artifacts from various regions of Mexico including pottery pieces from the Mayan culture.
- Parque de la Ciudad Deportiva provides sports enthusiasts with facilities such as basketball courts, soccer fields & tennis courts for people who enjoy playing sports.