Not to be confused with the famous hot sauce, the Mexican state of Tabasco is a melting pot of a variety of tourism interests. Its capital city, Villahermosa, is filled with tradition, culture, and history, making it suitable as a new favourite family destination. Villahermosa features a distinct, old-town ambience that will bring you a nostalgic feeling. Enjoy a walk under the warm sunlight with the cool breeze along the streets. Museum-hopping (including the chocolate-themed ones!) by day and having a stroll in the park in the afternoon before savouring sumptuous seafood cuisine at night sounds like a perfect kind of holiday in the city that’s famous as the Emerald of the Southeast. Scroll down to find out some exciting things to do in Villahermosa, Mexico, for your family holiday.
1. Visit Museo Regional de Antropologia Carlos Pellicer Camara
If your visit to Villahermosa is your first time in Mexico, then this museum is the right place for you to start to get to know the people and tradition. It’s home to many archaeological pieces of the great pre-Hispanic civilisation from all over the country. Not only it will be exciting for the adults, but children can also learn new things from the culture that they might have only seen represented through films before (thank you, Coco!). For you who still remembers the 2012 apocalypse hype that was predicted by a Mayan prophecy, you can see the popular tablet in this museum, known as Tortuguero #6.
Museo Regional de Antropologia Carlos Pellicer Camara
Address: Perif. Carlos Pellicer Cámara 511, Guayabal, 86080 Villahermosa, Tab., Mexico
Website: Museo Regional de Antropologia Carlos Pellicer Camara
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6:30pm (closed on Mon)
2. Stop by Museo de Historia de Tabasco
This museum is widely known as the House of Tiles, due to the beautiful tiles that cover the building. The museum houses a variety of ancient artefacts, documents, and historical records that will give you insight into the nation’s history and values. Before you visit Museo de Historia de Tabasco, it might be wise to sharpen your Spanish a little bit more. Note that the guides - who are very passionate to share the stories of their culture and city - are not fluent in other languages and most of the signages in the house are also in Spanish.
Museo de Historia de Tabasco
Address: Av. 27 de Febrero, Centro Delegacion Dos, 86000 Villahermosa, Tab., Mexico
Website: Museo de Historia de Tabasco
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
3. Take your kids to Museo Interactivo Papagayo
Holidaying with children can be a tricky mission. Enter The Papagayo Interactive Museum. It’s a place where both children and adults can have a good time. This museum features more than a hundred permanent exhibits and interactive educational programs that you can check out.
Museo Interactivo Papagayo
Address: Av. Paseo Usumacinta No. 2005 Villahermosa, Tabasco opposite the Tabasco Park
Website: Museo Interactivo Papagayo
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 - 4 USD
4. Spend a day at Parque Museo La Venta
This fascinating attraction is an outdoor museum; you can take a look at the history and crafts of the Olmec culture while enjoying a walk outdoors. There are ancient sculptures, carvings, and gigantic Olmec heads dating back to 2000 BC that are still in good condition on display here. Get ready to be awed by the exhibits here. This place also has its own zoo nearby.
Parque Museo La Venta
Address: Boulevard Adolfo Ruiz Cortines S/N, Jesus Garcia, 86040 Villahermosa, Tab., Mexico
Website: Parque Museo La Venta
5. Admire the ambience of the old town
Villahermosa is famous for its historical buildings and culture so any holiday here wouldn’t be complete without having a stroll around the town and admiring the elegant classic-styled buildings. You and your family will be able to truly feel the ambience of the city and get closer to the people while having a self-walking tour. Also, you’ll get a chance to take great photos with gorgeous buildings and architecture to show off to your friends and family back home.
6. Go on a Chocolate Route tour
Chocolate has long been part of the culture of the Mayan and Olmecs which also makes Mexico a haven for cacao. From Villahermosa, you can go on a chocolate tour to the neighbouring city of Comalcalco. It’s the town where you can learn about the history and the development process of chocolate. The tours also will provide you with exciting activities that will excite your children, such as trekking on the plantation and visiting the warehouse where the process of developing chocolate from cacao takes place. Make sure you book your tour before the day so you and your family still can get tickets for the tour.
7. Indulge in chocolates at Pasteleria I Love Chocolate
Didn’t get to do the chocolate tour? Then visit some chocolate shops in the city. One of the most popular dessert shops in Villahermosa is Pasteleria I Love Chocolate and your kids will surely love to pay a visit to this store. Their range of menu is popular due to the colourful and fun presentation, yet the taste is not too sweet and maintains the richness of the chocolate. If you’re planning to send a gift to someone you know in the city, you’ll be glad to know they also accept cake-decorating services that will make your acquaintances happy.
Pasteleria I Love Chocolate
Address: Av 16 de Septiembre #108 Col. Primero de Mayo, Villahermosa, Tabasco
Website: Pasteleria I Love Chocolate
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
8. See the animals at Yumka
This is a park and zoo where children can enjoy a day in the sun and see a range of animals. The animals are free to roam about and the guests can go around the park by three methods of transportation: boat trip, train ride, and walking. With its name taken from a Mayan word that means the spirit that protects wild animals, Yumka lives up to the title by taking good care of the animals and plants in the park.
Yumka
Address: Ranchería Las Barrancas S / N, Villahermosa
Website: Yumka
9. Relish delicious seafood at La Cevicheria Tabasco
Though chocolate is one thing Villahermosa is famous for, you and your family will also find culinary satisfaction in their seafood restaurant options. One that should be on your list when you visit is La Cevicheria Tabasco. The restaurant will provide you with excellent service and the dishes’ presentation will make you want to take photos of everything. La Cevicheria Tabasco will spoil you and your family during your mealtime that will leave you craving for more. Mind the cholesterol, though.
La Cevicheria Tabasco
Address: Boulevard Adolfo Ruiz Cortines 1214, Oropeza, 86039 Villahermosa, Tab., Mexico
Website: La Cevicheria Tabasco
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 7pm (closed on Mon)
10. See the stars at Planetario Tabasco 2000
It’s hard to miss this building due to its shape that represents a pyramid from the pre-Hispanic culture. After a long day of walking around the city, this would be a fun place to sit back and relax while learning about astronomy through Omnimax and 2D mega-screen projections. It will make your family holiday to Villahermosa a full package of fun, excitement, and learning.
Planetario Tabasco 2000
Address: Paseo Tabasco extension s / n, Tabasco 2000, Villahermosa
Website: Planetario Tabasco 2000
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
11. Marvel at the Comalcalco Pyramids
When you’re planning a visit to Villahermosa, a quick tour to Comalcalco is a must to squeeze into your itinerary. The city is located around 60 km (37.2 mi) from Villahermosa and you can also visit their historical sites, the pyramids of Gran Acropolis and Acropolis Este. The structures are made of bricks rather than limestone. It will be a breathtaking and unforgettable experience for sure.
Comalcalco Pyramids
Address: Carretera a La Zona Arqueológica, Comalcalco, Tab., Mexico
Website: Comalcalco Pyramids
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD (site entrance only)
A family holiday to remember
Villahermosa is probably not on everyone’s bucket list yet, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the beautiful and historical city. You and your family will be surprised at the range of things to do at Villahermosa, Mexico, that will make your holiday fresh and exciting, and might also open your eyes to visit other unique holiday destinations in the future.
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