Explore Mayan Ruins, Pristine Beaches, and Vibrant Rainforests in Mexico's Emerging Ecotourism Gem

Southeastern Mexico's Tabasco is witnessing a rise in ecotourism, celebrated for its beautiful white-sand Gulf beaches, scenic mountain villages, and expansive rainforests filled with parrots, monkeys, and ancient Mayan ruins.

As Tabasco's tourism flourishes, the risk of industrialization looms. This region is home to Mexico's populist president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and features the country's largest oil refinery alongside the Tren Maya, a rail project aimed at linking the southernmost states, expected to be finished by 2024.

For now, Tabasco is still relatively undiscovered, making it a rising travel hotspot to explore before it becomes mainstream. Here are the top spots to visit and experiences to enjoy.

Villahermosa

Arrive in Villahermosa, the state capital, just a quick flight from Mexico City or Cancun, and consider staying at Hotel Boutique Menta & Cacao, located in a historic, robin's-egg-blue building over a century old. This charming hotel is situated in the heart of downtown Villahermosa, only a short drive from the unique open-air Parque-Museo La Venta. More like a botanical garden than a traditional museum, this park showcases impressive colossal Olmec heads carved from massive basalt stones, believed to date back to around 900 BCE.

Villa Luz Ecological Reserve

A scenic drive of about an hour and forty minutes from Villahermosa takes you to this stunning park, home to the beautiful Cascadas de Villa Luz waterfalls. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls, or traverse swinging suspension bridges nestled among lush greenery. After your adventure, unwind in one of the vibrant bungalows at the nearby eco-retreat Kolem Jaá, which also provides thrilling activities like ziplining, caving, and rappelling. The close-knit mountain village of Tapijulapa, famous for its picturesque white houses topped with red tile roofs, is among 132 towns across Mexico that have earned the title of "Pueblo Mágico" (magical town) from the tourism ministry.

Cocina Chontal

One of the finest dining establishments, Cocina Chontal, is situated just outside the archaeological site of Comalcalco, the westernmost city built by the Mayans. (It’s definitely worth the 50-minute drive from Villahermosa!) This authentic eatery prepares traditional dishes over an open flame and serves generous portions. Come with an appetite and unwind in one of the hammocks while you wait for your meal.

Chiapas

A visit to the archaeological site of Palenque, historically known as Lakamha ("big water"), is also highly recommended. Located just two hours by car from Villahermosa in the neighboring state of Chiapas, this remarkable Mayan city-state was among the most influential during the Classic Maya period, reaching its zenith in the 7th century. Consider an overnight stay in the nearby El Panchan, where budget-friendly hostels are plentiful, to make the journey more leisurely.

Nearby Tapijulapa in Chiapas lies El Chichón, an active volcano that offers an incredible day hike. Adventurers who summit will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the stunning emerald-green crater lake at the volcano's core.

Tours

The local adventure-travel company Jungla Experience operates in Tabasco and Chiapas, crafting personalized ecotourism itineraries. Their standard tours feature a three-day exploration of Chiapas and Tabasco, a three-day journey through Mayan ruins like Palenque, Yaxchilán, and Bonampak, as well as two days of hiking the Chichonal Volcano and Pico de la Pava, the tallest peak in Tabasco.

You can also enjoy a one-day city tour of Villahermosa with Mexitours, which includes visits to Museo La Venta and Yumka, an ecological reserve featuring wetlands, savannas, and lakes.