 The
capital of Villahermosa is located along Rio Grijalva, and flush with
tree-shaded boulevards and parks. The Parque-Museo La Venta
is a combination tropical zoo and outdoor museum, which was founded
with huge Olmec statues relocated from La Venta. These statues include
34 Olmec stone sculptures, including rare statues in the shape of
heads, that are formed of basalt and weigh up to 24 tons. The zoo
contains animals from Tabasco and nearby regions. Northwest
of Villahermosa lies the ancient Mayan city of Comalcalco.
Inhabited between 500 and 900 AD, this unique Mayan city contains
structures built with bricks made from clay, sand and oyster-shell
mortar. The main structures include two pyramids, a plaza, and some
surviving stucco carvings, including the mask of El Señor del
Sol.Just 18 kilometers east of Villahermosa is Yumká, a safari park that includes the three typical ecosystems of Tabasco: jungle, lagoons and savanna. You can tour the park by minivan, boat or on foot to take a close look at native wildlife found within each ecosystem.  If you’re looking for a wilder experience, explore the jungle reserve Yu-Balcah and catch a glimpse of endangered species such as the margay, howler monkey and great curassow. The eight kilometers of trails serve as a perfect backdrop for camping, jungle hikes, wildlife watching, biking and even soaring through the canopy. Kolem jaá, which means “wonders of water,” is a lovely ecological reserve located in Tacotalpa, at the heart of the Sierra region. This natural wonder protects a number of waterfalls (one of them 200 meters wide), a botanical garden and orchid nursery, nature trails, caves and springs of crystal-clear water. You’ll commonly see people rappelling down the waterfalls, as well as camping, hiking, mountain biking, spelunking in caves, and photographing the wildlife. The Reserva de la Biosfera Pantanos de Centla is ideal for kayaking, photography and birdwatching trips. Located at the junction of the Usumacinta and Grijalva rivers, this biologically diverse wetland reserve contains mangroves, reeds, swamps and jungle. Species found in the reserve include manatee, otter, swamp crocodile, jaguar, howler monkey, peregrine falcon and the jabirú (the continent’s largest bird).  The
Agua Selva nature reserve at Huimanguillo district
also is the location of Malpasito, a Zoque ceremonial center. Visitors
to the reserve can see the magnificent waterfalls, streams and jungle-covered
hills, where it is possible to observe the tropical fauna and meet
Zoque people. The reserve’s El Mirador hill, at 1200 meters
above sea level, provides spectacular views of jungle that stretch
to the horizon. Guided trips of two to six days are available to explore
the jungle.With traditions from the past and present, Tabasco is ready-made for your next trip.To learn more about this state and the rest of the undiscovered “Mysteries of Mexico,” attend the upcoming Expo Aventura y Ecoturismo in Mexico City from June 3-5, 2004. International buyers can attend the exposition at no charge. |
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more information about Mexico and exhibiting or attending the 2004
Expo Aventura y Ecoturismo:
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