In this wonderful city, cobblestone streets surrounded by majestic buildings merge creating a magical place where vivid colors blend seamlessly with exuberant nature. Villahermosa (beautiful village), as its name indicates, is indeed a beautiful city that maintains a perfect balance between modern buildings and a historic heart.
Villahermosa was attacked by American and French invaders between 1846 and 1864, basically wiping it off the face of the earth, and this is the main reason why this 450 year-old city only has nineteenth and twentieth century buildings and monuments remaining. Some of them have been turned into museums and are now open to the public, so you won't be short of sightseeing options while vacationing in Villahermosa.
Due to its large modern residential areas, its gorgeous parks, many malls and its wide tree lined avenues, Villahermosa appears to be a young city less than a century old. It is not immediately apparent that this city has a rich historic past until you delve into its culture.
Description
Villahermosa is a prosperous city located in the southeast of the country, next to the Gulf of Mexico and has a hot, tropical climate that is extremely humid. The city features deep rivers, gorgeous lagoons and stunning waterfalls, such as the ones at Agua Blanca and Agua Selva, and is in fact responsible for providing over 30 per cent of the fresh water to the whole country.
Villahermosa was settled on June 24th 1519, when Cortez arrived by the shore of the Grijalva River. This was the first Spanish colony in Mexico and was given the name Santa Maria Victoria. Due to continuous pirate attacks, the city had to be moved further south and was renamed San Juan Bautista, in 1826.
In 1846, American troops bombarded the city and later French invaders did likewise in 1863 and 1864. They destroyed the ancient houses and beautiful colonial buildings of Villahermosa, and the city slowly became more and more impoverished, until in the end it basically disappeared from the face of the earth. The resurgence of the city began with the oil boom of the region, and it finally obtained the current name of "Villahermosa" in February 1916.
Adventure in Villahermosa
While on vacation in Villahermosa there is plenty of opportunity for exciting adventurous activities amidst the dense jungle mangroves and the most exuberant vegetation you have ever seen. Discover fascinating ecosystems beside the Grijalva and Usumacinta Rivers. The territory of Tabasco is very unique, providing you access not only to beautiful buildings and cities, but also lush jungle, wide plains, mangroves, lagoons, rivers and marshes.
Whether you are in the center or the surrounding areas of the city, there is always something to do or discover in Villahermosa. Situated in the suburbs is the Yumka reserve and Zoo; in the city you can find La Venta Park; in the historic center the charming "Zona Luz" (Zone of Lights), next to the Laguna de las Ilusiones (Lagoon of Illusions), the fabulous Tomas Garrido Park and the splendid Grijalva River runs through the heart of Villahermosa.
In the territory of Tabasco, not far from Villahermosa, you will find several archeological sites from the many different civilizations that once lived here, such as the Olmecs, Mayas and Nahuas. You mustn't forget to visit Comalcalco, it features enigmatic architecture and stunning brickwork, also recommended is La Venta Park which exhibits the magnificent Colossal Heads, and you cannot miss the recently inaugurated area of San Claudio to really immerse yourself in the culture.
Less than an hour away from Villahermosa, you will be able to experience the excitement and adventure in Teapa, which is the gateway to the Sierra region. Climb the Madrigal Mountain, or relax in the crystal clear waters of the Puyacatengo River and discover the fascinating Canicas and Cocona grottoes; these are just some of the different activities available for the adventurous visitor to Villahermosa.