Attractions in Villahermosa, Mexico: What to do and where to go

Tomas Garrido Canabal Park

Tomas Garrido Canabal Park is one of the main attractions in Villahermosa. Enjoy the magnificence of this park from the 165 feet-high Mirador de Las Aguilas. Breathe in the purest air while taking in the beauty of the Laguna de las Ilusiones (lagoon of illusions) and the rush of the city. One day isn't enough time to enjoy all the activities on offer. Spend the whole day here with your family or simply relax while enjoying the harmonic ambiance provided by this large recreational area.

Nowadays, this park carries the name of the man who founded it in 1930, and who originally called it Tabasco Park. The park was created to house the commercial cattle market, which the state is famous for. It received its current name in 1965 and was remodeled for its reopening in 1985 with new architectural and visual elements representing pre-Hispanic and colonial times.

This beautiful park is located right by the shore of the Laguna de las Ilusiones and features interesting and extraordinary facilities such as museums, an excellent zoo, gorgeous fountains, research centers, show stages, children's playgrounds and convention rooms, among many other facilities.

Parque-Museo La Venta

This fascinating museum is located in the Tomas Garrido Canabal Park. La Venta not only teaches you about the Olmec culture, it also explains everything you need to know about the flora and fauna native to this region. Apart from the half-mile tour that leads you through the lush tropical vegetation to discover the different species and valuable archaeological pieces abundant in this area, you will also find an amazing zoo, with more than 600 species, that perfectly demonstrates the great diversity of Tabasco's wildlife. The museum has a wide variety of archeological pieces, all found in La Venta Park, which is also where the famous Colossal Heads, which weigh between 6 and 25 tons, were found. Included among these valuable items, you will be able to admire stone mosaics, steles and figures such as "El Mono mirando al Cielo" (the monkey looking at the sky), and a shrine that apparently marks the entrance to hell!

Natural History Museum

This wonderful museum is part of the majestic Tomas Garrido Canabal Park. In an interesting hands-on way the geological evolution of our planet is explained, as well as the origins of man. Learn all about the different ecosystems of the region and admire the awesome replica dinosaurs. The Natural History Museum also features seasonal shows, children's workshops, conferences and many other cultural activities.

Regional Anthropology "Carlos Pellicer Camara"

The famous poet Carlos Pellicer Camara organized a wonderful collection of archeological pieces for the Museum of Tabasco in 1952, then over time added his own collection, and with donations from others eventually opened it to the public as the New Archaeological Museum of Tabasco. Inside the museum, now known as the Regional Anthropology Museum, you will find an excellent collection of archaeological pieces from the Maya, Olmec, Mixtec and Zapotec cultures. Among all of these exhibits the Colossal Heads and Monoliths of La Venta stand out. There are also fine examples of basalt carved sculptures, necklaces, jade funeral masks, earthenware and ceramic pieces, such as ornate vases.

Catedral del Senor de Tabasco

Laguna de las Ilusiones

The Laguna de las Ilusiones (the Lagoon of Illusions) was deemed a protected natural area in 1995. This majestic natural attraction is home to crocodiles and different bird species and can be seen from Adolfo Ruiz Cortines Boulevard or from University Avenue. You can also find sculptures like the Mujer Ceiba, which sits on the bank of the lagoon. It is a backdrop that combines lush vegetation with residential areas and elegant mansions.Templo de la Concepcion

Templo de la Concepcion

In 1799 Captain Francisco de Interiano brought an image of the Immaculate Conception from Spain, and ever since numerous attempts to construct a temple, to worship this virgin, have been made. The first attempt barely had a thatched roof, it was however later constructed with bricks and tile, which was then destroyed during the American invasion. The temple was later rebuilt in 1910 and then partly destroyed due to religious persecution in 1931. In 1945 it acquired a neo-gothic style facade and its current ornamentation. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Villahermosa, so don't miss your chance to visit this spectacular Temple.

Tabasco 2000 Planetarium

This is a modern concrete, aluminum and glass building, created to promote art, science and technology. Here, young and old can learn about physics, chemistry, acoustics, optical illusions, astrology and other sciences. It features a projector that reproduces the sky of any season of the year and from any perspective of the planet; it also features an Omnimax dome shaped screen, with a diameter of 75 feet. There are always many diverse scientific exhibitions on show and an interesting solar clock; all of this and more at this impressive science museum, which is one of the most important in Mexico.

Yumka

Yumka is a natural recreational area located only 15 minutes from Villahermosa. Come and learn how to interact with nature and Tabasco's ecosystems. This park covers an overall area of 101 hectares, which includes sections of forest, lagoon and savannah, each one with its own special flora and fauna.

There is also an orchid nursery with an incredible variety of species, a manatee sanctuary to protect these endangered mammals, a colorful aviary, a herpetarium with several species of snakes native to the region, an area with hippopotamus', a Bengal tiger area, and toucans and macaws flying free all over the park.

Tabasco History Museum "La Casa de los Azulejos"

The Tabasco History Museum is located in one of the most beautiful houses in Villahermosa, "La Casa de los Azulejos" (The Tile House). This museum features a collection of chests, paintings, altarpieces, weapons, photographs, coins and medals, as well as pre-Hispanic and ancient Mexican items. "La Casa de los Azulejos" was built between 1890 and 1915 and features a fine ceramic Catalan-style facade. Included in the décor is a frieze that depicts Queen Cleopatra's face. The exterior architecture blends Gothic and Moorish styles, giving the building an eclectic feel. On the upper level, there are 6 sculptures, the central one is a representation of the Roman god of commerce, Mercury.