Day trips

Trips worth making from Villahermosa

The honest truth is that Villahermosa’s best feature is what’s around it. Most travelers use the city as a launchpad, and these are the trips that justify the stop.

Palenque (very worth it)

About 2 to 2.5 hours by car or bus southeast. One of the great Maya sites in all of Mexico, set against jungle-covered hills with waterfalls nearby. If you do one trip from here, do this. Many travelers skip sleeping in Villahermosa entirely and push straight on to Palenque.

Comalcalco (worth it)

Roughly an hour northwest. The only major Maya site built from fired brick instead of stone, plus the surrounding cacao haciendas where you can see chocolate made from bean to bar. A relaxed half-day and a nice contrast to the big ruins.

Paraíso and the Tabasco coast (worth it in dry season)

About 1 to 1.5 hours north to the Gulf coast. Wide, brown-sand river-mouth beaches and fresh seafood shacks. It’s not Caribbean turquoise, but it’s where locals actually go to swim and eat oysters. Skip it in the rainy months.

Agua Selva and the waterfalls (for the adventurous)

Two-plus hours toward the mountains, a cluster of waterfalls and hiking in the far south of the state. A full day and only worth it if you love the outdoors.

Honest verdict: Palenque is the trip that makes stopping here make sense. Line it up first.