Territory capital · Mexico
Villahermosa
Give Villahermosa one night for the La Venta Olmec heads and the Zona Luz centre; add a second only for Yumká or a slower pace.
Villahermosa is the capital of Tabasco and the oil hub of southern Mexico, sitting on the Grijalva river about 2 hours from Palenque and 6 hours from Mexico City by road. Almost everything a visitor wants — the La Venta museum-park with its Olmec stone heads, the anthropology museum, the Zona Luz centre and the riverside parks — fits into one full day plus a morning. Most travellers use it as a staging point for Palenque, Comalcalco or the Guatemala border, and the heat and rain mean you should plan indoor or shaded blocks in the middle of the day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (drier, less punishing heat)
- avoid Jun–Oct (heavy rain and flooding risk), plus the hottest stretch Apr–May
- Airport
- VSA
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Villahermosa911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Villahermosa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyVillahermosa is a working oil city, not a resort: the centre and hotel districts are fine by day, but use taxis after dark…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) · 078 Tourist assistance (national)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportVSA Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport (About 10 km (6.2 mi) east of the city edge on the Villahermosa–Macuspana highway; taxi to the centre…VSA Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport (About 6.2 mi (10 km) east of the city edge on the Villahermosa–Macuspana highway; taxi to the centre…
- Getting aroundThe city spreads along two main axes, Av.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or aguas frescasM$25–60
- Street or quick mealCheap set lunch downtownM$80–150
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the city (yellow / white)Flat by zone, not metered.M$30–45
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400
- Museum or sight ticketLa Venta Museum-Park entryM$48 foreigners, M$42 nationals, M$12 students
- Budget bedHostel or budget-hotel bed, a night, per personMX$250 (≈ US$14)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$900 (≈ US$50)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$1,500 (≈ US$85)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,300 (≈ US$75) · High MX$2,600 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- VSA Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport (About 10 km (6.2 mi) east of the city edge on the Villahermosa–Macuspana highway; taxi to the centre, transfer time check)VSA Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport (About 6.2 mi (10 km) east of the city edge on the Villahermosa–Macuspana highway; taxi to the centre, transfer time check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Care
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Jun
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Nov–Mar. Mixed: Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C) low), wettest Sep (18 rain days), driest Apr (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Villahermosa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
4 rd
May
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The city spreads along two main axes, Av. Gregorio Méndez and Av. 27 de Febrero, and combis and minibuses run fixed routes for a few pesos. Taxis are shared in practice: the driver may pick up another passenger going the same way, and the fare is flat by zone rather than metered, so agree the price before you get in. For the airport, Yumká and the La Venta park a taxi is the practical choice.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Comalcalco
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h each way (check)
Bus or car west on Hwy 187, about 1 h (route and time check)
Brick-built Maya ruins plus a cacao route; half to full day.
Palenque
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5 h
ADO bus from the Central de Autobuses Tabasco, about 2–2.5 h
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there and see the ruins at opening.
Tapijulapa
overnightDoor to door: About 2–2.5 h (check)
Bus or car south via Teapa, about 2 h (route and time check)
Whitewashed village and river pools; better with a night.
Teapa
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h (check)
Bus or car south on Hwy 195, about 1 h (route and time check)
Base for the sierra and caves; little in town itself.
Paraíso
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h (check)
Bus or car north toward the coast, about 1 h (route and time check)
Gulf beaches and seafood; check road and weather in the rainy season.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Zona Luz / Centro Histórico
Pedestrian shopping streets, budget and mid-range hotels, walkable to the cathedral and Casa de los Azulejos; can be noisy.
Tabasco 2000 / Paseo Tabasco
Modern business district near the planetarium, Galerías Tabasco mall and the big chain hotels; needs a taxi for the centre.
La Choca / Paseo Usumacinta
Hotel strip with pools and parking, close to the airport road; quiet at night, little within walking distance.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$500–900 excl. bed
- Mid
- M$900–1,600 excl. bed
- High
- M$1,600+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × MX$900 | MX$1,800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,300 | MX$5,200 |
| Airport taxi, both ways2 × MX$300 · check | MX$600 |
| La Venta Museum-Park entry2 × MX$48 | MX$96 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$820 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,254 per person per day, bed included | MX$9,016≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate, check
2026 estimate in pesos; flights and long-distance buses excluded. Bed prices are 2026 estimates, check. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Combi or minibus ride | M$10–15 |
| Taxi across the city (yellow / white)Flat by zone, not metered. | M$30–45 |
| Coffee or aguas frescas | M$25–60 |
| Cheap set lunch downtown | M$80–150 |
| Mid-range seafood main | M$180–300 |
| La Venta Museum-Park entry | M$48 foreigners, M$42 nationals, M$12 students |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | M$200–400 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Heat and humidity: do the outdoor sights early, carry water, and treat midday as an indoor block.
- Rainy season Jun–Oct can flood streets and close rural roads; check conditions before day trips.
- Shared taxis pick up extra passengers — sit in front if you can, and confirm the fare first.
- Mosquitoes at the La Venta park and Yumká: long sleeves and repellent.
- Local conditions, including petty theft, check before you go; ask your hotel which blocks to avoid after dark.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
- 911
- Tourist assistance (national)
- 078
Pocket card
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VillahermosaVillahermosa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No US embassy here; the US Embassy is in Mexico City, with consulates elsewhere in Mexico. Other countries: embassies in Mexico City (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → centre, taxi: fare check, 20–30 min
- Taxi across the city: M$30–45 flat by zone
- ADO bus Villahermosa → Palenque: about M$200–350, 2–2.5 h (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta a esta dirección? — How much to this address? (KWAN-to KWES-ta a ES-ta di-rek-SYON)
- Pare aquí, por favor — Please stop here (PA-re a-KI por fa-VOR)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Está lejos? — Is it far? (es-TA LE-hos)
- ¿Tiene habitación? — Do you have a room? (TYE-ne a-bi-ta-SYON)
- Sin chile, por favor — Without chilli, please (sin CHI-le por fa-VOR)
Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; MXN 20–50 for porters and guides' helpers.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Villahermosa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (drier, less punishing heat) · avoid Jun–Oct (heavy rain and flooding risk), plus the hottest stretch Apr–May · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for VSA: taxi bands, late-arrival fallback, hotel strip vs centre trade-off.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Zona Luz, the cathedral and Casa de los Azulejos, La Venta park and Tomás Garrido park, Tabasco 2000.
- Place pages with verified hours and entry (La Venta Museum-Park, Regional Museum of Anthropology, Yumká, planetarium) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rainy-season and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.