Major city · Mexico
Comalcalco
Go for one night if you want the brick Maya ruins and a cacao hacienda; skip it as a base — Villahermosa has the airport, hotels and buses.
Comalcalco is a small cacao town in Tabasco, about an hour from Villahermosa, with the only major Maya site built from fired brick instead of limestone. The ruins, a chocolate hacienda and a painted village church fill a day; the town itself is quiet, walkable and cheap. Most travellers see it as a night or a long day trip from Villahermosa, not a multi-day stop.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (drier, less mud)
- avoid Sep–Oct (wettest), May–Jun (hot and humid)
- Airport
- VSA
- Nights
- 1
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
Emergency numbers for Comalcalco911 ▾
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 Comalcalco, 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
- SafetyComalcalco is a quiet, low-crime small town; the real risks are heat, mosquitoes and unmarked taxi fares.
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 police, fire, ambulance (all mexico) · 078 Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / SECTUR)
- 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 Villahermosa (Carlos Rovirosa Pérez) (About 1 h by taxi or bus to Comalcalco; the nearest airport.).
- Getting aroundThe town centre is small enough to walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or agua frescaM$25–50
- Sit-down mealSit-down meal (steakhouse or regional)M$200–350
- Street or quick mealStreet tacos or market mealM$60–120
- BeerBeer / micheladaM$40–90
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across townM$40–80 (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400
- Museum or sight ticketArchaeological site entryM$85 (check)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomMX$900 (≈ US$50)
- Mid-range bedSimple hotel double room, a night, per roomMX$800 (≈ US$45)
- High-end bedSimple hotel double room, a night, per roomMX$1,500 (≈ US$85)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$700 (≈ US$40) · Mid MX$1,200 (≈ US$65) · High MX$2,200 (≈ US$120)
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 Villahermosa (Carlos Rovirosa Pérez) (About 1 h by taxi or bus to Comalcalco; the nearest airport.)
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
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jun
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Sep (19 rain days), driest Mar (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Comalcalco: 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)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°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)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
May
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°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 town centre is small enough to walk. Taxis wait near the zócalo; ride-hailing apps do not work here, so agree the fare before you get in. For the ruins, Cupilco church and the eco reserve you need a taxi or your own car.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Villahermosa
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Comalli Plus bus from Reforma 505, Centro, every 20 min
Airport, museums and onward buses; some 'direct' services detour via Cárdenas.
Paraíso
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Bus or taxi on the Comalcalco–Paraíso road
Gulf-coast town with seafood; easy half-day.
Cupilco (Santuario La Asunción de María)
goDoor to door: 10–15 min each way
Taxi from the centre
Brightly painted church with Maya motifs; short, worthwhile side trip.
Reserva Ecológica Río Playa
cautionDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Taxi toward Ignacio Zaragoza, 3rd–4th sections
Community-run ejido reserve, birdwatching; arrange your return ride.
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.
Centro (around the zócalo)
Walkable to the market, Hacienda la Luz and most eateries; taxis wait near the plaza.
North side / Nte 1ra Secc
Closest to the archaeological site and the road to Paraíso; quieter, fewer services.
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
| Simple hotel double room1 × 1 night × MX$800 | MX$800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × MX$1,200 | MX$2,400 |
| Bus Villahermosa ↔ Comalcalco, both ways2 × MX$80 · check | MX$160 |
| Taxi to the ruins and back1 × MX$200 · check | MX$200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$406 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,233 per person per day, bed included | MX$4,466≈ US$250 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or agua fresca | M$25–50 |
| Street tacos or market meal | M$60–120 |
| Sit-down meal (steakhouse or regional) | M$200–350 |
| Beer / michelada | M$40–90 |
| Taxi across town | M$40–80 (check) |
| Archaeological site entry | M$85 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | M$200–400 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ride-hailing apps do not operate in Comalcalco: use taxis or the bus.
- Some 'direct' Villahermosa buses detour through Cárdenas and take over an hour.
- The ruins are in tropical jungle: bring mosquito repellent and sun protection.
- Site signs are faded and mostly Spanish-only; English guides are not always available.
- Afternoon heat is strong; go to the ruins at opening.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance (all Mexico)
- 911
- Tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes / SECTUR)
- 078
Pocket card
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ComalcalcoComalcalco
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No embassy in Comalcalco; the US and most countries have embassies in Mexico City, with consular agencies in Villahermosa (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Comalcalco → Villahermosa (Comalli Plus): from about M$40, every 20 min, about 1 h (check)
- Taxi centre → ruins: M$80–120 (check)
- Taxi centre → Cupilco church: M$80–150 (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dees-KOOL-peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyoh)
- A las ruinas, por favor — The ruins, please (ah las RWEE-nas por fah-VOR)
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 Comalcalco. 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 mud) · avoid Sep–Oct (wettest), May–Jun (hot and humid) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 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: last bus and taxi fallback to Comalcalco, field-checked.
- Walking clusters: zócalo and market, Hacienda la Luz, north-side ruins.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (ruins, Hacienda la Luz, Cupilco) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rainy-season and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.