Native Trails MyTrails 2026 288 Tabasco 2 Boat trip to the swamps of Centla Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy Explore the marshes of Centla by boat. On a boat trip at the confluence of the rivers Usumacinta and Grijalva, you explore the diverse flora and fauna of this more than 300,000-ha (about 750,000-acre) nature preserve. Apart from different species of crocodiles and turtles, the preserve is home to sea eagles and many heron species. Just a bit of luck, and in the tops of the trees you pass by you will see enormous iguanas taking a sunbath. Jaguars, howling monkeys and spider monkeys as well as the fascinating manatees live in this protected area. Mangroves, reed, and millions and millions of water hyacinths line the banks of the seemingly endless rivers. 3 Comalcalco – Maya City of Brick Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy At Comalcalco, you encounter an unusual Maya site that differs markedly from other ruins in the region. Due to the lack of natural stone, the inhabitants built their temples from fired bricks bonded with a mortar made from crushed oyster shells, a construction technique unique in the Maya world. Most structures date to the Late Classic period between about AD 700 and 900. Many bricks bear engraved symbols and figures that provide insight into rituals, political power, and everyday life at this westernmost Maya settlement. 4 Cocoa Cultivation in the Heart of Tabasco Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy At a traditional cocoa plantation, you gain insight into the full journey of the cacao bean, from shaded groves beneath tall trees to its processing stages. You see colourful pods growing directly from the trunks and learn how the beans are harvested, fermented, and sun-dried. Cocoa has been cultivated here since pre-Hispanic times, when it served as a valuable trade commodity. Today, Tabasco remains one of Mexico’s most important cocoa-growing regions, preserving this long-standing tradition. 5 Visit of the archaeological zone of La Venta Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy The archaeological zone of La Venta lies on an elevation that rises in a marsh and river landscape near the Gulf of Mexico. In its heyday from 900 to 400 BC, it was the most important town of the Olmecs. In the center of the archaeological zone, there is a round pyramid about 128 m (420 ft.) in diameter and 31 m (102 ft.) high. On the surrounding meadows and in the museum of the zone, you will discover fascinating finds such as sculptures, altars, and many other relics from times long gone by. 6 Visit of the La Venta Park Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy Visit of the La Venta Park in Villahermosa. The Olmec civilization left monumental sculptures shown at La Venta Park. On the tour you will discover 32 different monumental sculptures, of which the colossal heads of basalt and granite are the best known.They are over 30 tons in weight and 2 m (7 ft.) high. Besides the colossal heads and altars, mosaics and large steles are exhibited. 7 Pino Suárez Market – Colours and Flavours Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy At the Mercado Público José María Pino Suárez, you step into the lively market atmosphere of Villahermosa. Among tightly packed stalls you find tropical fruits such as nance, zapote, and cocoyol, along with aromatic herbs like hoja santa and epazote. The fish section offers freshwater species including mojarra, robalo, and pejelagarto, while spice vendors display dried chilies, pepper, achiote (red seasoning paste), and fragrant herb blends. Small food stalls prepare tamales, soups, and simple traditional dishes. A dedicated area also sells religious items, ritual herbs, and candles. 8 Visit of the university at Villahermosa Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy Get to know interesting information about the life and reproduction of the “pejelagarto” (Lepisosteidae) at the department of biology of the university at Villahermosa. With its crocodile-like jaws and the long, sharp teeth, the gar doubtless em-
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