Tabasco: The State, not the Sauce!

This Tabasco is not in Louisiana, but it is hot! Located in part, along the low-lying coastal plains of the Gulf of Mexico, temperatures can climb and stay over 100 ºF!  The region is very green, lush and tropical, particularly along what is called the “Centla Coast.”

While there are many reasons to visit the State of Tabasco, we like to explore the region for its rich cultural and archeological past, beginning with the Olmec. Considered among the earliest civilizations of Mesoamerica, that began as all civilizations did, with the advent of agriculture (in Mexico’s case from the domestication of corn), the timeline dates the Olmec to around 1800 BC. The culture is known as “The Mother Culture of Mexico.”

The Olmec had a great influence and impact on the early formation and advancement of civilization throughout Mesoamerica, which is evidenced today by their monumental sculptures and art such as the basalt “Colossal Heads” for which they are most known.

Best Mexico Travel Tips: Things to do in Tabasco

Besides exploring its Olmec past, there is much more to do in Tabasco including the Biosphere Reserve, Pantanos (Swamps) de Centla, the town of Tenosique, particularly for the Danza del Pocho Festival, during Carnival time.  And, the cuisine of the region is also unique, with many dishes based on river and ocean fish and seafood, namely the “pejelagarto” a fresh water gar fish the region is known for.

Plus, the ancient civilizations discovery trail doesn’t end with the Olmecs either, there s plenty to explore about Mayan civilizations too. Just outside and to the northwest of Villahermosa is the fascinating and beautiful site of Comalcalco. The town of Comalcalco is the epicenter of the cacao plantations and production of Mexico too. It is here that cacao (chocolate) originates and in the ancient Maya times, cacao was considered sacred and used as currency. It was served as a hot drink to be consumed only by the elite, for the purpose of religious ceremony and often combined with chili, achiote, honey and water. It is much different than the hot chocolate (or Tabasco Sauce! ) we think of today.

Mexico Location: Where is Tabasco?

A frontier spirit and mentality characterizes Tabasco, as it is strategically situated at the crossroads of the Gulf Coast Region (East of Veracruz), the Yucatan Peninsula and the Chiapas Highlands. While much of Tabasco is at or below sea level the Sierra de Tabasco, going towards Chiapas, is more mountainous, and the River Region is the piece of land that stretches out towards Guatemala, wedged between Campeche and Chiapas.

-Stephanie

 Stephanie Schneiderman owns and operates Tia Stephanie Tours; a tour company designed to create the perfect tour that allows you to explore the lesser known and visited states of Mexico. For Tabasco, they use expert guides FROM Tabasco and designed a tour especially for archeology, history and culture buffs that want to dig deeper and travel beyond the typical visited sites. 

Also, I am personally working with Stephanie to bring you the first ever Stay AdvenTOURs to Mexico City. I value her friendship and I know her deep knowledge and years of experience working inside Mexico will enhance the Mexico City tour. Thank you Stephanie.

This post is part of the Mexican March Madness 2015, a look at the 31 United States of Mexico in the 31 days of March. Don’t miss a state, sign up for email updates > here.