Introducing Tabasco
They say that Tabasco has more water than land, and looking at all the lagoons, rivers and wetlands on the map you can certainly believe that’s true – at least during the rainy season. It’s always hot and sweaty here, marginally less so when you catch a breeze along the Gulf of Mexico or if you venture into the southern hills. Few travelers linger in Tabasco longer than it takes to see the outstanding Olmec stone sculpture in Villahermosa’s Parque-Museo La Venta, but it can be a very rewarding slice of the real Mexico, with few other tourists, some intriguing pre-Hispanic sites (both the Olmecs and the Maya flourished here), a large and lively capital city, a beautiful natural environment and a relaxed populace with an insatiable love for música tropical. Thanks to onshore and offshore oil exploitation by Mexico’s state oil company (Pemex), Tabasco has emerged from poverty to become one of Mexico’s more prosperous states.
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In late October and early November 2007, prolonged heavy rainfall led to major floods here, submerging a whopping 80% of the state. The federal government quickly mobilized food distribution and emergency shelters, and relief donation centers sprouted up nationwide, as people pitched in to head off the humanitarian crisis. Though the floodwaters have receded, full economic recovery is expected to take years. By early 2008, most infrastructure, attractions and travelers’ services were already up and running.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
