Villahermosa

The capital city of Villahermosa epitomizes the development of Tabasco, where the airplane arrived before the automobile. Thanks to oil and the money it brought in, the cramped and ugly neighborhoods—in the mosquito-ridden town of the 1970s—have largely been replaced by spacious boulevards, shady parks, and cultural centers. There is little of interest here, but as the city has the airport nearest Palenque, you may find yourself here for the night.