Prehispanic name of the place is unknown. The archaeological site takes its name from the fact that there selling precious late nineteenth century and early twentieth century wood was made, according to oral tradition.

Cultural Importance: The importance of this archaeological site lies in its great antiquity (1200- 400 BC); its monumental earthen architecture; its planned architectural design; its numerous and impressive stone sculptural heritage and its considerable offerings of jade. La Venta is considered one of the first cities of ancient Mexico. The region was inhabited for at least 5,000. C., when domesticated corn and cassava is grown. It is surrounded by an extensive network of bodies of fresh and salt water, with plenty of edible flora and fauna like the rich alluvial soils for agriculture.

In this region of the Gulf of Mexico, there are stone deposits. Therefore, the architecture is ground. La Venta presents the first outline of a pre-Hispanic city planned. The buildings are aligned in north-south axis, forming avenues and squares are civic-ceremonial functions, like residential areas they have been identified. Its main base, with a height of 30 meters, dating to 400 BC. C. and is linked to six headstones carved in low relief. North of this, the massive offerings underground, unique built in ancient Mexico. The Olmecs of La Venta imported enormous masses of volcanic stones of Veracruz and Chiapas; also they imported other green stones of Oaxaca and Puebla. These worked them into sculptures, some of which weigh up to 35 tons. The main theme of Olmec sculpture is the human figure and secondly the composite figures that combine human characteristics with those of animals, creating fantastic images. In the ceremonial center of La Venta numerous offerings with objects of jade, which was imported from Guatemala they were found.

The small town of La Venta, on the border between Tabasco and Veracruz, 128km from Villahermosa, were it the nearby archeological ruins. Most of the finest pieces found here, including the famous basalt heads extraordinary because the material from which they were hewn does not occur locally in the region and must have been imported from what is now Veracruz, Oaxaca or Guatemala were transferred to Villahermosa’s Parque La Venta in 1957 and 1958. The museum at the entrance to the site (800m north of the bus station) has a model of the grounds, as well as glass cases. The highlight is the huge grass-covered mound, about 30m high, clearly a pyramid, with fluted sides believed to represent the ravines on the flanks of a sacred volcano. The climb up is worth the effort for the views and the breeze. Paths below take you through the jungle fascinating for its plants and butterflies.

Services available in the areaThree different routes with signage at the archaeological site; . the most complete with an hour and a half The site museum has an introductory room five exhibition halls with over 200 original artifacts, among them monumental sculptures, like ceramic and stone; plus dioramas, models and an area with educational games for children. It has parking and public toilets, as well as sale of publications and replicas.

Hours Monday through Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 hours.

Archaeological Area La Venta 01 (923) 232-0423.

mx Tabasco INAH Center 01 (993) 352-1033 and 352-1022.

Bring drinking water and mosquito repellent; Light clothing for warmth; sunscreen; hat or cap and closed shoes. Umbrellas or raincoats in rainy season.

From Coatzacoalcos to Villahermosa, at kilometer 45 of Highway No. 180, is the turnoff to Villa La Venta. The archaeological site is 5 kilometers north of it. Likewise, you can take Hwy 180 from Villahermosa, and the deviation is at kilometer 128. Villa La Venta is accessible by public transportation (buses ADO and South Line) from Coatzacoalcos, Villahermosa and Mexico City.The terminal is located 300 meters south of the archaeological site.

The town is served by a steady stream of buses from Villahermosa and Coatzalcoalcos.