//
Municipality in the Mexican state of Tabasco
Photo: Kazekage AMT, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Tenosique is a small city of about 35,000 inhabitants (2020) in the Mexican state of Tabasco. It is best known as the source of a traditional dance called el Pocho. Tenosique is the home town of Pino Suarez, hero of the Mexican Revolution and a former vice-president of Mexico. It is a riverfront town on the banks of the Usumacinta River.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Pakbul
Small Maya site with several pyramids and other well-restored structures. Climbing the pyramids is still allowed at this site. It's a beautifully maintained site in a natural setting with colonies of monkeys living in the trees around it. The site museum has a number of artifacts recovered from the site. Bring water, snacks, hat, and mosquito repellent because there's no store nearby.
Maya site from the late classic period, probably peaked around 600 AD. There's 94 identified structures at the site in five groups. Buildings include pyramids, platforms, a ballcourt, and an astronomical observatory. Archaeologists found the remains of 35 humans buried at this site. The site covers an area of 70 hectares.
One of the most vibrantly colorful and fanciful small churches in Mexico. A must for shutterbugs.
The town's main square is rather plain, lacking shade trees and with a bland character that cries out for street vendors to give it some local interest. Good meeting point or good for an evening stroll.
The Malecon is a pleasant downtown area where you can walk along the riverfront, pose for selfies in front of the town's letters, or stop to admire their mural. Boats can be hired for a sightseeing ride on the river.
Unpretentious but clean local cantina that serves basic antojitos.
Regional cuisine with unpretentious but friendly service. Hope you like eggs for breakfast. Limited lunch menu, but what they have is tasty. The pierna en adobo is recommended. Cash only (no credit cards).
Relaxing place with outdoor patio tables and air conditioned inside dining. Light food including sandwiches, burgers, fries, and pizza.
Moderate hotel with comfortable rooms and friendly service. Nice swimming pool. On-site restaurant available.
Comfortable hotel in the downtown area, rooms are air conditioned and have TV, WiFi, minibar, hot and cold water. Parking lot is not on-site.
Moderate hotel with friendly service and servicable but dated furnishings. Easy walk to park or river. Ample on-site parking.
Small basic rooms with cable, internet and air conditioning. Ample on-site parking with security cameras.
New Market
The town's main market is like most Mexican markets with a wide variety of locally grown produce as well as meat, seafood, and dairy products. A section or prepared food vendors offers cheap eats featuring regional specialties and unusual flavors. The market also sells household goods.
By car
Tenosique is 215 km east of Villahermosa, capital of the state of Tabasco.
By train
Tenosique is a stop on the Tren Maya intercity railway that loops through the Yucatan Peninsula. It is on the section between Campeche and Palenque.
The town itself is compact and easily explored on foot, but most travelers will likely arrive by train and want to visit the Maya sites so a taxi is the best option.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Ciudad del Carmen · Regional · CME
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Tenosique and Mexico.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Isla Holbox trip with our complete Mexico guide. Explore sand streets, Punta Cocos bioluminescence, whale sharks, beach clubs, and ferries.
8 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Compare safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, and Oaxaca with official travel advisories and local tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.