La Venta

La Venta is an archaeological site in Huimanguillo, in the Mexican state of Tabasco, located roughly 15 kilometers south of the town near the Gulf Coast. The complex includes earthen pyramids, ceremonial plazas, and numerous basalt monuments spread across a wide settlement area.

The settlement reached its height between 900 and 400 BCE and became the most important center of Olmec civilization after San Lorenzo declined in power. During these centuries, monumental buildings and sculptures emerged that demonstrated the political and religious influence of its inhabitants across Mesoamerica.

The name recalls a Spanish term for an inn or trading post, though the origin of the place name remains unclear. Visitors today see massive basalt heads that once served as portraits of former rulers, along with ceremonial platforms where rituals involving jade and other offerings took place.

Visitors can explore the archaeological remains on foot, walking along marked paths through the grounds. An on-site museum displays artifacts and explanations about Olmec civilization, reachable by public transport from Huimanguillo.

The central Complex A shows a remarkable astronomical alignment, with its main axis deviating only 8 degrees from true north and featuring perfect bilateral symmetry. This layout reflects an advanced understanding of celestial observation developed over a thousand years before the Classic Maya period.