Honestly? Didn’t know those huge Olmec heads were scattered in different spots ’til I started digging. Thought maybe one museum had ’em all. Big mistake. Packed my old backpack, grabbed some pesos, and flew straight to Mexico City first.
First Stop Mess
Museum hopping in Mexico City sucked. Rushed to the National Anthropology Museum – crazy huge place. Wandered for hours looking lost. Finally found ONE head tucked away. Cool, sure, but… only one? Staff guy laughed when I asked where the others were. “Señor, you go south. Veracruz. Tabasco.” Felt dumb. My research sucked.
Bus Ride Blues & Villahermosa
Took a rattly overnight bus to Villahermosa. Man, that ride was bumpy. Arrived grumpy and sticky. Went straight to Parque La Venta. Paying the entrance felt weird – a park? But wow! Massive stone heads right there in the jungle heat, like giants chillin’ under trees. Touched one (probably shouldn’t have). Felt crazy old. Took a million blurry photos.
- Cash problem: Barely had any small bills left. Vendor glared when I bought water.
- Heat warning: Sun tried to kill me. Drank three waters instantly.
- Guys: Park guard gave decent tips for other spots. Wrote messy notes.
The Xalapa Surprise
Another bus, heading towards Xalapa this time. Almost screwed up big time. Got off too early ‘cause the bus driver mumbled. Had to backtrack in a rusty taxi. Made it to the Anthropology Museum in Xalapa. Place felt smaller, quieter. Heads here? Yep! Less jungle, more air-con (thank God). Saw some heads looking totally different – younger? Older? Not sure. Cool seeing ’em up close without sweating buckets.
Stupid mistake: Forgot my phone charger. Last head pics taken at like 2% battery. Panicked clicking.
Final Thoughts? Worth The Hassle!
So yeah, nobody told me hunting down Olmec heads meant playing travel roulette. Gotta hit both spots – Villahermosa and Xalapa. La Venta lets you see ’em in fake jungle setting, kinda wild. Xalapa’s cleaner, clearer. Both make you feel tiny next to these rock faces. Pack good shoes, tons of water, LOADS of small bills… and double-check the bus stops.
Done. Feet hurt. Need tacos.