This is a tourist circuit designed to fly over by paramotor, as well as to explore in powerful four-wheel drive vehicles, the abundant natural wealth that the state of Tabasco houses, such as its beaches, lagoons, natural areas and archaeological sites, promoting direct contact with all the historical and cultural wealth.
The event lasted three days, in which air and land tours were combined, in a tour that included three stages: Emerald Route from the southeast, touring the city of Villahermosa, capital of the state and its surroundings; Sun and beach route, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, where we visited the municipalities of Centla and Paraíso; and the third stage, the Ruta del cacao, from Paraíso beach to the archaeological zone of Comalcalco.
Southeast Emerald Route
I confess that it was my first trip to Tabasco. Shortly before landing at the airport, I was able to observe the infinity of lagoons and swamps that surround the city of Villahermosa, constantly bathed by the flow of the Grijalva River. I knew it was going to be hot, but not that hot! It's a wet one that virtually hits the unsuspecting tourist. "It takes a while to get used to," they told me. It took me the whole weekend. Sergio, our guide, took care of taking us to the hotel where we stayed. After eating at La Finca restaurant, where we were able to taste the delicious Tabasco gastronomy on the river bank, we were transported to El Cejas restaurant, the starting point of the first route.
In a fairly large area, ordinarily destined for soccer fields, the 11 national pilots (from Campeche, State of Mexico, Federal District, Guerrero, Tabasco, Veracruz and Yucatán), as well as two invited pilots from Costa Rica, prepared their paramotors. and they checked their equipment.
One by one they took their place and in order they made small test flights. The take-off technique, although it seems simple, is not easy at all. It involves advanced knowledge of wind conditions, atmospheric pressure, and physical condition. To lift the glider it is necessary to have your feet “very well planted on the ground”, since the thrust is tremendous. Once the wing is controlled overhead, the pilot must turn on himself and facing the wind, start the engine (which helps him take off with just a few steps). Some pilots reached quite a considerable height, which allowed them to perform some pirouettes. Shortly after, the inaugural tour began, heading to a motocross track located about 4 kilometers away, flying over the Grijalva river and the outskirts of the city of Villahermosa, to which point we traveled by land to witness a landing display. precision.
Sun and beach route: from Centla to Paraíso
The next day, very early, we left for the beaches that bathe the Gulf of Mexico, in the municipality of Centla. This stage consisted of a flight of approximately 45 kilometers along the coast until landing in the Paraíso municipality. However, the atmospheric conditions were not ideal to carry out a flight in total safety, so the decision was made to make the trip by land, with the support of the Club Tabasco Lodo Extremo. They are dedicated to making tours in powerful four-wheel drive vehicles throughout the state, participating in specialty competitions nationwide. These adventurers have the equipment and the necessary expertise to do extreme tours in the middle of the jungle, forest, beach or whatever comes their way. Héctor “El Canario” Medina, a Spaniard living in Mexico, was our pilot. Accompanied by his family, we began the tour of the beach under a scorching sun. Very soon, the emotions began, as our expert at the wheel sped along the beach, kicking up sand everywhere and challenging the waves that threatened to jam us. Some club members needed help to get out of trouble, which obviously involves driving on the sand. Later, the caravan entered an area where the jungle meets the beach. The vegetation in some places literally covered us. It was very exciting. We finish the route at the El Posta restaurant, on the shores of the Mecoacán Lagoon.
Cocoa route: from Paraíso to Comalcalco
Considered the most distinctive route in the state, it offers the explorer a delight for the senses. We dedicate this day to visit the archaeological site of Comalcalco, a Mayan city that is characterized by its constructions built with fired brick. A couple of pilots flew directly into the archaeological zone, with the corresponding authorization. Taking advantage of the geography of the place, they managed to rise enough. Temple One, the most important on the site, served as a luxurious setting for the closing of the flight events. A spectacle of contrasts impossible to forget. Later, we moved to Hacienda La Luz, where we were offered a guided tour to learn about the cultivation and production of cocoa and its derivatives.
Thus ended this unforgettable weekend. We also learned that the important thing is not only to experience an adventure or extreme sport, but that the "plus" that makes them special and spectacular are the scenarios that only Mexico can give you.
Even though this was my first trip to "Mexican Eden", I have the feeling and the will that it was not the last. And so it will be ...
Paramotor
It is a propeller motor supported on a paraglider that allows a person to take off, glide and land in very confined spaces. This sport has aroused the interest of many pilots worldwide, both amateurs and experts.
