Frontera is a tiny river town very nearly on the Gulf Coast of Tabasco. Built on or very near the first Spanish settlement in the American mainland, it's also on or very near the site of an ancient settlement named Potonchán. Some of the first negotiation of Hernán Cortes with indigenous peoples took place near here in 1519.
Modern scholars will point out that the landscape, and the nature of the land here is such that it has shifted, along with the river, continuously over the past several hundred years. Frontera is just north of the giant Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve. An enormous protected wetland, the reserve is home to thousands of species and it defines the way of life here in countless ways.
People visit to experience the Pantanos de Centla as well as numerous other natural attractions. But the old town of Frontera ends up being a welcoming base for excursions into the surrounding wilderness. The town is centered around the port facilities on the river, with a central park marking the center of town. Arranged around the square are the Navigation Museum, the Guadalupe church and the giant Maritime Customs Building.
The Morelos market is on the southwest of the town square. Of course, Frontera is a major culinary destination. And shrimp is eaten everywhere and served with everything. With the market practically right on the river, you can be sure that at least some of that seafood is being unloaded right from the boats. The market is also a great place to see the local artisan trade come to life. Most everything being made across the region will make an appearance here. The Mercado Campesino is just a little further along the same street (Francisco Madero) and in between are some of the best restaurants in town
Both ADO and ATS run regular daily buses from the capital at Villahermosa. The trip to Frontera takes just a little more than one hour. You'll end up seeing at least some part of the giant Pantanos de Centla along the way. The trip from Ciudad del Carmen is about 90 minutes.
