Cupilco

Cupilco lies in the river lowlands of Tabasco, in a region inhabited by Chontal Maya communities. Near the mouth of the Grijalva stood Potonchán, a powerful Chontal centre connected to coastal and river trade. In 1519 Hernán Cortés arrived at the river mouth and faced organised resistance from its inhabitants. After fighting, the Spanish established their first foothold in the region, beginning a profound transformation of its communities.

The later city of Villahermosa lies here.