Alvarado

Alvarado is a port city built along the Papaloapan River delta, where freshwater streams flow into the Gulf of Mexico. The town sits within an extensive lagoon system with shallow waters and mangrove vegetation throughout.

The settlement was founded in 1518 as San Cristobal de Alvarado and gained official town status in 1816 from the Spanish crown. Its location on the river made it grow as a center for trade and fishing.

Fishing has been the foundation of life here for generations, and you can see fishermen heading out daily from the waterfront. The lagoons surrounding the town are central to how people work and live.

The city connects to nearby areas via Federal Highways 180 and 175, which link to Veracruz to the north. The terrain is flat and low-lying near the water, so prepare for warm and humid conditions year-round.

The lagoon system here acts as a natural buffer between the mainland and the Gulf, creating specialized habitats for birds, crustaceans, and other animals. This ecological richness is less well known than other coastal destinations in the region.

Location: Alvarado Municipality

Elevation above the sea: 10 m

Website: http://alvarado.gob.mx

GPS coordinates: 18.77143,-95.76181

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:01