Tlacotalpan is a city in Tlacotalpan Municipality in the Mexican state of Veracruz, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998 primarily for its architecture and colonial-era layout. The town was established in 1550 on what was originally an island in the Papaloapan River. From the colonial era to the 20th century, it was an important port, one of few interior river ports in Latin America. However, with the construction of the railroad, Tlacotalpan's importance faded. Starting in the latter 20th century, efforts to conserve the city's Spanish/Caribbean architecture and layout began, culminating in World Heritage status. Today, its main economic support is fishing and tourism, especially to the annual feast in honor of Our Lady of Candlemas.
Tlacotalpan seen from the Papaloapan river
View of the Agustín Lara House Museum
House in the town showing levels of flooding in 2010
World Heritage Site plaque in the main square
Tlacotalpan (municipality)
Tlacotalpan is a municipality located in the eastern coastal region of the Mexican state of Veracruz. It covers a total surface area of 646.51 km2 (250 sq mi), accounting for 0.89% of the state total. The municipal seat is the city of Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seal
Image: Tlacotalpan Papaloapan