The park was established in 1964 and covers approximately 5.28 square kilometres (2.04 sq mi).

The area is named after Juan Álvarez, a Mexican general and former president of Mexico.

[1] The decree for the creation of this national park was issued on May 14, 1964, by the then president of the republic Adolfo López Mateos.

Park occupies part of the mountain range called the Sierra Madre del Sur, located northwest of the city of Chilapa de Álvarez.

In the park species of wild cat, skunk, coyote, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, fox, ocelot, badger and cacomistle among others has been observed.