It is located in the southeastern part of the state, in the Olmeca region, to the north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, along the Coatzacoalcos River.

The Feria del Café y Minería (Coffee and Mining Fair) is held each year in January.

It was constructed starting in 1979 and was opened by president Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado on 17 October 1984.

The city is located in the Olmec region of the state and the north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

The municipality covers an area of 4,123.91 square kilometers (1,592.25 sq mi) and includes many small outlying communities.