Tlacotalpan borders the municipalities of Alvarado to the north; José Azueta and Isla to the south; Santiago Tuxtla to the southeast; Lerdo de Tejada and Saltabarranca to the east; and Acula and Amatitlán to the West.

[2][3] Local fisherman generally work in the municipality area, with some traveling as far as Alvarado to open ocean.

[3] Some agriculture takes place, with the main crops being sugar cane, corn and beans, but also including almonds, peanuts, coconuts, bananas, pineapple and guava.

[1][4][5] By far the most important annual event honors Our Lady of Candlemas, a Virgin Mary image which has its own Sanctuary in the town.

One important event related to this celebration is the La Cabalgata, a parade of couples in traditional dress on horseback.

[1][4] Other important annual events include the Tlacotalpan Carnival in early May,[1] the feast honoring the patron saint of the San Miguelito neighborhood from September 26–29 and the “Rama” starting December 16, when groups of youths wander the streets singing holiday songs with improvised verses.