History

Coatzacoalcos was historically Olmec territory in the pre-Hispanic era, though by the time the Spanish arrived in the early 16th century, the region was dominated by the Aztec. The Spanish settled the area in 1522 under the leadership of Gustavo Sandoval. Its importance as a regional port grew steadily over the next four centuries. In the 1970s petroleum shipping became an important part of the port business, connecting to the oil fields of Campeche. Four major petrochemical facilities are in Coatzacoalcos.

The city has also been an important connection point between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Freight can be unloaded from Atlantic freighters in Coatzacoalcos, shipped by trains across the isthmus to Salina Cruz, and then re-loaded onto ships crossing the Pacific. The railroad across the Tehuantepec isthmus was built in 1907, but after the Panama Canal opened just 7 years later, traffic declined. In recent years, the Mexican government has committed to improving the infrastructure between Coatzalcocos and Salina Cruz with new bridges, tunnels, dramatic improvements to the railroad and the addition of a passenger rail line. The freight lines began operating in September 2023, the passenger line in December 2023.

One of the oldest mesoamerican archaeological sites is El Mantial, a sacrificial bog in the Laguna Mantial where a number of relics dating from 1650 BC were discovered.

By plane

Coatzalcocos har daily flights from Mexico City but not much else.

• 🌍 Minatitlán International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Minatitlán), Carretera Antigua a Minatitlán. Has modern facilities and a good range of rental car services. (updated Sep 2023)

By bus

There are intercity buses from most major cities in central and southern Mexico as well as international services from Guatemala. ADO is the main operator.

• 🌍 Coatzalcocos bus station (Central de Autobuses de Coatzacoalcos), Villas del Sur. Spacious, clean waiting area with shops and fast food outlets. (updated Sep 2023)

By train

After a 30-year hiatus, intercity trains will once again serve Coatzacoalcos in late 2023. There will be daily Tren Interoceanicotrains to and from Salina Cruz, on the southern side of the Tehuantepec isthmus and also trains between Coatzacoalcos and Palenque where passengers can connect onwards throughout the Yucatan Peninsula via the Tren Maya.

• 🌍 Coatzacoalcos railway station (Estación de Coatzacoalcos), Agustin Lira Km 5. Intercity passenger trains to Salina Cruz and Palenque. (updated Oct 2023)