Located in the south of Veracruz, it encompasses municipalities such as Tlacotalpan, Alvarado, Cosamaloapan, Santiago Tuxtla, and Catemaco. It is an area defined by its tropical jungle landscapes, coastal plains, mangroves, and the Papaloapan and San Juan rivers.

Culturally, the Sotavento region is the epicentre of son jarocho, the emblematic musical genre of Veracruz, and of the fandango, a community celebration where music, foot-stomping, and improvised décimas converge.

Architecturally, Tlacotalpan stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its streets lined by colourful houses and tile roofs, a legacy of its port and commercial past. Sotavento cuisine includes traditional dishes such as tamales de elote, pescado a la veracruzana, arroz a la tumbada, and fresh seafood, reflecting its proximity to rivers and coasts.