Alvarado is a canton in the Cartago province of Costa Rica. The head city is in the Pacayas district. Alvarado was created on 9 July 1908 by de…Alvarado is a canton in the Cartago province of Costa Rica. The head city is in the Pacayas district. Alvarado was created on 9 July 1908 by decree 28. Alvarado has an area of 81.06 km² and a mean elevation of 1,610 metres.