Mexico Landscape Geography and Geology by Owen Borville March 3, 2026
Mexico’s geography is defined by dramatic variation, from high volcanic peaks to vast deserts, lush rainforests, and two long coastlines. This diversity shapes its climate, ecosystems, and cultural regions.
Major Geographic Regions: The Sierra Madre Mountain Systems are three major ranges (Occidental, Oriental, and del Sur) that frame the country, creating rugged highlands and deep valleys. These mountains include Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest peak at 5,700 meters. The Mexican Plateau is a high, dry plateau between the Sierra Madre ranges, home to major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara. The Coastal Plains are low, humid plains along the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean, supporting agriculture and dense population centers. The Yucatán Peninsula is a flat limestone platform with cenotes, tropical forests, and Caribbean coastline. The Deserts of the North are the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts dominate northern Mexico, shaping local culture and ranching traditions. Southern Rainforests of Chiapas and parts of the Yucatán host dense tropical forests and rich biodiversity.
Key Landscape Features: Volcanoes — Mexico sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with active volcanoes like Popocatépetl. Coastlines — Over 9,300 km of coastline along the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Plateaus and Basins — High-altitude basins support major population centers. Caves and Cenotes — Especially in the Yucatán, where limestone geology creates underground rivers.
Climate Patterns: Mexico’s climate ranges from tropical in the south to arid in the north. North — Hot, dry deserts with extreme temperature swings. Central Highlands — Mild, spring-like climate due to elevation. South — Humid tropical zones with rainforests and monsoon patterns. Coasts — Warm, humid, and hurricane-prone, especially on the Gulf and Caribbean sides.
Natural Hazards: Earthquakes and Volcanoes — Concentrated in central and southern Mexico. Hurricanes affect the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean coasts. Tsunamis are possible along the Pacific coast.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Mexico is one of the world’s most megadiverse countries, with ecosystems including: Cloud forests, mangroves, coral reefs, alpine tundra, and desert scrublands.
This diversity stems from its position bridging North and Central America, creating a biological crossroads. It shapes regional cultures, from northern ranching traditions to southern Maya heritage. It influences agriculture, from desert ranching to tropical fruit production. It drives tourism, with beaches, mountains, jungles, and archaeological sites.
Mexico has some of the most dramatic canyons, gorges, rivers, and lakes in the Americas. Major Canyons and Gorges: Mexico’s canyon systems are vast and geologically diverse, shaped by volcanic activity, tectonic uplift, and river erosion. Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) in Chihuahua is one of the largest canyon systems in the world, deeper and wider in places than the Grand Canyon. Known for rugged cliffs, Tarahumara (Rarámuri) communities, and the famous El Chepe train. Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas is a steep-walled gorge carved by the Grijalva River. Cliffs rise over 1,000 meters; boat tours reveal wildlife and dramatic rock formations. Other notable canyons are: Cañón del Pegüis (Chihuahua) a narrow limestone gorge with emerald water. Cañón de Santa Elena (Chihuahua) is part of the Rio Grande corridor. Basaseachic Canyon is home to Mexico’s second-highest waterfall. Barranca de Oblatos, Jalisco and Tamul River Gorge, San Luis Potosi are other canyons and gorges, along with Sierra Tarahumara, Canyon de Guadalupe, El Salto, Batopilas, Nacapule, and Namurachi.
Major Rivers: Mexico has relatively few large rivers due to its mountainous terrain, but several are regionally important. The Rio Grande (Río Bravo del Norte) forms much of the U.S.–Mexico border and is one of the longest rivers in North America. The Grijalva River flows through Chiapas and Tabasco and carved the Sumidero Canyon. The Usumacinta River forms part of the border with Guatemala and is known for jungle landscapes and Maya archaeological sites. The Balsas River is one of the longest entirely within Mexico and crosses Guerrero and Michoacán.
The Lerma–Santiago River System begins in central Mexico and flows to the Pacific. Vital for agriculture and urban water supply.
Lakes and Lake Basins: Mexico has few natural lakes today, but historically it had vast lake systems—especially in the Basin of Mexico. Lake Chapala — Jalisco/Michoacán is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake and important for bird migration and local fishing communities. Lake Pátzcuaro — Michoacán is the cultural center of the Purépecha people and Known for islands like Janitzio.
Monarch Lakes of Michoacán are High-altitude lakes near butterfly reserves. Historic Lakes of the Valley of Mexico once included Lake Texcoco, Xaltocan, Zumpango, and Xochimilco. Most were drained during colonial and modern periods, but remnants like the Xochimilco canals survive. Other scenic lakes are Lagunas de Montebello (Chiapas) — multicolored lakes in a karst landscape. Laguna Bacalar (Quintana Roo) — “Lake of Seven Colors,” known for turquoise water.
Mexico geography landscape summary: Canyons are concentrated in the north (Chihuahua, Coahuila) and south (Chiapas). Rivers often originate in the Sierra Madre ranges and carve deep gorges as they descend. Lakes cluster in volcanic regions (Michoacán, Jalisco) and ancient basins (Mexico City region). These systems support diverse ecosystems—from desert cliffs to tropical wetlands.
Mexico’s national parks and protected areas form one of the most diverse conservation networks in the world, spanning coral reefs, volcanoes, deserts, tropical forests, and high‑mountain ecosystems. Together they protect biodiversity, cultural heritage, and vital natural resources while offering opportunities for recreation and education. National Parks (Parques Nacionales) — 67 federally recognized parks covering about 1.43 million hectares across 23 states. Biosphere Reserves — Large, ecologically rich regions balancing conservation with sustainable community use. Flora and Fauna Protection Areas — Zones safeguarding specific species or habitats. Natural Monuments, Sanctuaries, and Resource Protection Areas — Smaller or specialized conservation units. In total, 226 federally protected areas exist across the country. These areas preserve ecosystems ranging from coral reefs to cloud forests, and from volcanic peaks to desert landscapes.
Mexico’s national parks vary widely in size, climate, and purpose. A few notable examples illustrate this diversity: Arrecife Alacranes National Park (Yucatán) — The largest coral reef system in the Gulf of Mexico, protecting marine biodiversity. Bahía de Loreto National Park (Baja California Sur) — A vast marine park known for whales, dolphins, and island ecosystems.
Basaseachic Falls National Park (Chihuahua) — Home to one of Mexico’s tallest waterfalls and dramatic canyon landscapes. Cumbres de Monterrey National Park (Nuevo León) — A mountainous region with deep canyons, forests, and important water sources. Desierto de los Leones National Park (Mexico City) — One of the oldest national parks, protecting high-altitude forests near the capital. These parks often protect watersheds, endangered species, and culturally significant sites.
Biosphere Reserves and Other Protected Areas: Biosphere reserves are among Mexico’s most ecologically significant areas. Examples highlighted by CONANP include: La Sepultura (Chiapas) — A warm, humid reserve with high ecosystem diversity and year-round access. Sierra de Manantlán (Colima & Jalisco) — A cold-temperate region known for endemic species and forest conservation. Sierra Gorda (Querétaro & neighboring states) — A mosaic of forests, semi-deserts, and tropical zones with exceptional biodiversity. Other categories—such as Flora and Fauna Protection Areas, Natural Monuments, and Sanctuaries—protect everything from migratory bird nesting sites to volcanic craters and unique geological formations.
Geographic and Ecological Context: Mexico’s geography contributes to its ecological richness: It spans tropical, temperate, and arid climate zones. Elevation varies dramatically, creating microclimates from sea level to high volcanic peaks. Coastlines on both the Pacific and Gulf/Caribbean support extensive marine protected areas. This diversity makes Mexico one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
Protected areas in Mexico serve several important roles: Biodiversity conservation and safeguarding habitats for countless plant and animal species. Cultural and educational value: many areas include archaeological sites or serve as outdoor classrooms. Climate and resource protection: forests, wetlands, and reefs help regulate water, store carbon, and protect coastlines. Community benefits: sustainable tourism and resource use support local economies.
Mexico’s geology is shaped by the interaction of multiple tectonic plates, a mosaic of ancient terranes, and one of the world’s most active volcanic belts. Together these create a landscape rich in mountains, basins, volcanoes, and diverse rock types. Major Geological Framework: Mexico sits at the convergence of the North American, Pacific, Cocos, and Caribbean plates. This complex setting has produced several major geological provinces:
Sierra Madre Occidental is a vast volcanic plateau formed largely by Cenozoic ignimbrites and rhyolitic volcanism. It is an extension of the Rocky Mountains and one of the most extensive volcanic provinces on Earth. Sierra Madre Oriental is dominated by folded sedimentary rocks, especially thick Mesozoic limestones and shales, created by compressional tectonics.
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) is a 1,000‑km‑long active volcanic arc across central Mexico, home to Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and other major stratovolcanoes. It is a hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity.
Meseta Central (Mexican Plateau) is a high, arid plateau between the Sierra Madre ranges, filled with basins, volcanic deposits, and sedimentary sequences. Accreted terranes of southern Mexico is a patchwork of crustal blocks assembled through collisions between tectonic plates.
Mexico’s crust formed through tectonic assembly, subduction, rifting, and magmatism. Key phases include: Accretion of continental fragments. Subduction along the Pacific margin, generating large magmatic arcs and ore deposits. Volcanism, especially the TMVB, driven by subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath North America. Ongoing deformation from plate interactions, producing earthquakes, mountain uplift, and active volcanism.
Rock Types Across Mexico: Mexico’s geological diversity produces an equally diverse suite of rocks: Igneous rocks include rhyolites and ignimbrites dominate the Sierra Madre Occidental, formed from massive explosive eruptions. Basalts and andesites are widespread in the TMVB, reflecting modern arc volcanism. Granites and diorites occur in magmatic arcs.
Sedimentary rocks form thick limestone sequences in the Sierra Madre Oriental, deposited in ancient shallow seas. Shales and sandstones formed in basins. Evaporites formed in arid interior basins. Metamorphic rocks include schists, gneisses, and amphibolites in southern terranes, representing ancient continental crust. High‑pressure metamorphic belts are tied to subduction zones.
Mexico’s geology influences volcanic hazards (e.g., Popocatépetl’s ongoing activity) and earthquake risk along subduction zones. Mineral wealth, including world‑class silver, gold, and copper deposits tied to magmatic arcs.
Other places of interest in Mexico: Mexico features volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, canyons, including Cooper Canyon, beaches, an impact crater, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Coast, and Baja California.
Copper Canyons, Mexico (NW) Chihuaua state
Cenote Suytun Sinkhole, Mexico, Yukatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo
Las Coloradas, Yukatan pink water wetlands
Grutas Tolantongo, Hidalgo Hot Springs
Grutas Cacahuamilpa, Guerrero
El Chiflon Waterfalls, Chiapas
Michoacan Monarch Butterfly Migration in winter season, Rosario Sanctuary
Summer fireflies, Santuario de las Luciernagas
Firefly forests, Tlaxcala forest sanctuary
Oaxaca Hierve el Agua mineral Springs and falls, petrified rock cliff
Pena de Bernal, Queretaro large monolith
Calakmul Biosphere Reserve Jungle, Campeche state, ancient Mayan site
Mexico City Volcanoes
Sumidero Canyon and river, Chiapas
Baja California Sur, west, Isla Espiritu Santo Island
Baja California Sea of Cortez
El Sotano Cave
Colima Volcano
Bacalar Lagoon
Marietas Islands, Nayarit
Cuatro Ciénegas oasis lake
Basalt Prisms, Hidalgo
Veracruz Reef System
Huasteca Potosina
Campeche Beach
Tamul Waterfall, San Luis Potosi
Pico de Orizaba, Veracruz dormant volcano
Lake Capala, Jalisco
Chinampas, Valley of Mexico City floating island farms
Tepozteco Hill, Morelos
Nevado de Toluco volcanoes and lagoons
Izta. and Popo. volcanoes National Park
Potrero Chico peak rock climbing
Cuatro Cienegas Biosphere Reserve, Coahuila
Isla de Venados, Sinaloa
Mexico=Cascada de Basaseachi NP=pine forests, rugged cliffs, massive waterfall; Cave of the Crystals in Chihuahua (n); Sierra de Organos NP towering rock formations (central); Piedras Encimadas Zacatlán Puebla flower rocks; Valley de Piedras Encimadas lava rock formations; Pena de Bernal monolith 350 ft; Cooper Canyon rocks of Chihuahua (ne); Baja California Los Arcos Rocks Cabo San Lucas rocks natural arch; Hieve el Agua rockwall Oaxaca
Mexico’s geography is defined by dramatic variation, from high volcanic peaks to vast deserts, lush rainforests, and two long coastlines. This diversity shapes its climate, ecosystems, and cultural regions.
Major Geographic Regions: The Sierra Madre Mountain Systems are three major ranges (Occidental, Oriental, and del Sur) that frame the country, creating rugged highlands and deep valleys. These mountains include Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest peak at 5,700 meters. The Mexican Plateau is a high, dry plateau between the Sierra Madre ranges, home to major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara. The Coastal Plains are low, humid plains along the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean, supporting agriculture and dense population centers. The Yucatán Peninsula is a flat limestone platform with cenotes, tropical forests, and Caribbean coastline. The Deserts of the North are the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts dominate northern Mexico, shaping local culture and ranching traditions. Southern Rainforests of Chiapas and parts of the Yucatán host dense tropical forests and rich biodiversity.
Key Landscape Features: Volcanoes — Mexico sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with active volcanoes like Popocatépetl. Coastlines — Over 9,300 km of coastline along the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Plateaus and Basins — High-altitude basins support major population centers. Caves and Cenotes — Especially in the Yucatán, where limestone geology creates underground rivers.
Climate Patterns: Mexico’s climate ranges from tropical in the south to arid in the north. North — Hot, dry deserts with extreme temperature swings. Central Highlands — Mild, spring-like climate due to elevation. South — Humid tropical zones with rainforests and monsoon patterns. Coasts — Warm, humid, and hurricane-prone, especially on the Gulf and Caribbean sides.
Natural Hazards: Earthquakes and Volcanoes — Concentrated in central and southern Mexico. Hurricanes affect the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean coasts. Tsunamis are possible along the Pacific coast.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Mexico is one of the world’s most megadiverse countries, with ecosystems including: Cloud forests, mangroves, coral reefs, alpine tundra, and desert scrublands.
This diversity stems from its position bridging North and Central America, creating a biological crossroads. It shapes regional cultures, from northern ranching traditions to southern Maya heritage. It influences agriculture, from desert ranching to tropical fruit production. It drives tourism, with beaches, mountains, jungles, and archaeological sites.
Mexico has some of the most dramatic canyons, gorges, rivers, and lakes in the Americas. Major Canyons and Gorges: Mexico’s canyon systems are vast and geologically diverse, shaped by volcanic activity, tectonic uplift, and river erosion. Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) in Chihuahua is one of the largest canyon systems in the world, deeper and wider in places than the Grand Canyon. Known for rugged cliffs, Tarahumara (Rarámuri) communities, and the famous El Chepe train. Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas is a steep-walled gorge carved by the Grijalva River. Cliffs rise over 1,000 meters; boat tours reveal wildlife and dramatic rock formations. Other notable canyons are: Cañón del Pegüis (Chihuahua) a narrow limestone gorge with emerald water. Cañón de Santa Elena (Chihuahua) is part of the Rio Grande corridor. Basaseachic Canyon is home to Mexico’s second-highest waterfall. Barranca de Oblatos, Jalisco and Tamul River Gorge, San Luis Potosi are other canyons and gorges, along with Sierra Tarahumara, Canyon de Guadalupe, El Salto, Batopilas, Nacapule, and Namurachi.
Major Rivers: Mexico has relatively few large rivers due to its mountainous terrain, but several are regionally important. The Rio Grande (Río Bravo del Norte) forms much of the U.S.–Mexico border and is one of the longest rivers in North America. The Grijalva River flows through Chiapas and Tabasco and carved the Sumidero Canyon. The Usumacinta River forms part of the border with Guatemala and is known for jungle landscapes and Maya archaeological sites. The Balsas River is one of the longest entirely within Mexico and crosses Guerrero and Michoacán.
The Lerma–Santiago River System begins in central Mexico and flows to the Pacific. Vital for agriculture and urban water supply.
Lakes and Lake Basins: Mexico has few natural lakes today, but historically it had vast lake systems—especially in the Basin of Mexico. Lake Chapala — Jalisco/Michoacán is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake and important for bird migration and local fishing communities. Lake Pátzcuaro — Michoacán is the cultural center of the Purépecha people and Known for islands like Janitzio.
Monarch Lakes of Michoacán are High-altitude lakes near butterfly reserves. Historic Lakes of the Valley of Mexico once included Lake Texcoco, Xaltocan, Zumpango, and Xochimilco. Most were drained during colonial and modern periods, but remnants like the Xochimilco canals survive. Other scenic lakes are Lagunas de Montebello (Chiapas) — multicolored lakes in a karst landscape. Laguna Bacalar (Quintana Roo) — “Lake of Seven Colors,” known for turquoise water.
Mexico geography landscape summary: Canyons are concentrated in the north (Chihuahua, Coahuila) and south (Chiapas). Rivers often originate in the Sierra Madre ranges and carve deep gorges as they descend. Lakes cluster in volcanic regions (Michoacán, Jalisco) and ancient basins (Mexico City region). These systems support diverse ecosystems—from desert cliffs to tropical wetlands.
Mexico’s national parks and protected areas form one of the most diverse conservation networks in the world, spanning coral reefs, volcanoes, deserts, tropical forests, and high‑mountain ecosystems. Together they protect biodiversity, cultural heritage, and vital natural resources while offering opportunities for recreation and education. National Parks (Parques Nacionales) — 67 federally recognized parks covering about 1.43 million hectares across 23 states. Biosphere Reserves — Large, ecologically rich regions balancing conservation with sustainable community use. Flora and Fauna Protection Areas — Zones safeguarding specific species or habitats. Natural Monuments, Sanctuaries, and Resource Protection Areas — Smaller or specialized conservation units. In total, 226 federally protected areas exist across the country. These areas preserve ecosystems ranging from coral reefs to cloud forests, and from volcanic peaks to desert landscapes.
Mexico’s national parks vary widely in size, climate, and purpose. A few notable examples illustrate this diversity: Arrecife Alacranes National Park (Yucatán) — The largest coral reef system in the Gulf of Mexico, protecting marine biodiversity. Bahía de Loreto National Park (Baja California Sur) — A vast marine park known for whales, dolphins, and island ecosystems.
Basaseachic Falls National Park (Chihuahua) — Home to one of Mexico’s tallest waterfalls and dramatic canyon landscapes. Cumbres de Monterrey National Park (Nuevo León) — A mountainous region with deep canyons, forests, and important water sources. Desierto de los Leones National Park (Mexico City) — One of the oldest national parks, protecting high-altitude forests near the capital. These parks often protect watersheds, endangered species, and culturally significant sites.
Biosphere Reserves and Other Protected Areas: Biosphere reserves are among Mexico’s most ecologically significant areas. Examples highlighted by CONANP include: La Sepultura (Chiapas) — A warm, humid reserve with high ecosystem diversity and year-round access. Sierra de Manantlán (Colima & Jalisco) — A cold-temperate region known for endemic species and forest conservation. Sierra Gorda (Querétaro & neighboring states) — A mosaic of forests, semi-deserts, and tropical zones with exceptional biodiversity. Other categories—such as Flora and Fauna Protection Areas, Natural Monuments, and Sanctuaries—protect everything from migratory bird nesting sites to volcanic craters and unique geological formations.
Geographic and Ecological Context: Mexico’s geography contributes to its ecological richness: It spans tropical, temperate, and arid climate zones. Elevation varies dramatically, creating microclimates from sea level to high volcanic peaks. Coastlines on both the Pacific and Gulf/Caribbean support extensive marine protected areas. This diversity makes Mexico one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
Protected areas in Mexico serve several important roles: Biodiversity conservation and safeguarding habitats for countless plant and animal species. Cultural and educational value: many areas include archaeological sites or serve as outdoor classrooms. Climate and resource protection: forests, wetlands, and reefs help regulate water, store carbon, and protect coastlines. Community benefits: sustainable tourism and resource use support local economies.
Mexico’s geology is shaped by the interaction of multiple tectonic plates, a mosaic of ancient terranes, and one of the world’s most active volcanic belts. Together these create a landscape rich in mountains, basins, volcanoes, and diverse rock types. Major Geological Framework: Mexico sits at the convergence of the North American, Pacific, Cocos, and Caribbean plates. This complex setting has produced several major geological provinces:
Sierra Madre Occidental is a vast volcanic plateau formed largely by Cenozoic ignimbrites and rhyolitic volcanism. It is an extension of the Rocky Mountains and one of the most extensive volcanic provinces on Earth. Sierra Madre Oriental is dominated by folded sedimentary rocks, especially thick Mesozoic limestones and shales, created by compressional tectonics.
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) is a 1,000‑km‑long active volcanic arc across central Mexico, home to Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and other major stratovolcanoes. It is a hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity.
Meseta Central (Mexican Plateau) is a high, arid plateau between the Sierra Madre ranges, filled with basins, volcanic deposits, and sedimentary sequences. Accreted terranes of southern Mexico is a patchwork of crustal blocks assembled through collisions between tectonic plates.
Mexico’s crust formed through tectonic assembly, subduction, rifting, and magmatism. Key phases include: Accretion of continental fragments. Subduction along the Pacific margin, generating large magmatic arcs and ore deposits. Volcanism, especially the TMVB, driven by subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath North America. Ongoing deformation from plate interactions, producing earthquakes, mountain uplift, and active volcanism.
Rock Types Across Mexico: Mexico’s geological diversity produces an equally diverse suite of rocks: Igneous rocks include rhyolites and ignimbrites dominate the Sierra Madre Occidental, formed from massive explosive eruptions. Basalts and andesites are widespread in the TMVB, reflecting modern arc volcanism. Granites and diorites occur in magmatic arcs.
Sedimentary rocks form thick limestone sequences in the Sierra Madre Oriental, deposited in ancient shallow seas. Shales and sandstones formed in basins. Evaporites formed in arid interior basins. Metamorphic rocks include schists, gneisses, and amphibolites in southern terranes, representing ancient continental crust. High‑pressure metamorphic belts are tied to subduction zones.
Mexico’s geology influences volcanic hazards (e.g., Popocatépetl’s ongoing activity) and earthquake risk along subduction zones. Mineral wealth, including world‑class silver, gold, and copper deposits tied to magmatic arcs.
Other places of interest in Mexico: Mexico features volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, canyons, including Cooper Canyon, beaches, an impact crater, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Coast, and Baja California.
Copper Canyons, Mexico (NW) Chihuaua state
Cenote Suytun Sinkhole, Mexico, Yukatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo
Las Coloradas, Yukatan pink water wetlands
Grutas Tolantongo, Hidalgo Hot Springs
Grutas Cacahuamilpa, Guerrero
El Chiflon Waterfalls, Chiapas
Michoacan Monarch Butterfly Migration in winter season, Rosario Sanctuary
Summer fireflies, Santuario de las Luciernagas
Firefly forests, Tlaxcala forest sanctuary
Oaxaca Hierve el Agua mineral Springs and falls, petrified rock cliff
Pena de Bernal, Queretaro large monolith
Calakmul Biosphere Reserve Jungle, Campeche state, ancient Mayan site
Mexico City Volcanoes
Sumidero Canyon and river, Chiapas
Baja California Sur, west, Isla Espiritu Santo Island
Baja California Sea of Cortez
El Sotano Cave
Colima Volcano
Bacalar Lagoon
Marietas Islands, Nayarit
Cuatro Ciénegas oasis lake
Basalt Prisms, Hidalgo
Veracruz Reef System
Huasteca Potosina
Campeche Beach
Tamul Waterfall, San Luis Potosi
Pico de Orizaba, Veracruz dormant volcano
Lake Capala, Jalisco
Chinampas, Valley of Mexico City floating island farms
Tepozteco Hill, Morelos
Nevado de Toluco volcanoes and lagoons
Izta. and Popo. volcanoes National Park
Potrero Chico peak rock climbing
Cuatro Cienegas Biosphere Reserve, Coahuila
Isla de Venados, Sinaloa
Mexico=Cascada de Basaseachi NP=pine forests, rugged cliffs, massive waterfall; Cave of the Crystals in Chihuahua (n); Sierra de Organos NP towering rock formations (central); Piedras Encimadas Zacatlán Puebla flower rocks; Valley de Piedras Encimadas lava rock formations; Pena de Bernal monolith 350 ft; Cooper Canyon rocks of Chihuahua (ne); Baja California Los Arcos Rocks Cabo San Lucas rocks natural arch; Hieve el Agua rockwall Oaxaca