Mexico is like a treasure chest of fascinating tales, some hidden in plain sight while others remain shrouded in mystery. As we embark on this virtual journey to discover the geographical marvels of this vibrant nation, you’ll see why it has captured the hearts of many intrepid travelers in 2024. Trust me, with five vacation attempts and countless failed Spanish phrases behind me, I can vouch for its awesomeness.
First off, let's not skirt around Mexico’s modern allure-its tourism appeal is part of its geography's charm. When you say Mexico, you’re looking at a land that stretches over 761,600 square miles. This country is like the Cinderella of North America, gracefully sandwiched between the U.S. and Central America. It's home to rich deserts, verdant rainforests, and buzzing cities like Mexico City, which resides at a cool 7,382 feet above sea level. Who knew that climbing stairs here could feel like summiting Everest?
Speaking of mind-blowing structures, it's worth mentioning some of the country's natural wonders. Picture Copper Canyon-which makes Arizona’s Grand Canyon look like it needs a New Year’s resolution-and the stunning beaches that could make anyone fall in love faster than you can utter "guacamole."
But wait, there's more! We’ll also explore the iconic geographical hotspots like the Yucatán Peninsula and Baja California. I mean, Baja California sounds almost oxymoronic, doesn’t it? Trust me, a dip into its crystalline waters is as refreshing as realizing your favorite coffee joint offers a new seasonal blend.
Of course, we can't forget the ancient ruins scattered throughout Mexico. Whether it’s the mysterious remnants of the Maya and Aztec civilizations or the lesser-known Totonac sites in Veracruz, stepping into these ancient worlds feels like time-travel minus the DeLorean. As I stood marveling at the sumptuous heritage, I pondered if it was navigated by GPS or good ol' fashioned star-gazing.
Let's not overlook Mexico’s buzzing cities, which are a topic we’ll delve into (see Urban Areas). These urban jungles like Guadalajara and Monterrey hold their own share of geophysical wonders. Trust me, trying to navigate these cities can be as exhilarating as exploring a rainforest with a broken compass.
If you ever ride along Mexico’s highways, don’t be surprised by the varied landscapes whisking past your window. From deserts to lush jungles, Mexico offers a visual fiesta-each twist and turn setting the stage for the next adventure.
So buckle up and throw on those imaginary hiking boots! Exploring Mexico’s geography is more than just a travelogue; it’s an ode to nature and culture. Get ready to imbibe the quirks and stories of a nation that’s as passionate as its salsa and as vibrant as its fiestas.
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These geographical facts of Mexico start off on a high point with Pico de Orizaba. This is the highest mountain in Mexico and holds the title of being the third highest on the North American continent. It towers over the country at a huge 5,636 metres above sea level. Pico de Orizaba is also a dormant stratovolcano, last erupting in the 19th century. It’s a popular place to visit on the borders of Puebla and Veracruz states./filters:quality(70)/content/travel/2013/03/2_longest-river-in-mexico_600x432.jpg)
As neighbours, the geography of Mexico shares features with the US. The Rio Grande is the longest river in Mexico and is so vast and so winding it actually covers a huge part of both Mexico and the United States. It flows over the border for 1,896 miles and acts as a natural barrier between Coahuila, Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, and the state of Texas./filters:quality(70)/content/travel/2013/03/3_deepest-canyon_600x450.jpg)
Copper Canyon is the deepest valley in Mexico but it isn’t actually a single canyon. It’s six canyons located in the Sierra Madre area of Chihuahua state. These vast canyons were formed by six rivers, which merge into the Rio Fuerte before travelling to the Sea of Cortez. In many areas, it’s deeper than the famous Grand Canyon of Arizona. What make this area so unique are its copper and green walls. Riding the railway in Copper Canyon is one of the best train trips in the world./filters:quality(70)/content/travel/2013/03/4_largest-lake-in-mexico_600x399.jpg)
Lake Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico. It stretches over a surface area of 1,100 square kilometers and includes a number of small islands. It’s located just to the southeast of Guadalajara and is a popular place for sailing boats. A total of four rivers feed the lake and its three islands. This is a regular destination for health care tourists in Guadalajara due to its calm waters and comparatively shallow depths./filters:quality(70)/content/travel/2013/03/5_mexico-city-altitude_600x450.jpg)
The altitude of Mexico City is a wonder to behold in itself. At its highest point it’s 3,930m above sea level, whilst its average elevation is 2,241m above sea level. Furthermore, a huge nine million people live in this high-rise city, in a confined area of just over 300 square miles. It’s one of the highest cities in North America, as well as the densest in Mexico./filters:quality(70)/content/travel/2013/03/6_biggest-beach-in-mexico_600x399.jpg)
The longest beach in Mexico is easily the Playa Novillero. This beach stretches for 90 kilometres and is a stunning example of natural beauty and a wonderful place for vacations and water sports. The water is very shallow here and you can walk out into the sea for up to 100 metres quite safely./filters:quality(70)/content/travel/2013/03/7_highest-waterfall-in-mexico_600x401.jpg)
This submission into the list of geographical facts of Mexico is shaded in some controversy. The highest waterfall in Mexico, as written on this list, is Basaseachic Falls. It measures 246 metres in height. In 1994, the controversy started as the Cascada de Piedra Volada was found to be taller. The only problem is it’s only a waterfall for half of the year during the rainy season, so can it truly count?/filters:quality(70)/content/travel/2013/03/8_hottest-place-in-mexico_600x450.jpg)
The Sonora Desert is without doubt the hottest place in Mexico. The desert stretches over a vast area of North America, including multiple American and Mexican states. The temperature varies significantly, but one of the highest recorded temperatures was near the Mexican tip where it was 134 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. It’s also a popular place for illegal immigration to the United States, which often leads to human fatalities.