The land of Mexico varies
depending on where you are.
Central Plateau
Two long mountain ranges follow the
Pacific and Gulf coasts of Mexico. To the
west is the Sierra Madre Occidental, and
to the east is the Sierra Madre Oriental.
Between these two ranges is the Central
Plateau. This area is dry. It has few rivers
or lakes.
Mountains
The Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra
Madre Oriental, and the Neovolcanic
Cordillera are the three main mountain
regions of Mexico. Rugged mountains
extend along the eastern and western
sides of a large plateau joining together
just south of Mexico City.
The Central Highlands
Mountains on three sides surround this
area. You can find most of Mexico’s
volcanoes in this region.
Volcanoes
In the Central Highlands region of Mexico,
there are many volcanoes. Two of
Mexico’s volcanoes can be seen from the
center of Mexico City. These are
Popocatepetl and Ixtacihuatl. Both
volcanoes are quiet, although
Popocaateptl occasionally sends up a puff
of smoke and steam.
Literature link: The Hill of Fire & The
Legend of Popo and Ixta
Desert
Although deserts are not very people
friendly, Mexico’s desert regions provide
an excellent home for a variety of animals
and reptiles that are endangered in the
United States. The Baja peninsula is
home to the desert tortoise, the Gila
monster, desert bighorn sheep, and the
puma. The waters off the coast of the Baja
are home to a lot of sea life. Humpback
and gray whales, sea lions, man rays, and
dolphins are example of life under or near
the sea.
Tropical Rainforests
Southern Mexico and the Yucatan
Peninsula are where you will visit the
tropical rainforests of Mexico. Black
howler and spider monkeys, tapirs, and
several species of cats including the
jaguar and ocelot live here.
Celebrations
The Spanish word for festival is fiesta and
Mexicans have plenty of them. Birthdays,
weddings, and graduations are times to
celebrate. The national dance of Mexico
is the Mexican Hat Dance.
Community
A group of people working together and
the places where they live, work, have fun,
and share special times.
Basic Needs
Things all people need in order to survive:
food, water, shelter, and a sense of
belonging.
