Types of Land Features in Mexico and Central America

Mexico’s Major Landforms

Plains and Plateaus:

The Mexican Plateau covers much of the northern and central portions of Mexico. It has an arid to somewhat arid climate with its most densely populated area in the central part of the country. This landform begins at the border with the United States.

Mexico’s Coastal Plains run along the coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

Mountains:

Mexico is home to several mountain ranges. The Sierra Madres extend southward along both edges of the country. The Sierra Madre Oriental is more than 13,000 ft. high and lies to the east. The western Sierra Madre Occidental rises to more than 10,000 ft.

Volcanoes:

Volcano Orizaba is Mexico’s highest mountain, rising to 18,855 ft. It extends from east to west and is just east of Mexico City, the country’s capital. Other notable volcanic landforms in Mexico include Popocatepetl, Ixtacihuatl and Paricutin.

Peninsula:

The Baja California Peninsula extends into the Pacific Ocean and is separated from Mexico’s mainland by the Gulf of California.

Isthmus:

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is the narrowest section of Mexico, joining the country with neighboring Central America.

Central America’s Major Landforms

Central America is a land bridge, connecting North America and South America. This isthmus also separates the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The seven countries found in this part of the world are home to many beautiful landforms.

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