What Is My Elevation

Topography & Elevation Map of Mexico

Mexico Elevation Facts

Average elevation 1,111 m (3,645 ft)
Highest point Pico de Orizaba: 5,636 m (18,491 ft)
Lowest point Laguna Salada: 10 m (33 ft) below sea level
Elevation range 5,646 m (18,524 ft) from the lowest point to the highest
Highest-elevation city Real de Catorce: 2,728 m (8,950 ft)
Lowest-elevation city Acapulco: 10 m (33 ft)

Mexico is a country with varying terrain, from stunning mountain ranges and plateaus to coastal plains and deserts.

Flag of Mexico

It has a diverse topography that makes it a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities. The country has numerous breathtaking natural formations, including waterfalls, volcanoes, and canyons.

This diverse landscape includes many types of soil, rock formations, and vegetation, leading to varied weather and climate patterns throughout the country. The topography of Mexico plays a significant role in the country's economy, as it has abundant natural resources, including minerals, agriculture, and forestry.

The topography of Mexico has also played a significant role in shaping the country's history, as various indigenous civilizations flourished in diverse regions of the country.

Mexico can be split into three broad relief zones. The Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental frame the north and west of the country, running roughly parallel to the Pacific and Gulf coasts and enclosing the high, dry Altiplano, where the capital, Mexico City, sits at 2,240 meters.

The volcanic Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt crosses the centre of the country from Colima to Veracruz and links Mexico City's basin to the populous valleys of Guadalajara, Puebla and Morelia. The southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas are dominated by the rugged Sierra Madre del Sur, which drops to the narrow coastal plain of the Pacific.

Highest Point in Mexico

The highest point in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba also known as Citlaltepetl, which stands tall at 5,636 meters (18,491 ft) above sea level. It is an extinct volcano and one of Mexico's most recognizable landmarks.

Lowest Point in Mexico

The lowest point in Mexico is the Laguna Salada, located in the Sonoran Desert, which sits 10 meters (33 ft) below sea level. It is a popular destination for tourists to explore and experience the unique ecosystem of the area.

Countries with Similar Topography to Mexico

Mexico's topography is similar to that of the other large, mountainous countries of the Americas such as Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala, all of which combine high cordilleras with low coastal plains and broad inland basins.

Highest-Elevation Cities in Mexico

Real de Catorce is the highest-elevation city in Mexico, at 2,728 m (8,950 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.

City Elevation Elevation in feet
Real de Catorce 2,728 m 8,950 ft
Toluca 2,667 m 8,750 ft
Mexico City 2,240 m 7,349 ft
Puebla 2,160 m 7,087 ft
Guadalajara 1,569 m 5,148 ft
Ciudad Juarez 1,224 m 4,016 ft
Monterrey 538 m 1,765 ft
Tijuana 30 m 98 ft
Cancun 10 m 33 ft
Merida 10 m 33 ft
Acapulco 10 m 33 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest point in Mexico?

The highest point in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba, at 5,636 m (18,491 ft) above sea level.

What is the lowest point in Mexico?

The lowest point in Mexico is Laguna Salada, at 10 m (33 ft) below sea level.

What is the average elevation of Mexico?

The average elevation of Mexico is 1,111 m (3,645 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.

What is the highest-elevation city in Mexico?

Real de Catorce is the highest-elevation city in Mexico, at 2,728 m (8,950 ft) above sea level.

What is the lowest-elevation city in Mexico?

Of the cities listed for Mexico, Acapulco is the lowest, at 10 m (33 ft) above sea level.

What is the elevation range in Mexico?

Elevation in Mexico ranges from 10 m (33 ft) below sea level at Laguna Salada to 5,636 m (18,491 ft) at Pico de Orizaba, a difference of 5,646 m (18,524 ft).