The Central Mexican Plateau, also known as the Mexican Altiplano, is a large arid to semi-arid plateau located in the central part of Mexico. This region is one of the most extensive highlands in the country and plays a crucial role in both the geography and the history of Mexico.
The Central Mexican Plateau spans across several Mexican states including Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, and parts of Mexico State, Puebla, and Tlaxcala. It's bounded by the Sierra Madre Oriental to the east, the Sierra Madre Occidental to the west, and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt to the south. The plateau sits at an average elevation of about 2,000 meters above sea level.
The climate varies from arid to semi-arid with temperature extremes. Winters can be quite cold, especially at higher elevations, while summers are warm to hot. The area is characterized by low precipitation, making it suitable for certain types of agriculture like agave cultivation, which is vital for the production of Tequila and Mezcal.
The Central Mexican Plateau has been a focal point for human civilization since ancient times:
The plateau supports a diverse economy:
Due to its arid nature, the Central Mexican Plateau faces challenges like water scarcity, soil erosion, and desertification. Efforts are being made to manage water resources sustainably and to protect the unique ecosystems found in the region.