THE 7 NATURAL REGIONS OF VERACRUZ AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - GEOGRAPHY - 2024

The seven natural regions of Veracruz are Huasteca veracruzana, Sierra de Huayacocotla, Totonacapan, Grandes Montañas, Llanuras de Sotavento, Los Tuxtlas and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The state of Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave has a land area of ​​71 826 km².

This area is widely known for its vast cultural activity and for the variety of ecosystems found there. Veracruz is located in the east of the United Mexican States and its capital is the city of Xalapa-Enríquez, popularly known as Jalapa.

Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz nature reserve

It is bordered to the east by the Gulf of Mexico, to the south by Oaxaca, to the west by Hidalgo and Puebla, to the southeast by Chiapas and Tabasco, and to the northeast by San Luis Potosí. However, one of the most emblematic destinations is the homonymous city of Veracruz, where the busiest commercial port in all of Mexico is located.

In Veracruz there is a variety of natural environments: plains, valleys, mountains, beaches, rivers and lagoons. This diversity makes this state a favorite destination for tourist activity, including the practice of extreme sports.

The state of Veracruz has seven natural regions or geographic zones delimited by relief, hydrographic, climatological, fauna and / or vegetation characteristics.

The most important differentiating elements of each of these natural regions are described below.

Huasteca Veracruz

This region stands out for the presence of exotic landscapes formed mostly by rivers, fine sand beaches, streams, lagoons, savannas and estuaries.

The Huasteca Veracruz is made up of 34 municipalities and borders the states of San Luis Potosí, Puebla, Hidalgo and Tamaulipas.

This region has high temperatures in most of its extension. However, there is also a high percentage of humidity in the environment, which facilitates the practice of agriculture.

In addition, the Huasteca Veracruz has an important livestock activity, and since the last century oil exploitation has been a fundamental pillar of the region's economy.

There is also a great abundance of fishing resources and the practice of water sports in the Huasteca of Veracruz is the order of the day.

Sierra de Huayacocotla

The Sierra de Huayacocotla is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental, and is specifically located in the area called Huasteca Baja, more than 2,100 meters above sea level.

This natural region owes its name to the Huayacocotla municipality, located north of the state of Veracruz. It is an area of ​​intricate, elevated and brittle relief, with temperatures close to 14 ° C (annual average).

It is a sector of great festive activity. The inhabitants of Huayacocotla treasure traditional Mexican celebrations and pay special attention to the preservation of their cultural roots.

Totonacapan

This area owes its name to the Totonac culture, who inhabited this territory from the 4th to the 16th century.

The Totonacapan region is located north of the state of Veracruz and represents almost 6% of the surface of the state.

Due to its historical and cultural background, Totonacapan has innumerable archaeological remains, which make this area a highly tourist destination.

In addition, they highlight the practice of agricultural activities, such as the planting of beans, corn, coffee, banana, mandarin, papaya and green chili, in addition to the raising of cattle and pigs.

The relief of the Totonacapan region is relatively flat. It only has some elevations of land, flat and of a height equal to or less than 500 meters high, popularly named as hills.

Great Mountains

The Great Mountains region runs through the central area of ​​the state of Veracruz. The highest mountainous elevations in the entire country converge there.

Also known as the High Mountains, this region is the ideal setting for mountaineers and hikers, both amateur and experienced. This is precisely one of its greatest attractions.

The highest point in all of Mexico is in the region of the Great Mountains, and corresponds to the Citlaltépetl, which is located at 5610 meters above sea level.

This volcano, also known as the Pico de Orizaba volcano, is part of the homonymous national park declared as such on December 1, 1936. The fauna and flora of this national park are exceptional.

Leeward Plains

They are located in the central section of the state of Veracruz, right next to the Great Mountains region.

It limits to the east with the Gulf of Mexico. This makes possible the presence of coastal plains that largely border this natural region.

The designation "leeward" indicates that this sector is under the wind. This meaning is due to the wind cut that is generated north of the plains, in the Neo Volcanic mountain range.

In general, it is a flat area in its entirety. The climate is warm and there is a strong rainy season in the months of July, August and September.

Los Tuxtlas

This natural region stands out for its varied character, since all kinds of natural environments and landscapes coexist there: beaches, volcanoes, mountains, jungles, rivers, swamps, mangroves, lakes, pools and caverns.

Los Tuxtlas are located in the southeast of the state of Veracruz, and it has a great variety of climates, fauna and flora under its belt.

It stands out for being a rainy region throughout the year, and temperatures range between 12 ° C and 30 ° C.

In addition, it has the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, a vast region of environmental protection that covers more than 150,000 hectares. This reserve is a favorite destination for the practice of adventure tourism.

Isthmus of Tehuantepec

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is the narrowest part of all of Mexico. It is found in the states of Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas and Oaxaca, and is characterized by the preservation of the indigenous values ​​of its inhabitants.

This region has important oil and wood reserves. In addition, colonial constructions and archaeological sites relevant to the Mexican cultural and historical heritage prevail.

References

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