Mexico & Central America: Regional Map and Introduction
 Select a mountain from the clickable map above |
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Mexico
# ... The central Mexican volcanic belt contains the three highest volcanoes in North America, along with a multitude of smaller volcanic peaks. The tallest and most famous among these volcanoes, El Pico de Orizaba, Popocatepetl, and Iztaccihuatl, are the 3rd, 5th, and 7th highest peaks in North America. They are the only peaks in Mexico or Central America to support permanent glaciers, although snow does also fall in winter on the other high peaks of Mexico. Access to these peaks is quite easy, with roads and trails to all of them, and the ascents are non-technical, the chief difficulty being altitude. However, several of the Mexican volcanoes are quite active, with Popo now erupting violently and Volcan de Colima (the neighbor of Nevado de Colima) being continually active. Ski descents have been made on the three major peaks, and perhaps on others as well. |
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| Central America
# ... A major volcanic arc stretches the entire length of Central America, a chain of dozens of large and small stratovolcanoes formed by subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate along the offshore Middle America Trench. Many of these volcanoes are quite active, but the dense tropical jungle and frequent rain and mist has limited thorough exploration. The tropical climate and modest elevation (compared to Mexican and South American peaks) make snowfall a very rare occurrence, but the inactive Volcan Tajumulco in Guatemala, the highest peak in Central America, does receive some snowfall. |