Local drug gangs and movies have for the longest time portrayed Mexico as a risky place. While most of the theories pursued in films may be true, it doesn’t take away Mexico’s incredible geographical disposition.

From amazing flora and fauna to breathtaking landscapes, Mexico’s diversity has never ceased to amaze. Selecting a few of the areas to explore from the possible many can sometimes be a daunting task.

Here are Mexico’s beautiful natural wonders to check out.

9 Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon tops the list of Mexico’s best natural wonders. It is a group of six canyons covering a whooping 65,000 square kilometers. The canyons are formations of six rivers that later merge and empty at the Gulf of California. The name of this canyon is derived from the color of its side walls, which is primarily copper green. This wonder is also painted with amazing flora and fauna with cougars and figs being the most pronounced.

  • Location: Chihuahua

Related: Bucket-List Mexico: Top Tourist Destinations You Need To See

8 Whale Shark Migration

A whale shark is not just any other fish. It is the biggest classification of animals that ever existed. Something more fascinating about them is their migration patterns. But what makes these whales hop from one sea to the next? Whether it is for mating purposes or searching for food, watching these huge animals slither through the Yucatan Peninsula is a satisfying experience. Swimming with a shark is a nerve-jerking experience, but relatively safe since these animals are harmless when unprovoked.

  • Location: Yucatan Peninsula

Related: 8 Reasons To Make Mexico Your First International Vacation

7 Hierve Al Agua

Also known as the frozen waterfall, Hierve Al Agua is a popular tourist destination in North America. Adventurers have every reason to believe that indeed it is a frozen waterfall, thanks to its appearance. They are calcified rocks formed after water with high mineral concentrations trickles away leaving the mineral deposits behind. A short distance from the rock is a viewpoint where vacationers have a 360-degree view of the spectacle.

  • Location: Oaxaca

6 Cenote X’keken

Wonders in Mexico will never cease. Cenote X’keken is a good example to show why vacationers never get enough of Mexico. This spot is mostly frequented by nature lovers who want to take a dip into the Mexican waters and swim along with the stalactites. X’keken is a fairly shallow spot of all other cenotes, making it a safe ground for swimming.

  • Location: Valladolid

5 Potrero Chico

The Mexican topography never disappoints. From ranges to depressions, one day is never enough in Mexico. Part of the wonderful ranges to tour is Potrero Chico. From a distance, these mountains feel more like the ruins of a collapsed empire. But on a close view, they are unique hills that have assumed incredible patterns to resemble ruins. Potrero Chico is a popular mountain climbing spot in Northern America. With peaks of up to 2,000 feet, adventurers have a unique opportunity to enjoy Mexico’s serene environment from up there.

  • Location: Nuevo León

4 Sotano De Las Golondrinas

Popularly known as The Cave of Swallows, Sotano de las Golondrinas is the world’s largest cave shaft. The mysteries surrounding this cave are part of the reasons why it is rated highly globally. The cave is the perfect destination for thrill lovers who adore going the extra mile to quench their exploration thirst. The cave is home to multiple bird species, which create a beautiful view as they fly in and out of the poorly-lit cave.

  • Location: Xilitla

3 Tule Tree

Found in a church ground in Santa Maria, the Tule Tree is a Mexican wonder that visitors need to explore. It is believed to be among the oldest living things right now. Initially, there was the assumption that it was more than one tree, but further analysis has shown that it has a single trunk. With a 14-meter diameter, this tree is by far the widest in the world. Many theories have emerged to explain the origin of the tree with all of them concluding that the tree is more than 1000 years old. The tree is also home to several bird species and other small climbing animals.

  • Location: Santa Maria

2 Pico De Orizaba

It is never a dull day for mountain climbers in Mexico. They have a wide range of options to choose from with the latest being Pico de Orizaba. Standing at 18,491 feet above sea level, this mountain is North America’s highest volcano, which creates quite a scene in that part of the world. Its strategic positioning on the border of two states gives hikers a chance to explore Mexico effortlessly. The green vegetation on the foot of the mountain makes the area look even better.

  • Location: Veracruz & Puebla

1 Chinampas

Also known as the floating garden, Chinampas have a huge history in Mexico and have since been adopted as a global agricultural system. From far, the trees growing around the garden appear upside down thanks to the sun’s reflection. Taking pictures alone in the area is an oddly satisfying experience on its own.

  • Location: Mexico City