tehuacán cuicatlán valley
states: [mexico]
category: mixed
year: 2018
region: Latin America and the Caribbean
latitude/longitude: 17.9899611111, -97.1871527778
unesco id: 1534
world heritage site: 1534
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The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico, is a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its unique ecological and cultural significance. This arid region features one of the richest concentrations of columnar cacti in the world and evidence of early human agriculture, including the domestication of crops like maize dating back over 5,000 years. Its fossil deposits, ancient water management systems, and archaeological sites highlight its importance as a cradle of Mesoamerican civilization. The valley’s striking landscapes and scientific value make it a globally recognized treasure.