Ajusco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ajusco |
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Ajusco, view from UNAM
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,930 m (12,890 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Ajusco
Location in Mexico
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| Parent range | Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Pliocene-Pleistocene |
| Mountain type | Lava dome volcano |
| Volcanic belt | Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Trail |
Ajusco is a tall volcano located just south of Mexico City, Mexico. It stands about 3,930 m (12,894 ft) high, making it the highest point in the city. It's a special type of volcano called a lava dome.
Contents
What Does Ajusco Mean?
The name Ajusco comes from the Náhuatl language. This was the language spoken by the Aztec people. The word can mean "source of waters" or "watered grove."
This area is very important for water. The Lerma River and Balsas River get some of their water from here. Also, many strong springs near the peak help supply water to Mexico City.
How Ajusco Was Formed
Ajusco is a lava dome volcano. This means it was created by thick, sticky lava that piled up around a vent. It formed a long time ago, during the Pliocene and Pleistocene periods. The area around it has deposits from old lava and ash flows.
Ajusco is part of a mountain range called the Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin. This range includes other volcanoes like Xitle (3,128 m (10,262 ft)), Tláloc (3,690 m (12,106 ft)), Pelado (3,620 m (11,877 ft)), Cuautzin (3,510 m (11,516 ft)), and Chichinautzin (3,470 m (11,385 ft)). This whole range is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. This large volcanic belt crosses central Mexico and has the country's highest peaks.
Nature and Wildlife
The mountains in this area make up about half of the Mexican Federal District. The rest of the district is where Mexico City is located.
This region is very important for protecting local nature. Its forests are filled with oak, pine, and fir trees. These forests are home to unique animals. You can find the teporingo rabbit and the volcano mouse here. These animals are found nowhere else in the world.
Fun Things to Do and See
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The area around Ajusco is a popular spot for people from Mexico City and tourists. There are many fun activities to do. You can go mountain biking, horseback riding, or motorcycling. Hiking and climbing are also popular.
In winter, it can even snow here, which is rare for areas around Mexico City. From the mountain, you can see amazing views of the Valley of Mexico. On clear days, you can see the city's skyscrapers. You might also spot the Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl, and Nevado de Toluca volcanoes. Parts of the Valley of Cuernavaca are also visible.
The Ajusco area is also home to some well-known places:
- Six Flags México: This is the largest amusement park in Latin America.
- TV Azteca: A major television network.
- National Pedagogic University: A university focused on education.
- UNAM radio transmission center: A radio station.
- Fondo de Cultura Económica: A famous publishing house.
- El Colegio de México: A respected research and higher education institution.
At the very top of the volcano, people have found ancient artifacts. These show that people lived or visited this site long before the Spanish arrived.
See also
In Spanish: Ajusco para niños
