The Altiplano Central and the two Sierra Madres end where they meet the Cordillera Neovolcánica. This volcanic range, running east-west across the middle of Mexico, includes the active volcanoes Popocatépetl (5452m) and Volcán de Fuego de Colima (3960m), as well as the nation's other highest peaks – Pico de Orizaba (5611m) and Iztaccí huatl (5286m) – and its youngest volcano, Patricutín (2800m), which appeared only in 1943.

Mexico City lies in the heart of the volcanic country, 70km Northwest of Popocatépetl.