Mezquital Valley

The Mezquital Valley is a series of small valleys and flat areas located in central Mexico in the western part of the state of Hidalgo. It is part of the Trans-Mexico Volcanic Belt, with elevations ranging from 1,700 meters (5,600 ft) to 2,100 meters (6,900 ft) above sea level. The valley region is one of the main semi-arid regions of Mexico, with native vegetation dominated by cacti, mesquite and maguey trees with pines and oaks at higher elevations. The valley was sparsely populated and a very poor area, but by the turn of the 20th century, irrigation works were established to take advantage of the water in the Tula River, along with sewage drained from the Valley of Mexico for agriculture. Today, the valley produces many grains and products, including a quarter of the green chili peppers grown in Mexico.