Mesoamerica is traditionally divided into several regions based on cultural and historical characteristics. The most commonly recognized regions are:
- Central Mexico: This region includes the Valley of Mexico and surrounding areas where advanced civilizations like the Aztecs thrived.
- Gulf Coast: This area encompasses regions around the Gulf of Mexico, including the Olmec civilization, known as one of the earliest Mesoamerican cultures.
- Oaxaca: Renowned for the Zapotecs and Mixtecs, this region is rich in archaeological sites and cultural history.
- Yucatán Peninsula: Home to the Maya civilization, this region features impressive ancient cities like Tikal and Chichen Itza.
- Highlands: This includes various regions that were home to the Mixe-Zoque and other civilizations, known for their unique developments in agriculture.
- North Mesoamerica: Sometimes referred to, this includes areas stretching towards the American Southwest with influences from both Mesoamerican and North American cultures.
In total, Mesoamerica consists of these key regions, each contributing uniquely to the rich tapestry of Mesoamerican history and culture. The exact number of regions can vary based on different scholarly sources, but the six mentioned are widely accepted.