Mexico City is sinking at a pace so rapid it can now be seen from space, according to a NASA report released on April 29. Satellite data shows parts of the city subsiding by more than 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) per month, making it one of the fastest-sinking major cities in the world.
The sprawling metropolis, home to around 22 million people, sits atop an ancient aquifer that supplies roughly 60% of its drinking water. Decades of over-extraction have caused the ground above it to collapse, worsening an already severe water crisis and raising fears of a potential “day zero” scenario.
Rapid urban expansion has further intensified the problem, as the weight of new infrastructure presses down on the city’s soft, clay-rich soil. The effects are already visible, with cracked roads, tilting buildings, and damage to public transport systems reported across the capital.
Despite these growing challenges, the city remains a cultural hub with much to offer visitors. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Mexico’s vibrant capital but don’t know where to start, there’s still plenty to explore. Click through and discover the many neighborhoods that make this eclectic city unique.