The vast majority of tropical Mexico & Central America’s cities seem to be settled in this manner as well, it’s lovely. I wonder if it’s a lack of rivers, isl

The vast majority of tropical Mexico & Central America’s cities seem to be settled in this manner as well, it’s lovely. I wonder if it’s a lack of rivers, islands, and ports that led to this vs Southeast Asia’s cities mostly being at sea level. Although Colombia has rivers & ports, and still is mostly settled in the mountains. Odd.