Magdalena Contreras lies in the southwest area of the Valley of Mexico along the lower eastern slopes of the Sierra de las Cruces which is a volcanic mountain range. The geographic features of the borough stretch from foothills to the lower mountains of the volcanic range. The hills and mountains are separated by ravines and canyons. Major elevations include Cerro Panza (), Nezehuiloya (), Pico Acoconetla (), Cerro Palmitas (), Cerro Palmas (), Piedras Encimadas (), El Aguajito (), Tarumba (), Cerro del Judío (), Cerro Sasacapa (), and Cerro San Miguel () . Principle canyons and ravines which are located in the center of the borough include Tlalpuente, Cainotitas, Atzoma, and Tejocote.