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Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park

Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Mexico City: Guided Volcano Trek with Lunch

1. Mexico City: Guided Volcano Trek with Lunch

Meet your guide, then leave the busy streets of Mexico City behind as you head out into the surrounding landscapes towards Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park. Start off with an exploration of the lower parts of the volcanoes at the Paso de Cortes. Follow your guide as you trek through the wilderness, soaking up epic views of the volcanoes while learning about their history and activity. Walk up to the Cerro Altzomoni where you can marvel at Popocatepetl and its fumarole.  Afterwards, descend towards the Amalacaxco Ravine to see an array of native flora and fauna. Return to Paso de Cortes, then travel back to the city, stopping at a traditional market along the way for a delicious and well-deserved lunch.

From Mexico City: Iztaccihuatl Volcano Hike with an Alpinist

2. From Mexico City: Iztaccihuatl Volcano Hike with an Alpinist

Depart Mexico City and spend the day touring the Izta-Popo National Park. Head to the foothills of Popocatépetl to start your hike up Iztaccíhuatl from the base of the dormant volcanic mountain. Take in the beautiful scenery and fresh air as you walk in a small group. Your own skill level will determine how high the hike will go, so you won't feel strained beyond your abilities. Popocatépetl is Mexico’s 2nd highest peak and part of the tour offers splendid views of the valley and village of Amecameca below. Marvel at the 3,700-meter high mountain of La Joya in the famous Paso de Cortés, named after the Spanish conquistadors who crossed it on their way to Mexico-Tenochtitlan in 1519.  Descend the mountain for a light lunch in the foothills to replenish your energy. Then, commence the return trip to Mexico City and reflect on the tranquility of the mountain and the miraculous wonder of nature.

From Mexico City: Cholula Pyramid & Puebla Small Group Tour

3. From Mexico City: Cholula Pyramid & Puebla Small Group Tour

Arrive in the city of Cholula and visit the Great Pyramid, with a basement that looks like an archaeological site (comparable to the Pyramid of Giza in Egypt). Ascend to the Our Lady of Remedies Church, a church built on top of the pyramid. Later, visit the church of Santa María Tonantzintla - unique for its interior decoration composed of indigenous motifs and Catholic elements. Learn about how the Indigenous peoples of Tonatzintla wanted to represent Tlaloc, the god of rain, in the dome of the sky chapel. Witness how every little carved face is not an angel, but rather an Indigenous person who died and was reincarnated in the sky. Finally, visit the church of San Francisco Acatepec - a beautiful and unforgettable church. After this, discover one of Mexico's cities with the greatest cultural heritage during a fascinating tour of “Puebla de los Ángeles”. Admire the extraordinary scenery protected by the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. Visit the cathedral, which is cross-shaped and consists of 5 naves. See how the central altar was constructed in an octagonal shape whilst the other 4 altars face in the direction of compass points. Marvel at the bell towers which are the largest in Mexico. Continue on to visit the famous Capilla del Rosario, which in its day was considered as one of the 8 wonders of the world. Step inside the chapel to see a statue of the Virgin of the Rosary, surrounded by numerous saints, angels, and martyrs. At the end of the tour, visit La Iglesia de la Compañia, where you will find the dress style now known as China Poblana - a white blouse and colorful embroidered red and green shirt - which has evolved to include the national symbols of Mexico, an eagle clutching a snake, and a prickly pear cactus. Learn about how women who wear this dress usually braid their hair on 2 sides tied with red, white, and green ribbons. At 4 PM return to Mexico City where your tour will end.

From Puebla: Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl Volcanoes Hike

4. From Puebla: Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl Volcanoes Hike

After pickup from your accommodation in Puebla, head out towards Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park. After 2 hours, you’ll arrive at La Joyita, where you’ll register with officials and gain a better understanding of the route via a scale model of the volcanoes. From there, you’ll continue driving to La Joya, 13,133 feet above sea level, and the main parking area for volcanic exploration. Begin your hike, climbing to the first scenic viewpoint at 13,914 feet above sea level. Gaze out across the breathtaking vista before climbing even higher, to 14,340 feet, where you’ll pause again, finally ending your hike at an unbelievable 14,842 feet above sea level. Break for lunch, taking in the otherworldly views. Afterwards, you’ll descend back to the parking lots, before heading back to your accommodation.

Mexico City: 2-Day Iztaccihuatl Mountain Summit

5. Mexico City: 2-Day Iztaccihuatl Mountain Summit

On the first day of your tour, you will leave Mexico City for the Paso de Cortes. Once having arrived, you will register before proceeding to the Altzomoni Hut. You will then go for an acclimatization walk to the first pass on the mountain, before returning to the hut to eat dinner and to get an early night's rest. You will wake early on the second day, with departure for the summit scheduled for approximately 2:00AM. After 10 hours of hiking, you will be expected to arrive to the peak (5,220 meters) at around midday. Once at the peak, you will be granted with a break to enjoy the views before returning to the hut and being transported back to Amecameca for a highly-deserved hot meal.

Iztaccihuatl Guided Climb

6. Iztaccihuatl Guided Climb

Get ready for your climb and discover the beautiful countryside that surrounds this emblematic volcanic mountain. Arrive at the first pass and see the other side of the mountain, giving you magnificent views of the volcano Popocatepetl. Continue climbing to a scree slope and arrive at the third pass, passing again to the other side of the mountain where you will be able to see the city of Puebla and the impressive Pico de Orizaba, the highest point in Mexico.  Continue on the last climb to be able to reach our destination, the 100 Hut at 4,720 meters above sea level.

From Mexico City: Puebla, Taxco & Prehispanic Mine in 2 Days

7. From Mexico City: Puebla, Taxco & Prehispanic Mine in 2 Days

Take 2 of the most popular day trips from Mexico City on consecutive days and explore 3 of the country's most fascinating locations. Travel back in time to the colonial era and marvel at the monuments of Cholula, Puebla, and Taxco. See one of Mexico's grandest cathedrals, get stunning views of the volcanoes of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, get the opportunity to buy traditional crafts, and more. Day 1: Puebla and Cholula Benefit from pick-up at your centrally located meeting point in Mexico City, and journey to the historical cities of Cholula and Puebla. Take a 2-hour journey that passes through mountains and offers breathtaking views of the beautiful Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes. Upon arrival in Cholula, admire the hundreds of churches and visit the impressive Church of Santa María de Tonantzintla, built in an indigenous-Baroque style that stands out for its interior of gold and wealth of decorative elements. Continue to the city of Puebla, located just 15 minutes from Cholula. Popularly known as the “City of Angels,” Puebla is one of the 5 most important colonial cities in Mexico. Enjoy a delicious lunch (not included) to experience the gastronomic variety of the city. Choose from a simple and traditional semita (small, sweet loaves) or the exquisite and laborious mole poblano (a thick, rich, chocolate-tinged sauce).  Then, take a walking tour through the historical center and see the 16th and 18th-century buildings along with the main Plaza de Armas (also known as the "Zócalo"). Admire the cathedral, which began in 1575 under the orders of Philip II of Spain. Take a look at the Church of Santo Domingo with its portal of a pure classic style, and then experience the buzz of the crafts market and find beautiful and traditional Talavera figurines. Sample sweet treats, such as sweet potatoes prepared in different flavors. Return to your original meeting point for drop-off at the end of the day.  Day 2: Taxco and Prehispanic Mine Continue to the colonial city of Taxco, and journey through hundreds of years of history along the cobblestone streets and cozy squares. Feel the strong old-world ambiance that has withstood the passing of time, and discover the Church of Santa Prisca. See and buy art pieces from Mexican artisans. Then, discover an incredible pre-Hispanic mine and find out how the ancient residents extracted precious materials before the conquest.

From Puebla: Hiking Iztaccihuatl & Izta-Popo-Zoquiapan Park

8. From Puebla: Hiking Iztaccihuatl & Izta-Popo-Zoquiapan Park

Hike on Iztaccihuatl, an inactive volcano and the third-highest mountain in Mexico. Indulge in a wine and cheese tasting on the mountain and admire the beautiful surroundings and views of Popcatépel Volcano. Begin the tour with pickup from your accommodation in Puebla, and transfer to communities nearby the national park, to buy locally produced food to enjoy on the hiking tour in the park. Travel to Izta-Popo-Zoquiapan National Park, an approximately two hours drive. Arrive at the park and start registration, and learn more about the park's flora and fauna from the host and the volcanoes' legends. Admire the incredible view of the volcanoes, and take photos of the active volcano Popcatépetl, and begin the acclimatization process for the rest of the trip. Advance a few more kilometers by car to the starting poit for the walk. Be outfitted with your safety equipment for the trek, and start the walk at roughly 3,900 meters above sea level, and reach a maximum of 4,500 meters above sea level. Enjoy drinks and snacks at this point, where the stop is perfect for special events like anniversaries, proposals, and vow renewals. Marvel at the views of the surroundings and indulge in a hot drink. Begin the descent from here, and once you are down the mountain, enjoy a wine and cheese pairing and toast to your special event. Finish the tour with drop-off at your Puebla accommodation.

Other Sightseeing Options in Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park

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What people are saying about Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 158 reviews

This trek was one of the highlights of our trip to Mexico City! It was great to get out of town for a day. The hike was perfect— a workout, but not grueling. 7 or 8 miles and approx. 1,000 ft of climbing (starting around 12,000 ft). Fantastic scenery, especially of Popocateptl, and our guide was friendly and knowledgable.

Patient guide. Much more difficult than even an athlete would expect. Virtually no chance of strength or especially time to get to summit. Goal should be 13,000 feet. Download altimeter app. Take 64-80 ounces if water. Wrap feet heavily. Hiking shoes because you will slide on your butt a lot if rhe way down without them.

One of the best guides I ever had and I had many :) Super fun, felt very safe and amazing background informations! Super Service, especially they prepared a picnic at the end of the tour, super exciting and great surprise :)

Albert was the most amazing guide ever. It was almost a private tour (only 2people) and everything was taking care of. The hike is physical but definetely worthy.

My guide (Marco) was excellent! Very friendly, knowledgable about the environment/history and just really fun to be with. I recommend this trip! 5*