Climb the Iztaccihuatl Volcano

Amecameca, Mexico

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

6 miles

Elevation Gain

4140 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Javier Casillas

The Iztaccíhuatl is the third highest mountain in México. It is a very substantial climb up to 17,170 ft. It can be done in a two-day trip.

To reach the Izta-Popo National Park from the city of Puebla, you will have to drive 31 miles on the open road to "Paso de Cortés" towards San Nicolás de los ranchos. Once in the National Park, you have to register and pay 32 pesos. After you are registered you can drive 4.5 miles to "La joyita" which is the place where you leave your car and start to ascent to the Iztaccíhuatl.

You can camp anywhere in the National Park, but to climb the volcano, the best option is to do it in La joyita. The route is known as "La ruta de las rodillas". The ascent begins at 13,030 ft. The route offers a shelter at 16,000 ft. The summit is 17,170 ft. And the time it takes to rise from La joyita is (at a good pace) 6 hours and another 4 to descend.

This volcano and this route is visited by mountaineers from around the world. The route is well marked and has amazing scenery. It is a very high mountain and you should show great respect and care when ascending to prevent any accidents.

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Features

Photography
Camping
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest

Climb the Iztaccihuatl Volcano Reviews

What's super important to note on this route is that the elevation gain described here doesn't include the ascents + descents of the volcano's craters. There are actually three summits climbers have to navigate before reaching the true top, and the total gain is somewhere around 5 - 5k feet. For those looking to climb Izta during a day trip, the registration office opens around 7am and is a 20-30 min drive on a rough road to the trailhead, making your earliest starting time between 7:30 and 8am.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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