Hiking the legendary volcanoes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl is a dream for many outdoor enthusiasts. These towering peaks offer breathtaking landscapes, thrilling challenges, and an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Mexico’s natural beauty. While many hikers attempt to summit these giants, an incredible alternative is the Paso de Cortés Altzomoni trek, which I personally did. Unfortunately, the day I hiked, visibility was terrible, so I didn’t even realize how stunning the views were until looking at online photos later! 🤦♀️
This guide covers everything you need to know about hiking in this region, including how to get there, what to expect, what to pack, and my personal experience hiking with Travesías México, the company that organized my trip. (You can check them out here: Travesías México). Let’s dive in! 🏔️✨
How to Get There 🚗🗺️
The volcanoes are located in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, roughly halfway between Mexico City and Puebla. The most common starting point for hikes in this area is Paso de Cortés, the mountain pass that separates the two peaks. Here’s how to get there:
- From Mexico City: You can take a bus to Amecameca and then hire a taxi or private transport to Paso de Cortés.
- From Puebla: You can drive or take a bus to Cholula, then arrange transportation to the park.
- Tour Companies: If you prefer a hassle-free option (like I did), Travesías México organizes guided hikes, which include transport from Mexico City. 🚐
Once you arrive, you’ll need to register at the national park entrance and pay a small fee. The park rangers will give you a briefing on current conditions and safety guidelines before you start your trek. 🎟️
The Hike: Paso de Cortés Altzomoni 🥾🌄
For those who don’t want to summit Iztaccíhuatl but still crave an adventurous trek, Paso de Cortés Altzomoni is an excellent alternative. This scenic route takes you through stunning landscapes, offering panoramic views of both volcanoes on a clear day. (Which, again, I didn’t get to see because of the fog! 😂) Hiking Paso de Cortés is an unforgettable experience for outdoor lovers.
Trail Details
- Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: Around 1,600 feet (500 meters)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Complete: 5-7 hours
The trail starts at Paso de Cortés and gradually ascends through rugged terrain, passing through forests and open ridges. If the weather is clear, you’ll see breathtaking views of Popocatépetl’s smoking crater and Iztaccíhuatl’s glacier-covered peaks. 🏔️🔥 Hiking Paso de Cortés also allows you to witness some of the best volcanic landscapes in Mexico.
One highlight of this hike is reaching Refugio Altzomoni, a small mountain hut that offers a great resting point. This is a great place to refuel before heading back.
I was hiking with a group that hadn’t hiked at elevation before, and my experience living in Denver definitely helped. While they took their time to adjust to the altitude, they were still affected by it, which is something to keep in mind if you’re coming from sea level. If you’re planning on hiking Paso de Cortés, give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude before setting off.
The Silhouette of Iztaccíhuatl & Its Legends 🌄👀
One of the most breathtaking moments of my hike happened during a brief break in the clouds—I finally caught a glimpse of Iztaccíhuatl’s famous silhouette. From certain angles, the mountain resembles a sleeping woman, perfectly aligning with the legendary Aztec tale of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Seeing this in person was surreal, and even with the overcast conditions, the shape of the mountain was unmistakable. If you’re lucky enough to be hiking Paso de Cortés on a clear day, you’ll see the full outline of her “head,” “chest,” and “feet” lying against the sky. It’s an unforgettable sight and a stunning reminder of the region’s deep cultural history.
According to Aztec legend, Iztaccíhuatl was a beautiful princess who fell in love with the warrior Popocatépetl. When Popocatépetl went to war, a rival suitor falsely told Iztaccíhuatl that he had died in battle. Overcome with grief, she died of a broken heart. When Popocatépetl returned victorious and discovered her fate, he carried her body to the mountains, where he stood vigil over her, his fiery torch never extinguished. This is why Popocatépetl still smokes to this day.
What to Wear 🧥🩳
The weather in the park can shift rapidly from warm and sunny to cold and windy. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt to these changes as you ascend. 🧥 When hiking Paso de Cortés, proper gear is essential.
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal top and bottom to keep sweat off your skin.
- Mid Layer: Insulating fleece or down jacket for warmth.
- Outer Layer: A waterproof, windproof shell jacket to protect against rain, snow, or strong winds.
Hiking Pants & Footwear
- Hiking Pants or Leggings: Opt for lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking pants. Convertible pants work well for varying weather conditions. Avoid cotton!
- Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with ankle support are a must.
- Wool Socks: Keep your feet warm and blister-free, even if they get wet.
Altitude Sickness & How to Avoid It 😷🥾
Some of the hikers in my group experienced altitude sickness, so if you’re not used to high elevations, be prepared. Here are some ways to avoid it when hiking Paso de Cortés:
- Acclimate: Spend a few days in Mexico City or another high-altitude location before hiking Paso de Cortés.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and during your hike.
- Pace Yourself: Move slowly, take breaks, and listen to your body.
- Electrolytes & Carbs: Eat snacks rich in carbs and electrolytes.
Final Thoughts 🏕️🌋
Whether you’re attempting to summit Iztaccíhuatl or opting for the Paso de Cortés Altzomoni trek, this region offers a breathtaking and rewarding experience. Even with bad visibility, I had an amazing adventure, and I’d absolutely do it again. If you’re considering hiking Paso de Cortés, I highly recommend going with Travesías México for a stress-free experience. Just cross your fingers for better weather than I had! 🤞😂
Would you go hiking Paso de Cortés? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 🌍🏔️