Details
Trip Duration
2 days
Mountain Range
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
People per Guide
2 people
Trip Level
Sustained
Offer Period
Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov, Dec
Type of Trip
Private
Highlights
- Reach the summit of the third highest mountain in Mexico.
- Explore the stunning Iztaccihuatl mountain.
- Take part in a demanding ascent with an experienced guide.
Iztaccihuatl or Sleeping Woman is the third highest mountain in the country with 5286 m.
It lies on the border between the state of Puebla and the state of Mexico, east of Mexico City. Iztaccihuatl is located in front of the majestic Popocatépetl (5500 m), a volcano with constant activity. It is a high mountain hike with medium difficulty. We need to use equipment for walking on snow and glaciers during this climb.
I propose to you the following itinerary for this 2-day ascent.
Day 1
We leave Mexico City at 10AM. We cross the village of Amecameca, have a light lunch and buy the food we will need. Then we stop in Paso de Cortes to pay the entry permits to Izta-Popo National Park. We arrive at the parking Joyita, we prepare the cars and equipment (altitude 3950 m).
I propose to do the traditional and less technical route. We start walking in the “Joyita” (location used as a parking). Then we climb a quiet slope up to the first gate (or coyote step). We continue until the second gate and finally to the hill from where we can observe Puebla and Mexico City. The walk continues to the hut of “Los Cien” (4600 m), where it is common to rest, either camping or using the hut. We should consider that we will be walking all this way with a large backpack with the equipment required to spend the night (weighing about 10kg). However, the route is on a marked trail, without danger and with low degree of difficulty.
Day 2
The next day we continue the trek with an “attack” backpack. The climb to “Las Rodillas” is a more technical part and there are several steps of rock ascent. We surround a first crater to finally reach the glacier “La Panza”. It is highly recommended to use crampons and sometimes it is compulsory. Everything depends on the ice conditions. Then the ascent continues to the glacier “del Pecho”. We cross it and we reach the summit (5240 m), where the use of crampons is mandatory. It is also essential to make the walk with axe and helmet.
This is the classic route, the noblest and the one I recommend we use.
Duration: the first day between 3 and 5 hours and the second day 4 to 6 hours, plus the descent from the camp to the parking 2-3 hours, depending on the progress and weather conditions.
We return to the cars around 4PM. We eat Quecas and return to Mexico City at 7PM at the latest.
If you want to join or have some questions, contact me! I would love taking you there!
Also, you can ascend the Xinantecatl Volcano on this 1-day program.
Price per person
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation
- All meals during trip
- Transport to the start of the trip
- Group equipment
- Permit and entrance fees
What happens if I need to cancel the trip?
If you decide to cancel, you’ll get a 100% refund (minus fees) if the cancellation is notified up to 60 days before the start of the tour, a 75% refund (minus fees) if you cancel between 59 and 30 days before the start of the tour, and a 50% refund if you cancel between 29 and 21 days before the start of the tour. If you cancel less than 21 days before the first day of the tour, you won’t receive a refund.
Take into account, however, that if accommodation, flights or transfers were included in the trip you booked, then a different policy may apply as the guide will be bound by the provider’s cancellation policy.
What happens if the guide cancels the trip because of bad weather/unsuitable conditions?
If bad weather or unsuitable conditions force the guide to cancel the trip, he or she will: a) propose a similar activity at a different place where conditions are better, or b) propose to postpone the activity until a later date, or c) cancel. If you refuse option a), our cancellation policy will apply. Please note, however, that the call to cancel a trip due to bad weather can only be made by the guide (not the client).
What happens if the guide doesn’t show up or cancels for personal reasons?
If the guide cancels for reason of injury or other, you will get a 100% refund on your trip.
Other details
Tents
Technical equipment: helmet, ice-axe, crampons, harness, cooking equipment, ropes, kit, GPS.
Undoubtedly, you have to take full gear for high mountains, ice axe, crampons, helmet and harness. You may not use it, but not bringing it can complicate strongly the ascent or descent. So let's go fully equipped!
Personal equipment: comfortable boots (preferably waterproof and light), backpack of at least 30 L, head lamp, sunscreen, sunglasses, coats, thermal underwear (first layer), comfortable and athletic pants (no jeans, long-sleeved shirt (preferably be breathable or athletic type), sweater or sweatshirt (polar type or thermal material), waterproof jacket, hat, cap, scarf or bandana, gloves (preferably two pairs: the first thin and the second thick and waterproof), thermal socks (a polypropylene layer is recommended, also 1 pair in wool and 2 pairs in cotton).
It is recommended to dress in layers to keep warm, i.e. a thermal and breathable inner first layer (thermal clothing, leggings); second layer, a coat (canvas trousers or pans) preferably waterproof and wind stopper, no jeans, etc.; third layer waterproof and wind stopper (jacket or parka). In addition: socks, gloves, scarves, hats and the same principle of layers apply. Remember that heat escapes primarily by the feet, hands and head.
Equipment rental: crampons 25$, piolet 10$, helmet 10$, harness 10$, backpack 15$, tent 20$.
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