CLIMBING IZTACCÍHUATL

THE QUEEN OF MEXICO (17,110 ft)

Mexico's third-highest mountain. 2-day expedition with acclimatization, technical gear included, and certified guides 1 X 3

5,636 msnm | 2 días | T5 MONTAÑISMO MODERADO - AVANZADO | MÁXIMO 8 PERSONAS | DESDE $4,200 MXN

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SECTUR TURISMO DE AVENTURA - EXCURSIONISMO | TRAM TÉCNICO RESCATE ALTA MONTAÑA

| NDR - NO DEJAR RASTRO | + 1000 CUMBRE CON GRUPOS

Currently, Popocatépetl cannot be climbed due to its ongoing volcanic activity, so those of us who enjoy mountaineering go on our excursions to Iztaccíhuatl, home to Mexico’s third-highest peak, located at “El Pecho” at an elevation of 5,215 m.

THE CLASSIC ROUTE OR THE “LOS PORTILLOS” ROUTE

Until a few years ago, the best route to climb this enormous volcano was the “Los Portillos” route, which begins in La Joya and passes through several of its peaks—the “feet,” “knees,” “shins,” “belly,” and “chest.” It is a very long hike, taking approximately 8 hours to ascend and 5 hours to descend. However, due to rapid erosion caused by the retreat of the glacier, this route has become quite dangerous.

AYOLOCO ROUTE

This is currently the safest route, due to the sudden changes in terrain caused by erosion resulting from climate change. The starting point for this route is La Joya; we’ll drive there from Paso de Cortés, then pass through several locations: Boca de Tiburón, La Muralla Roja, and Cruz de Rosas, until we reach the Otis McAllister Refuge. Finally, we’ll face a long, steep slope that leads us directly to the summit.

It’s recommended to set out at dawn to enjoy the sunrise, which paints the fumaroles of Popocatépetl with fiery hues.

IS THIS FOR ME?

Consider whether this expedition is appropriate for your skill level. Be honest with yourself.

Physical Requirements:

Preferably, you should have experience climbing a peak or similar mountain over 14,764 ft. within the last 6 months. You should be able to hike for 8–10 hours with an elevation gain of 4,594 ft. Good cardiovascular fitness is required. This should not be your first mountain.

Technical requirements:

We'll teach you everything. You don't need any prior experience with crampons or ice axes. We'll hold a practice session at camp. All you need is a willingness to learn and follow instructions. We'll provide certified technical gear.

This isn't for you if...

You're looking for an easy hike. You have uncontrolled heart, respiratory, or blood pressure problems. You can't tolerate extreme cold (14°F), high altitudes, or hikes that start at 11:00 a.m. You have severe vertigo or untreated knee injuries.

MAP

ITINERARY - 2-DAY TIMELINE

Ayoloco Trail

Due to the rapid deterioration of the mountain, the descent from “Monte de Venus” to “La Panza” is very dangerous; therefore, the route with the lowest risk is the Ayoloco Route, which is why we have ruled out the classic Portillos Route due to the high likelihood of falling.

⛺ DAY 1:

⛺ Approach and Acclimatization • 📍 Meeting point: Amecameca (Breakfast/lunch and final shopping). • 🚐 Transfer to “La Joya” (Iztaccíhuatl Base Camp). Note: On weekends, we can have lunch there, as local residents sell food. • 🥾 Approach hike to Cruz de Rosas. • ⛺ Setting up camp. • ⏰ Afternoon: Dinner, technical gear check (crampons, ice axe, harness), and adjusting the climbing backpack. • 🌙 Early rest: Aim to sleep between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

⏰ DAY 2:

⏰ Summit Push • 🕐 1:00 a.m.: Wake up and light breakfast. • 🕑 2:00 a.m.: Start of the ascent. • 🌅 7:00–8:00 a.m.: Arrival at the summit. • 🕚 11:00 a.m.: Return to camp, break camp, and descend to La Joya. • 🚗 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.: Return to civilization.

Elevation gain: +3,937 ft. | Time on the move: 12–15 hours | Distance: 8.6992 mi. Times are approximate and depend on the weather and the group’s pace. Safety is always the top priority.