Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park
Discover Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park
Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park is a Mexico national park in Central Mexico, bordering the states of Estado de Mexico, Puebla, and Morelos. The park's most famous landmarks are the twin volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl --- known locally as Izta-Popo. The park also includes the Hacienda de Zoquiapan and additional annexes. The total area of the park is 39,819 hectares (98,395 acres). The Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park as a protected natural area began in 1935, but it has figured into local history and culture for millennia.
What to Experience in Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park
Taste of Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park...
Keep yourself hydrated and bring all the water you plan to drink. Bottled water is sold at the Paso Cortes visitor center, but it will be cheaper and you can more efficiently pack it if you buy it in Mexico City before venturing into the park. Potable water is generally unavailable in the backcountry. If you have a Lifestraw or similar filtration device, you will likely find streams you can drink from (but only if you have a suitable filter). There are several small hotels in the nearby town of Amecameca (and south along MEX 115). This is the best bet for hikers who want to ensure an early morning start but who do not plan to camp on the mountain. A permit is required to camp and can be purchased at the Paso de Cortes visitor center. All three areas are rustic with minimal facilities. Potable water is not provided nor do camping areas have toilet facilities. Practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you pack in. If you are hiking to the top of Iztaccihuatl, you will find a few overnight shelters, but space is limited and you should definitely not rely on finding space there.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park into what it is today.
The Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park as a protected natural area began in 1935, but it has figured into local history and culture for millennia. The Aztecs and neighboring indigenous cultures viewed the twin volcanoes with a sense of wonder and incorporated them into their mythology. Legend has it that the mountains represent two lovers who fate frowned upon, frustrating their efforts to unite in life. Popocatepetl was a fierce warrior who longed for the white princess, Iztaccihuatl. Her father refused to allow their marriage, keeping the two apart. Though their love for each other was frustrated in life, the gods transformed the pair into mountains that would forever lie side by side. During the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century, Hernan Cortes led his conquistadors through the pass between the two mountains as he invaded Tenochtitlan. The Spanish would later use the volcanoes as a source of sulfur to make gunpowder. Throughout the 16th century, Augustinian and Franciscan friars built monasteries on the slopes of Popocateptl. These monasteries are among the oldest in the Americas and are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Plant life in the park depends on elevation. Most of the park resembles areas of plains with light grasses dominating the flora, however, the lower extent of the mountains is predominantly pine forest with small forbs and smaller conifers, such as junipers....
Climate
Although Central Mexico is generally temperate with hot, dry summers, these conditions are not necessarily typical of conditions within the park where temperature and humidity vary considerably by elevation. Be aware that the upper sections of both volcanoes are permanently covered in snow and ice and even on the hottest summer day, cold temperatures and biting wind should be expected near the summits. Fog is very common as you ascend the mountain and you may wish you'd brought a raincoat on even the driest day in the valley. From Mexico City, take Metro to the San Lazaro station (which connects to the TAPO bus station), find the Volcanes bus line and take a bus to Amecameca. Buses to Amecameca leave about every 15 minutes during the day. From there, you can take a taxi into the national park. Park admission is M$50 per person (November 2022) and is collected at the Paso Cortes visitor center when you enter the park.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsFrom Mexico City, take Metro to the San Lazaro station (which connects to the TAPO bus station), find the Volcanes bus line and take a bus to Amecameca. Buses to Amecameca leave about every 15 minutes during the day. From there, you can take a taxi into the national park. Park admission is M$50 per person (November 2022) and is collected at the Paso Cortes visitor center when you enter the park. (You can also hire a local guide at the visitor center, at a fee that you negotiate. Camping fees are also paid at the visitor center. The Paso Cortes visitor center offers scenic overlooks, modern restrooms, bottled water for sale, and park staff who can provide maps and advice about visiting the park. Hiking is the best way to explore the park. Trails are generally well marked, though a local guide can make the trip much easier and more enjoyable....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Hiking is the best way to explore the park. Trails are generally well marked, though a local guide can make the trip much easier and more enjoyable. You can drive through the park, though the roads are sometimes dirt or loose gravel, especially on the Puebla side of the park, though asphalt paving and good signage is typical of the park roads on the Mexico City side of the park. Bicycling could be a great way to see the park and its major sites. An excellent biking itinerary is to follow the route between 16th century monasteries. It's a long, grueling route and only a short distance of the route passes through the National Park itself, with most of the route following roads through Puebla and Morelos states, ending in Cuernavaca. This is referred to as the Ruta de los Conventos del Popocatépetl.
Where to Stay
There are several small hotels in the nearby town of Amecameca (and south along MEX 115). This is the best bet for hikers who want to ensure an early morning start but who do not plan to camp on the mountain. A permit is required to camp and can be purchased at the Paso de Cortes visitor center. All three areas are rustic with minimal facilities. Potable water is not provided nor do camping areas have toilet facilities. Practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you pack in. If you are hiking to the top of Iztaccihuatl, you will find a few overnight shelters, but space is limited and you should definitely not rely on finding space there.
Money & Budget
Keep yourself hydrated and bring all the water you plan to drink. Bottled water is sold at the Paso Cortes visitor center, but it will be cheaper and you can more efficiently pack it if you buy it in Mexico City before venturing into the park. Potable water is generally unavailable in the backcountry. If you have a Lifestraw or similar filtration device, you will likely find streams you can drink from (but only if you have a suitable filter). There are several small hotels in the nearby town of Amecameca (and south along MEX 115). This is the best bet for hikers who want to ensure an early morning start but who do not plan to camp on the mountain. A permit is required to camp and can be purchased at the Paso de Cortes visitor center. All three areas are rustic with minimal facilities.