Mexico City Day 3

The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is home to the best mountaineering available in the country. There are dozens of inactive and dormant volcanoes, some of which are the tallest mountains in Mexico and are only few hours drive away from its capital, Mexico City. Most of them are fairly simple expeditions that only requires hiking or gear up with ice axes and crampons for a bona fide mountaineering experience. Regardless of the path you choose, excellent views are bound to be the reward as the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt stretches through a variety of different terrains from arid highlands to semi-tropical forests.

Some of the volcano hike destinations include Pico de Orizaba, La Malinche, Iztaccihuatl, Ajusco and many more. I decide to hike Iztaccihuatl as it was near to the capital city and a day tour could be done.

Iztaccihuatl, also known as “Sleeping Woman” is Mexico’s third highest mountain and a dormant volcano. Due to its close proximity to the capital, it is one of the most prominent mountains that can be seen, pretty much year-round.The mountain got its name because its four individual peaks resemble a woman’s head, chest, knees, and feet when seen from east to west. Along the way, climbers will be able to enjoy excellent views at various points, including stunning vistas over Puebla and Mexico City as well as phenomenal views of Popocatepetl Volcano, which is still active and can sometimes be seen smoking.

I booked the tour through Amigo Tours and we were picked up by 6.45 AM . There was a pit stop to stock up snacks and water as facilities are minimal at the park. We arrived at The Jewel, in the famous Paso de Cortés which connects the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, from where we begin our climb up the mountain, taking a route of intermediate difficulty, allowing both beginners and experienced climbers to enjoy the ascent. There are different summit points and depending on your physical condition, you can decide where you want to climb to: the first summit is at 3,800 metres above sea level, and the second at 4,300. I went till second summit and took around 5 hours for round trip if I recall correctly.

At the parking near the starting point of the trek, there was only one restaurant serving tacos and drinks. I took Cafe De Olla which was a Mexican coffee. It tasted like sweetened Americano coffee.

We reached city by 4.30 PM. I dumped backpack in the hostel and walked in different aisles of the town in search of good street food. I bumped into legendary Churros restaurant, El Moro . They have separate queue for dining and take away. While waiting, you get complimentary churros. :) I tasterd with chocolate dip and it was divine. I went to hostel and called it a day.

Enjoy some pictures below,