Iztaccihuatl Hiking Tour: Volcano Trek and Amecameca Town (Private / 12h)

Overview

Highlights

• Drive through and enjoy the view of the picturesque Valley of Mexico and Paso de Cortes.
• See the silhouette of the ‘Sleeping Woman’ in the snowy peaks of this dormant volcano.
• Hike an intermediate-level trail up to the snow line of Iztaccihuatl Volcano.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the nearby smoking Popocatepetl Volcano.
• Discover the history and rich gastronomic traditions of Amecameca municipality.
• Get ready to experience the most complete volcano Iztaccihuatl tour.

Itinerary

The Iztaccihuatl tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation, enjoy a picturesque drive through the Valley of Mexico before reaching Paso de Cortes. This mountain pass between the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes lies at an altitude of 3400 m. Finally, reach La Joya, a high mountain hut at an elevation of 3977 m above sea level that is connected by one of the highest mountain roads in the country. This is a starting point for our 4 hours hike towards the snow line of the volcano along an intermediate-level trail that both novices and those with more hiking experience will enjoy.

As we climb the slope of the Iztaccihuatl, be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Valley of Mexico and its surroundings. You may choose how high you wish to hike depending on your physical condition: the first viewpoint is at 3,800 m, while the second is at 4,300 and the third one is at 4,497 m above sea level. One of the highlights of this trip is seeing Popocatepetl, Mexico’s second-tallest volcano. Most of the time it’s surrounded by odd smokey shapes created by continuous volcanic activity. Take your time to take memorable pictures and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this mountainous place.

Once ready, descend and move to the nearby town of  Amecameca to explore its handsome historic center and try some of its local food specialties. After a joyful tasting of local food and drinks, return to your vehicle and relax on your way back to Mexico City.

Why go with us

• The time of the tour is spent purely on sightseeing: no visits to souvenir shops/restaurants (unless you ask).
• An ideal choice for small groups: the price of the tour is fixed and varies just slightly depending on the size of the group.
• We are flexible: we can adjust the program and route to your interests while the duration of the tour can be always extended for an extra fee.
• Our professional guides will always look after you on the Iztaccihuatl hiking tour.

Logistics

DEPARTURE TIME AND LOCATION
Default departure times are 6 am and 7 am, but we can also adjust them per your request. Our guide will meet you up at the requested time and location and might need to contact you by phone. Therefore, please kindly provide a valid phone number during your booking.

TOUR DURATION AND CUSTOMIZATION
The standard duration of the Iztaccihuatl hiking tour is 12 h from the moment of a meetup. On the other hand, the tour is customizable which means we can adjust the time you spend at each destination. For example, if you want to visit an extra location (attraction/restaurant/market, etc.), you can do it on a complimentary basis if this visit (1) fits the default duration of the tour and  (2) doesn’t involve a change of the route.

TRANSPORT
Complimentary pick-up/drop-off is included: please indicate the exact time and location for your pick-up during your booking (e.g. in the “Special Requirements” field). That is to say, we can pick you up from the following parts of Mexico City: Polanco, Condesa, Roma, Centro Historico. Other more remote locations might involve an extra fee.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Comfortable clothes and (preferable hiking) shoes;  hat/cap, sunglasses and sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood and curiosity. Also, bear in mind your physical condition to better experience our Iztaccihuatl volcano tour.

Frequently Asked Question: “Do children under 10 years old are able to go to the Iztaccihuatl volcano tour?”

The recommended age to take this tour is +12 years old due to the fact that you will walk for long stretches and it can be tiring for children under the age mentioned above.

Notes

• The type of vehicle depends on the size of your group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan.
• This is a private tour: only your group will participate.
• This tour involves ~5-6 h of hiking with an elevation gain of ~400-700 m (depending on your fitness level and hiking skills), so travelers should have a moderate physical condition.
• During this tour, we will reach a height of over 4400 m (vs ~2300 m in Mexico City). Therefore, travelers coming from lower altitudes should preferably stay at least 1-2 days in Mexico City upon arrival for adaptation to avoid altitude sickness.