Mexico City Hiking Tour: Trek Glorious Volcanoes (Small-Group / 3D)

Overview

Highlights

• This tour is suitable even for beginner hikers.
• Hike three scenic volcanoes around Mexico City: Nevado de Toluca (4,680 m; elevation gain of 538 m), Iztaccihuatl (just till Gate 3 ~4500 m: elevation gain of ~500 m), & La Malinche (4,461 m)
• Visit unique twin lakes in the crater of Nevado de Toluca.
• Explore the impressive colonial historic center of Toluca.
• Experience the local gastronomy and culture of the small mountainous town of Amecameca.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nevado de Toluca and Toluca City (12 h)

On the first day, climb the extinct Nevado de Toluca Volcano, the 4th highest summit in Mexico that boasts impressive mountainous views and two unique twin lakes inside of its crater. Then, head to Toluca, the capital city of the State of Mexico famous for its attractive historic center. There, see its amazing Cosmovitral, the world’s largest stained-glass structure, which tells the story of mankind and the duality of nature in an impressive art nouveau building that also boasts an expansive botanical garden.

• Transport: round transportation from Mexico City
• Activities: guided hike to Nevado de Toluca Volcano; walking tour of the historic center of Toluca; entrance and guided visit to Cosmovitral.

Day 2: Iztaccihuatl and Amecameca (12 h)

After a pick-up from your accommodation, enjoy a picturesque drive through the picturesque Valley of Mexico before reaching El Paso de Cortes. This mountain pass between Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes lies at an altitude of 3400 m. Finally, reach La Joya, a high mountain hut at an elevation of 3.977 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 h hike towards the snow line of the volcano, along an intermediate-level trail that both novices and those with more hiking experience will enjoy.

Depending on available time, weather, and your physical condition, ascend till 4,200-4,800 meters, which will provide us with great views of snowcapped peaks and glaciers, pictures of the Valley of Mexico, and, of course, a smoking peak of the nearby Popocatepetl Volcano. Take your time taking pictures and enjoying the tranquility and severe beauty of this mountainous place. Once ready, descend and go to the nearby town of Amecameca to explore its pretty historic center and try some of its best local dishes in a Market Food Experience.

After a joyful food tour, return to your vehicle and relax back to Mexico City.

• Transport: round transportation from Mexico City
• Activities: guided hike to the 3rd gate of Iztaccihuatl Volcano; orientation walk and Market Food Experience in Amecameca.
  

Day 3: La Malinche and Tlaxcala City (14 h) 

On the last day, climb La Malinche, the 6th highest volcano in Mexico, whose summit reaches 4,461 m (14,636 ft). Once there, take an impressive 6-km hike to the top of the volcano enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Hikers who want to climb one of Mexico’s “highest” volcanoes often use this place for training and acclimatization.

After hiking La Malinche, continue the tour in Tlaxcala, the calm capital city of the smallest same-named Mexican state with an amazingly well-preserved colonial historic center. On our way there, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Ocotlan which is notable for its white-plaster facade and impressive Baroque interior from the late 17th century.

• Transport: round transportation from Mexico City
• Activities: guided hike to the top of La Malinche Volcano and orientation walk in Tlaxcala City. 
  

Why go with us

• We will spend the time of the tour purely on hiking and sightseeing: no visits to restaurants and souvenir shops (unless you ask).
• An ideal choice for small groups: the price of the tour is fixed and varies just slightly depending on the number of participants.
• 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.

Logistics

DEPARTURE TIME

The default departure times for this tour are 6:00 and 7:00 AM, but those can be also adjusted per your request. Our guide will meet/pick you up at the requested time and might need to contact you by phone, so please kindly provide a valid phone number during your booking.

DEPARTURE POINT

The tour includes complimentary pick-up and drop-off: please indicate the exact time and location for your pick-up during your booking (e.g. in the "Special Requirements" field). If you cannot find this field, just reply to the booking confirmation that you get in your email. Alternatively, send us a message or call the number indicated on your booking confirmation at least 24 hours before the tour. We can pick you up from hotels and apartments situated in the following parts of Mexico City: Downtown, Reforma, Polanco, Condesa, Roma, and Centro Historico; other more remote locations might involve an extra fee.

TOUR DURATION AND CUSTOMIZATION

The standard duration of the tour is 12 h (Day 1), 12 h (Day 2), and 14 h (Day 3)  from the moment of pick-up till drop-off. At the same time, this tour is customizable which means you can adjust the route and time to spend at each location. E.g. if you want to visit a place that is not part of the itinerary (attraction/restaurant/market, etc.), we can do it on a complimentary basis if this visit (1) still fits the standard duration of the tour and (2) doesn’t involve a significant change of the route.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Comfortable clothes and hiking shoes; hat or cap, personal ID and travel insurance, sunglasses, and sunscreen; good mood and curiosity.

Notes

• The type of vehicle depends on the size of your group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan.
• This tour involves considerable hiking (Day 1: ~3 h; Day 2: ~5 h; Day 3: ~8 h), so travelers should have a moderate physical condition.
  
• This tour involves hiking ‎in areas over 4,400 m high (vs. Mexico City ~2,300 m), so for travelers coming from lower altitudes, it’s recommended to stay at least 1-2 days in Mexico City upon arrival for adaptation to avoid altitude sickness.