HIKING THE IZTACCIHUATL PEAK July 17
Mexico is a land of Mountains and Volcanoes. North from Mexico City is the Popo-izta National Park. In this park two of the most beautiful volcanoes are located, the second and third highest peaks in Mexico, theIztaccihuatl (5,386 mts) and the Popocatepetl (5,542 mts). Seventy-four percent of the visitors engage in mountaineering. Eco-tourism activity consisting of botanical study and bird watching
Currently is not permitted to climb the Popocatepetl due to its recent activity, a dormant volcano that showed signs of awakening in recent years. However, it is possible to climb the Iztaccihualt and enjoy the stunning views from its peak.
Popocatepetl also know as Don Gollo, is the second peak in Mexico and it is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico. The Iztaccihuatl is the third highest mountain in Mexico . Its name in Nahuatl is “The White Woman”. The mountain has four peaks, the highest of which is 5,230m above sea level. Together, the peaks are seen as depicting the head, chest, knees, and feet of a sleeping female figure, which is visible from either the east or the west.
There is an ancient Legend about The Popocatepetl and the Iztaccihuatl. In the Aztec Mythology, Popocatepetl was a warrior who loved Iztaccihuatl who was a princess who fell in love with him. Her father sent him to a war in Oaxaca City, promising him his daughter as his wife if he returned. Iztaccihuatl was told that his lover was dead and she died of grief. When Popocatepetl returned, he in turn died of grief over losing her. According to the legend, the gods covered them with snow and changed them into mountains. Iztaccihuatl’s mountain is called “The Sleeping woman” because it resembles a woman sleeping on her back, and its often covered with snow, as for the warrior, he became the volcano Popocatepetl.
Many people like to visit the national park and hike to the top of the Iztaccihuatl. The park is easily accessed by car and so many visitors like to bring the entire family and camp or just have a picnic. If you are an experience hiker, you will really enjoy going to the top and have a stunning view of the nearby towns as well as the other Volcano, the Popocatepetl.
