Iztaccihuatl Hiking Tour from Mexico City — Day Hike to La Joya & Amecameca Market
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–12 hours (full-day tour including transfers)
Fitness Level
Should be in good aerobic condition for sustained uphill hiking at high altitude; regular walkers who train for uphill hikes will be comfortable.
Overview
Stand between two volcanoes on a full-day hike from Mexico City: a high-altitude trail from La Joya with dramatic views of Popocatépetl, then a descent to Amecameca’s market for regional specialties. Book early—permits are required.
Iztaccihuatl Hiking Tour from Mexico City — Day Hike to La Joya & Amecameca Market
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The bus pulls off the highway and the city melts behind you—pavement gives way to hairpin turns, and a hard, high light sharpens the ridgelines. By midmorning you’re above 3,900 meters at La Joya, a windswept mountain hut where the air tastes thin and the smoking cone of Popocatépetl seems close enough to hear. Guides sort packs and hand out water; from this neighborhood of rock and puna grass the outline of Iztaccíhuatl takes on its famous profile: the Sleeping Woman, a silhouette that changes expression with every cloud.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Permit windows
Park authorities require advance registration—apply at least a week ahead or risk being redirected to an alternate route.
Acclimatize and hydrate
Spend a day in Mexico City or a lower-altitude town before the hike and drink water frequently to reduce altitude effects.
Layer for wind and sun
Bring a windproof shell plus sun protection—temperatures can swing from cold and windy to strong sun within an hour.
Footing and pace
Expect loose volcanic scree and steep switchbacks—hiking poles and steady short steps will save energy and protect knees.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mexican volcano rabbit (teporingo)
- birds of prey including hawks and possibly golden eagles
History
Paso de Cortés marks the historic route Hernán Cortés used in 1519 to pass between the two volcanoes; the name and route have long regional significance.
Conservation
Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl is a protected area with visitor limits and fragile alpine vegetation—stay on trails, pack out trash, and respect permit rules to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Mexico City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip on rocky, volcanic scree and steep sections.
Layered clothing (base, mid, wind shell)
Protects against cold mornings, wind, and sun-driven temperature swings.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, broad-spectrum SPF)
High-altitude UV is intense—bring sunscreen and eye protection.
Trekking poles
Helpful on steep descents and loose scree to conserve knees and improve balance.