Paso de Cortés Trek — Iztaccíhuatl & Popocatépetl Day Trek from Mexico City

Amecameca•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

6–7 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for hikers who can sustain steady uphill walking at high elevation; basic cardio conditioning recommended

Overview

Stand between two of Mexico’s most iconic volcanoes on a single-day trek from Mexico City. This Paso de Cortés route combines high fir forest, views of Popocatépetl’s fumaroles and Iztaccíhuatl’s glaciated ridges with a market lunch that roots the day in local culture.

Paso de Cortés Trek — Iztaccíhuatl & Popocatépetl Day Trek from Mexico City

Other

Hiking

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You step out of the van and the air snaps cold and thin; Popocatépetl huffs a plume of steam high above the ridge while Iztaccíhuatl looms like a stoic, snow-scored woman whose profile you can read against the sky. The trail at Paso de Cortés begins in a high fir and oyamel forest, the needles soft underfoot, and within minutes the domestic noise of Mexico City feels like a distant memory. The route threads along volcanic moraine and lava-boulder slope, moving between two of Mexico’s most consequential peaks—one simmering and alive, the other glaciated and patient.

Adventure Photos

Paso de Cortés Trek — Iztaccíhuatl & Popocatépetl Day Trek from Mexico City photo 1

Adventure Tips

Acclimatize before the hike

Spend a night in Mexico City or Amecameca and avoid heavy exertion on your arrival day to reduce altitude effects.

Start early to avoid storms

Afternoon squalls are common—aim to be off exposed ridgelines by early afternoon.

Good footwear matters

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support will help on volcanic scree and rocky descents.

Bring cash for the market

You’ll eat at a traditional market on return—small stalls may not accept cards.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Mexican fox (Cerdocyon spp.)
Golden eagle and other raptors circling thermal columns

History

Paso de Cortés served as a pre-Hispanic transit corridor and later a route for colonial and scientific expeditions; indigenous communities long regarded these peaks with spiritual significance.

Conservation

The national park protects fragile alpine flora and small glaciers—stay on trails, pack out waste, and respect seasonal access rules to minimize impact.