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This park guards the alpine terrain around Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, a pair of snowcapped volcanoes that rise where three central Mexican states meet. Popocatépetl is an active, cone-shaped volcano that regularly releases steam and ash, while Iztaccíhuatl is a long, dormant ridge whose profile is said to resemble a sleeping woman. Pine forest gives way to alpine grassland as the land rises.
Paso de Cortés, the saddle between the two peaks, is the main access point, with a visitor center and sweeping views. The summit of Popocatépetl is closed because of volcanic activity, so climbers turn instead to Iztaccíhuatl, usually starting from La Joya. Altzomoni, with its radio station, makes a demanding hike for acclimatized walkers. The Sierra de Río Frío and Zoquiapan sections of the park offer forest trails at lower elevations.
Amecameca is the gateway town, where Sacromonte hill rises above the plaza with a sanctuary and views of the volcanoes, and the Panoaya Hacienda houses a museum dedicated to Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Nearby, Eco Parque San Pedro and the Christmas tree forests draw families in December. The park suits hikers and mountaineers. High altitude demands acclimatization, and access can change with volcanic alerts.
WiserMap travel guideIzta-Popo National Park Mexico Paso de Cortés Volcano ViewsPlan a trip to Izta-Popo National Park with Paso de Cortés viewpoints, Amecameca, Sacromonte, volcano legends, local food and tips for altitude and access.Read the guide
Paso de Cortes is the high pass at about 3,600 metres between the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, named after Hernan Cortes, who crossed here in 1519. It has the park visitor centre, where you register and pay the fee, plus views of both volcanoes. Go early in the day, before clouds build, and dress for cold weather.
Sacromonte is a wooded hill in Amecameca, the main gateway town to the park, topped by a sanctuary that is a pilgrimage site, reached by a stairway with stations of the cross. From the top there are fine views of the volcanoes on clear mornings. It is busiest during religious festivals; go early for clear skies.
Popocatepetl is an active volcano of about 5,400 metres, often seen puffing steam and ash. Climbing it has been prohibited for years because of its activity, and the area around the crater is closed. The best views are from Paso de Cortes and the trails of Iztaccihuatl; check the volcano alert level before you visit.
Above the pine forests, the park has wide high altitude grasslands called zacatonales, dotted with wildflowers in the rainy season. Trails cross these open slopes with views of both volcanoes. The sun is strong at this altitude even when it is cold, so wear sunscreen, a hat and layers, and stay on marked paths.
Iztaccihuatl, the Sleeping Woman, is the third highest peak in Mexico at about 5,200 metres, with a long ridge that looks like a resting figure. Experienced climbers reach the summit from La Joya, while day hikers follow trails toward the base of the mountain. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so acclimatise first and go with a guide.
La Joya is the trailhead for Iztaccihuatl, reached by a dirt road from Paso de Cortes, with stunning views of both volcanoes. Nearby, Altzomoni has a mountain hut and a lookout over the valleys. Roads can be rough and close in bad weather; start very early, carry water and warm layers, and register at Paso de Cortes.
The park is one of the few homes of the volcano rabbit, or teporingo, a tiny endangered rabbit that lives only in the grasslands of central Mexico's volcanoes. Ravens, hawks and hummingbirds are also seen. Walk quietly through the grasslands in the early morning and watch the bunchgrass for movement.
Hacienda Panoaya near Amecameca is a former hacienda linked to the poet Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, who spent her childhood here, with a small museum about her life. The grounds are now a family park with deer, trails, a lake and activities. There is an entry fee; it makes a good stop on the drive to the volcanoes.
Bosque de los Arboles de Navidad is a large Christmas tree farm on the slopes near Amecameca, where families come in late November and December to choose and cut their own tree. Outside the season it is a pine forest with trails and picnic areas. Check opening dates, and expect long queues on December weekends.
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