Mexico City Surroundings Hiking: Izta-Popo National Park, Paso de Cortes to Altzomoni Volcano, Alpino Trail

It's impressive how close to the hustle and bustle of Mexico City you can find the beautiful forest of the Izta-Popo National Park, which is almost 40,000 hectares and is home to the mostly known Iztaccihuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes, there are others as well as the Altzomoni volcano with an atmospheric observatory and also on the way to the Izta volcano.





Popo (5,426m) is closed to public access due to its high volcanic activity, but you can visit Izta (5,230m), Altzomoni (4200m)  and the many trails in the area for hiking, camping and mountaineering.


For beginners like me, I'm going to tell you about the Alpine Trail, a very beautiful route of almost 10 km round trip. Here are my route statistics:



The adventure began in the town of Amecameca, where we purchased our access bracelets for the National Park. There,  we discovered that reservations and vehicle access are made online through the website of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). I recommend you go there and find out the requirements first so you don't have to turn back without being able to enter!!


https://reservaciones.conanp.gob.mx/vistas/inicio.php 






Once we got our wristbands, we drove to Paso de Cortés where we left the car.

 There is a designated parking area and facilities where you can also get your access, although be aware, there are no public restrooms and no car access permits, last ones must be done in advance a couple of days before your trip.





The hike is very pleasant. It starts with a gradual climb and maintains a steady, enjoyable incline. You'll notice the vegetation gradually changing and disappearing as you ascend. As you know, at higher altitudes there's less oxygen, making it difficult for plants and trees to thrive. Furthermore, the growth of what is there is very slow.

The trail is well-established and clear, and you'll find signs at junctions indicating different directions.








Use your senses and enjoy the walk:


Observe: trees, mushrooms, flowers, clouds, volcanoes

Listen: to the birdsong and the wind

Smell: the scent of the forest, wildflowers

Taste your provisions, but nothing from the area, and especially not mushrooms—they can be poisonous. Actually we met a couple of women collecting mushrooms to prepare soup, quesadillas and others, of course they know which are comestible.

Touch: feel the textures but without destroying, watchout for spines and toxic plants






    



  



The NOs of the forest:

  • No pets
  • No litter
  • No loud music that disturbs nature and other visitors
  • No leaving the trail; you don't want to get lost, and you also don't want to erode the forest by creating new paths
  • The Altzomoni Refuge is no longer open, so overnight stays are only permitted by camping


Bring with you the following

  • A quick‑dry T‑shirt and a sweatshirt, since the climate here is cool and humid

  • Lightweight pants—avoid denim or cotton, which aren’t ideal for hiking

  • A light rain jacket

  • Hiking boots with non‑slip soles, and if possible, waterproof

  • Snacks like nuts, granola bars, or chocolate

  • 1-2 lt. Water

  • Trekking poles

  • An optional cap—the forest canopy offers shade, but a cap can protect you from hail

We hiked this route as far as the Televisa repeater antennas. From there, you can connect with the Manantiales route or continue on to Iztaccihuatl. There are other trails as well as Valle del Silencio, Amalacaxco an Ecologic Trails.




Consider your time, energy levels, and weather conditions for the return trip; remember that reaching your destination is only half the journey.


It's always recommended to go with someone who knows how to navigate the mountains.






    





I recommend you read the infographics that talk about the importance of the place, flora and fauna.

  



  



  



You can also investigate about the historical significance of the place; it's called Paso de Cortés (Cortés Route) after the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés, who entered the Valley of Mexico in 1519 with the goal of conquering the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, now Mexico City.


I recommend reading the beautiful legend of the volcanoes, the love story between Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.


LET'S ENJOY AND PROTECT THE FOREST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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