Iztaccíhuatl Hike – Guided Volcano Tours from Mexico City & Puebla
⭐ Trusted by 140+ hikers on Google Maps & TripAdvisor
Location
Izta Popo National
Duration
1 or 2 days
Level
Different levels
Price
From $114 USD
Language
Spanish and English
Season
All year
Iztaccihuatl volcano Excursion
What is the Iztaccíhuatl hike like?
Iztaccíhuatl is Mexico’s third-highest volcano at 5,230 m (17,160 ft). Known as the “Sleeping Woman,” it offers diverse hiking routes inside the Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park.
With Que Loco Tours you can choose between different levels — from easy trails through forests and alpine meadows, to more advanced routes for experienced climbers. All options include breathtaking views of Popocatépetl and the surrounding valleys.
Where is Iztaccíhuatl located?
The volcano is part of the Izta–Popo National Park, a protected area between Puebla and Mexico City. It’s close enough for an unforgettable day trip, making it ideal for travelers who want to escape the city and experience nature without long transfers.
We provide departures from both Puebla and Mexico City, with private transport that takes you directly to the national park.
Why hike Iztaccíhuatl with Que Loco Tours?
Our local guides have years of experience in the park and know how to adapt the pace to your group. You’ll learn safe hiking techniques while enjoying the scenery, taking incredible photos, and connecting with nature at high altitude.
We keep our groups small for a more personalized experience, and we offer private tours for those who want extra flexibility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountaineer, we make sure your Iztaccíhuatl hike is safe, fun, and unforgettable.
- Round-trip private transport from Puebla or Mexico City.
- Entrance fees to Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park.
- Local guide.
- Adventure insurance for all participants.
- First aid kit and safety support.
- Hiking poles available (Levels 1–2).
- Hiking poles and helmet (Level 3).
- For the Summit (Level 4): technical equipment (crampons, ice axe, helmet, rope) and meals at base camp are included → full details on the Summit page.
ℹ️ Meals during the hike are not included (except base camp meals on the summit tour). Please bring your own lunch and snacks.
- Recommended for travelers 12 years and older.
- Families with younger children: Level 1 or 2 as a private is the best option.
- No strict upper age limit — the key is being in good health and comfortable with walking several hours at altitude.
For Levels 1–2:
Comfortable sportswear is fine — many travelers hike with sneakers or light hiking shoes.
For Levels 3–4:
Hiking shoes or boots are recommended for Level 3.
Mountaineering boots are required for the summit (Level 4).
General tip:
- A cap/hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.
Dress in layers so you can adapt to the weather. A light jacket or fleece is useful in cooler months, but often not needed in warmer seasons.
👉 Don’t worry if you’re unsure — our team will guide you on what’s essential.
You have 2 ways to make a reservation:
1. Book Now button (recommended):
Select your preferred date, pay securely online, and receive your confirmation and receipt instantly by email.
2. Stripe payment link (+5% fee):
If you prefer, contact us via WhatsApp or email and we’ll create a secure Stripe payment link.
This option has a 5% surcharge and requires manual processing.
Accepted payment methods: Credit cards and debit cards.
👉 If you need pick-up in one city and drop-off in another or a private tour, please contact us on WhatsApp to confirm availability and the extra cost before reserving.
👉 For details about cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds, please see our Terms & Conditions.
- Levels 1: Beginner
- Level 2: Intermediate
- Level 3: Advance
- Level 4: Summit
👉 For full details of each level, see the descriptions further below on this page.
- Pick-up and drop-off available from Puebla or Mexico City.
- Private transport directly to the national park.
- Special option: Pick-up in Puebla and drop-off in Mexico City (or vice versa), with extra cost and subject to availability.
Tours start early in the morning (≈5:00–6:00 AM) to enjoy the best views and conditions.
Level 1: A shorter hike, ideal if you want an easier adventure.
Level 2: A moderate hike that feels rewarding — most travelers finish pleasantly tired and ready to rest.
Level 3: A longer and more demanding option than Level 2, best for active travelers.
Level 4 (Summit): A two-day expedition for experienced hikers.
👉 The total hiking time varies depending on the group size and pace, as our guides always adapt the rhythm to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
ITINERARY
Pick-up: From your hotel or address in Puebla or Mexico City.
Arrival at Paso de Cortés (National Park): Time for breakfast, a safety briefing, and preparation of backpacks.
Start the hike: Guided walking tour in Iztaccíhuatl according to the chosen level.
Destination point: Reach the viewpoint or summit of your level, enjoy the breathtaking views, and have your lunch (meals are not included, please bring your own).
Return: Hike back to the vehicle.
Drop-off: Return to the same starting point in Puebla or Mexico City.
Map of the Tour
Iztaccíhuatl Hike – Levels & Routes
Level 1 — Beginner Hike
Alpine Route
On this tour, we walk towards the inactive Izta Volcano along mostly well-maintained trails. It is a harmonious walk where we’ll arrive at a viewpoint park where you can admire the beauty of the Iztaccihuatl and Popocatépetl.
Distance from 8 to 9 km, between altitudes of 3,600 to 3,980 meters above sea level. Elevation gain 380 m
Tour from Puebla:
$114 USD per person
Tour from Mexico City:
$114 USD per person
*From 2 people
Level 2 – Intermediate Hike
Springwater Route
On this road, you pass through an area of springs and forest, admiring the beautiful views that characterize this national park. It has trails not so marked, all-terrain in the prairies and uphill. You need to have the ability to walk the grasslands.
Distance from 13 to 14 km between altitudes of 3,600 to 3,960 meters above sea level with an elevation gain of 360 m.
Tour from Puebla:
$114 USD per person
Tour from Mexico City:
$114 USD per person
(From 2 people)
Level 3 – Advanced Hike
Portillos Route
If you enjoy challenges, this is an option that suits you perfectly. We walk to a higher altitude, at that height the views are panoramic. The trails are stone, sand and slopes. Helmets required (included). This route is known as the Portillos Route in which we will arrive at the 2nd or 3rd gate depending on the weather conditions.
Distance 7 km between altitudes of 3,990 to 4,500 meters above sea level with an elevation gain of 510 m
Tour from Puebla:
$142 USD per person
Tour from Mexico City:
$142 USD per person
*From 2 people
Level 4 – Summit Climb (2-Day Expedition)
Summit Route
Climb to the top of one of the highest volcanoes in Mexico in this tour of 2 days and 1 night. For more information visit: Iztaccihuatl Summit Ascent. Distance 13.5k with 1,412 elevation gain.
Tour from Mexico City and Puebla:
$387 USD per person
*From 2 people
VIDEO
✨ Flexible Options for Every Traveler
👥 Private or Groups Tours
Join a small group for the best value and to share the hike with other travelers.
Choose a private tour for maximum flexibility, personal attention, and a custom pace.
Perfect for couples, families, or friends who want a more exclusive adventure.
🚐 Pick-up & Drop-off in Different Cities
Start in Puebla and finish in Mexico City (or the other way around).
Ideal if you’re traveling through Mexico and want to continue your trip smoothly without returning to the starting city.
👉 Available with an additional cost and subject to availability — please confirm before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions – Iztaccíhuatl Hike
It depends on the level and the group’s pace. These are average hiking times (some travelers finish faster, others take longer):
Level 1: 3.5–4 hours of hiking.
Level 2: 4–5 hours of hiking.
Level 3: 4–5 hours of hiking.
Level 4 (Summit): 2-day tour with a total of 14–16 hours of hiking, depending on fitness and altitude adaptation.
The difficulty is relative and depends on each traveler’s fitness and habits. For people who do regular physical activity, Levels 1–2 are very achievable and enjoyable. For those who are not used to exercise or altitude, even the easier levels can feel challenging.
Level 3 is for advanced hikers who want a stronger test without going to the summit, while the summit (Level 4) is a demanding two-day high-altitude climb for experienced mountaineers.
👉 With four levels available, there is an Iztaccíhuatl hike for every type of traveler. Our local guides adapt the pace and support you, so you can focus on the adventure and the views.
Most hikes start at 3,600–3,970 m (11,800–13,000 ft) depending on the level. The summit reaches 5,230 m (17,160 ft), making it the third-highest mountain in Mexico.
Most tours begin very early, around 5:00–6:00 AM, to ensure better views and safer conditions. Start times may vary depending on the weather, and while we always aim for the best experience, the climate ultimately sets the pace.
Levels 1–3 usually return in the afternoon, depending on group speed and traffic. Summit tours (Level 4) finish on the second evening due to their longer duration.
Yes. A local guide is highly recommended for safety, route finding, and setting the right pace. All of our tours include professional guides with experience in the national park.
The meeting points are in Mexico City and Puebla, and we take you by private transport directly to the national park.
“Iztaccíhuatl” comes from the Nahuatl language and means “White Woman”. The silhouette of the volcano resembles a woman lying down, which is why it is also called “The Sleeping Woman”.
What hikers are saying
MORE TOURS
CONTACT US
+52 222 8601743 – Customer service and sales
info@quelocotours.com – Customer service, reservations and sales
Reviews
Find us
We accept
