An international film production, an extraordinary trail-running challenge, and the importance of local mountain expertise.
In October 2023, Que Loco Tours had the opportunity to support an international film production on Iztaccíhuatl, one of Mexico’s highest volcanoes.
The project became Izta, a short documentary produced by Rabbitwolf Creative, featuring trail runner Laura Cortez, an athlete from The North Face Athlete Development Program.
The film follows Laura’s ambitious attempt to establish a city-to-summit Fastest Known Time (FKT), starting in Amecameca, Mexico, and aiming to reach the summit of Iztaccíhuatl at approximately 5,230 meters (17,160 feet).
Our role was different from that of the athlete and filmmakers. While Laura undertook her running challenge independently, Que Loco Tours provided local mountain logistics, route guidance, park coordination, and on-the-ground support for the filming crew.
It was a unique opportunity to apply the same mountain knowledge and attention to safety that we bring to our guided adventures.
Months of Planning Behind the Cameras
Our involvement began several months before filming. The production team contacted us seeking assistance with the mountain portion of the project. Their initial plans involved several filming locations, aerial footage, and coordinating camera operators along the athlete’s route.
Filming in Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park requires careful preparation, particularly when working at high altitude and coordinating activities across different mountain locations.
Throughout the planning process, Que Loco Tours assisted with:
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Mountain route planning: Providing information about trails, terrain, access points, and elevations.
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National park coordination: Communicating with park authorities about filming requirements and access regulations.
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Filming permits: Assisting with the necessary authorization process for filming inside the national park.
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Scouting: Exploring the planned route and identifying suitable meeting locations.
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Crew logistics: Organizing local guides, transportation arrangements, and the filming schedule.
As the project developed, filming plans and crew requirements evolved. Our team worked with the organizers to adjust the mountain logistics and prepare for the production days.
Guiding the Film Crew Above 4,000 Meters
Before the main filming day, our team carried out a scouting visit to become familiar with the planned filming locations and route requirements.
On the filming day, two Que Loco Tours guides, Luis Reyes Guizar and Luis Enrique Luna, accompanied the camera operators into the mountain.
The objective was to reach McAllister Refuge, located high on Iztaccíhuatl, where the crew planned to meet Laura during her ascent from Amecameca. The filmmakers were experienced endurance athletes themselves, and their pace on the mountain was impressive.
However, moving quickly at elevations above 4,000 meters presents challenges beyond physical fitness. Route knowledge, weather awareness, communication, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions are essential. Our responsibility was to guide the filming crew along the planned route and provide local support during the mountain operation.
When Mountain Conditions Changed
After reaching McAllister Refuge, the filming crew waited for Laura to arrive. Once the athlete and filmmakers reunited, the team continued capturing footage of her mountain challenge. Meanwhile, conditions on the mountain began to change. Clouds moved across the upper slopes, visibility decreased, and the weather became increasingly uncertain.
The original plan involved continuing toward the summit and descending by a different route.
Drawing on our experience in the area, we discussed the potential risks of continuing toward the higher sections of Iztaccíhuatl, including reduced visibility, changing weather, and the rocky terrain along the route.
After considering the conditions and available options, the team decided to return together along the route we had taken.
For us, this experience reinforced an essential principle of mountain guiding:
A successful mountain experience is not defined only by reaching the summit, but also by making responsible decisions along the way.
Whether we are supporting a film production or guiding visitors on a mountain adventure, understanding the terrain and respecting changing conditions are fundamental parts of our work.
The Final Result: Izta
In 2024, the documentary Izta was released on YouTube, sharing Laura Cortez’s extraordinary endurance challenge and the landscapes of Iztaccíhuatl with an international audience.
The film was produced by Rabbitwolf Creative and features an athlete from The North Face Athlete Development Program.
We are proud to have contributed local mountain guidance and logistical support to this project.
Both Que Loco Tours guides, Luis Reyes Guizar and Luis Enrique Luna, are acknowledged in the film’s closing credits.
Behind the Scenes of “Izta”. A moment captured during the filming of Izta, featuring trail runner Laura Cortez and members of the Qué Loco Tours mountain support team near McAllister Refuge on Iztaccíhuatl. Film: Rabbitwolf Creative for The North Face (2024).
Watch the official documentary Izta. Our guides are acknowledged in the closing credits for their contribution to the mountain production.
What This Experience Means for Our Guests
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to explore Iztaccíhuatl.
The same local mountain knowledge, preparation, and attention to changing conditions that we brought to the Izta film production are part of how we approach our guided adventures.
Whether you’re visiting the mountains for the first time or looking for a more challenging experience, Qué Loco Tours offers different hiking levels to match your experience and fitness.
Discover Iztaccíhuatl with experienced local guides.
Project: Izta (filmed in 2023; released in 2024). Film production: Rabbitwolf Creative. Featured athlete: Laura Cortez — The North Face Athlete Development Program
Local mountain support: Que Loco Tours. Guides: Luis Reyes Guizar and Luis Enrique Luna
Que Loco Tours provided local mountain support for the filming crew. This participation does not imply an official partnership, sponsorship, or endorsement by The North Face.