Mexico volcanoes · climb
Iztaccihuatl guides
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About Iztaccihuatl
- Elevation
- 5,230 m (17,159 ft)
- Country
- Mexico
Climbing history
Iztaccíhuatl (5,230m) means "White Woman" in Nahuatl - the mountain resembles a sleeping woman. Third highest peak in Mexico. Sacred to Aztecs with legendary connection to Popocatépetl. First recorded ascent in 1889.
Notable itineraries
Normal Route via La Joya (1-2 days): Standard approach to the summit. Alcalican Route: Alternative from the north. Three main summits: chest (highest), head, and feet. Technical routes on north faces. Often combined with acclimatization in nearby Amecameca.
Weather and best time to go
Weather: The climbing season for Iztaccihuatl coincides with the dry season and runs from autumn to spring. Due to its location in the tropics, average daily temperatures range from mid to high-teens (Celcius) throughout the season to well-below freezing at the summit., Best Time to Visit: October to March, Average Expedition Length 2 days
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency. USD accepted in Mexico City. ATMs in Amecameca. National park entry fee required. Budget-friendly climbing from Mexico City.
Languages
Official: Spanish. Indigenous: Nahuatl still spoken in some villages. English limited outside Mexico City. Close proximity to capital makes guides easily available.
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Recommended gear for Iztaccihuatl
Technical essentials picked for glaciated mountaineering. Recommended by our expert team.
- La Sportiva G2 Evo Mountaineering Boots (double boots): View at CampSaver
- Petzl Sarken Crampons (Leverlock Universel) (crampons): View at CampSaver
- Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe (ice axe): View at Black Diamond
- Black Diamond Couloir Harness (harness): View at Black Diamond
- Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet (helmet): View at Black Diamond
- Global Rescue membership (rescue and evacuation): View at Global Rescue
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