Iztaccihuatl and Nevado de Toluca Climb • 6 Days

Summit Mexico’s Itzaccihuatl, the eighth highest peak in North America. This trip is an excellent introduction to high-altitude, international mountaineering and features breathtaking views of the Mexican high country, including Izta’s neighbor, the active volcano Popocatepetl. Nicknamed the “Sleeping Lady,” Izta rises high above the Mexico City Valley. From a distance, the features of its long, iconic summit ridge resemble a woman’s head, breast, belly, knees and feet. Climbers traverse over and around these features on their way to the summit, making Iztaccihuatl one of the planet’s most unique and enjoyable high-altitude volcanic climbs.

Mountain Gurus’ Iztaccihuatl Expedition is an ideal choice for anyone who aspires to climb big, glaciated mountains. At 17,160 feet (5,230 meters), Izta combines the rigors of high altitude climbing with relatively moderate terrain. It is an excellent training ground for taller, more difficult peaks such as el Pico de Orizaba, Cotopaxi, Elbrus or Aconcagua. At just six days, the Izta itinerary is also a good choice for those with limited free time.
Before ascending Iztaccihuatl, our expedition acclimatizes on Nevado de Toluca (15,350 ft) near the picturesque colonial city of Toluca. Also known as Volcan Xinantecatl, “the Naked Lord,” Nevado de Toluca is the fourth tallest peak in Mexico. Two beautiful lakes occupy its expansive summit crater: Lago del Sol, the “Lake of the Sun,” and Lago de la Luna, the “Lake of the Moon.”

From Nevado de Toluca we drive to Iztaccihuatl, Mexico’s third tallest mountain. We overnight at the historic Hacienda Panoaya in Amecameca at the foot of the mountain. Then we drive through Paso de Cortes, the saddle between Izta and Popocatepetl, to our basecamp refuge at 13,000 feet. From the La Joya Trailhead, we climb the mountain via the Arista del Sol or “Ridge of the Sun.” To shorten our summit day, we spend one night at a high camp at 15,400 feet. Our expedition is supported by high-altitude porters, allowing us to enjoy our ascent without the burden of heavy packs.
We suggest arriving in Mexico City one day early to acclimatize and visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids, a famous pre-Aztec archaeological site, before climbing Nevado de Toluca.

Tour Highlights

• 2 nights hotel in Mexico City
• 1 night Hacienda Panoaya
• 1 night mountain refuge
• Tented camp on Iztaccihuatl
• Ascents of Nevado de Toluca and Iztaccihuatl
• Welcome dinner
• Meals while climbing in the mountains
• Land transportation
• Friendly MG office staff will help prepare you for the adventure

Itinerary

Day 1 • Arrive Mexico City
Day 2 • Nevado de Toluca • 15,350 ft
Day 3 • Base Camp • Iztaccihuatl • 13,000 ft
Day 4 • High Camp • Iztaccihuatl • 15,400 ft
Day 5 • Summit Day • Iztaccihuatl • 17,159 ft
Day 6 • Depart Mexico City