National park · Mexico
Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National ParkParque Nacional Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl-Zoquiapan
Spend a day in Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl: hike Cerro Tlaloc from Río Frío (full day, start before 8 am) or do a short loop from Paso de Cortes; buy the entry ticket at the visitor centre and bring a camping permit if you stay overnight.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
398 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (398 km²)
approximate
Established
1935
Best months
Apr–May, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 10Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
- Central Mexico ↗First-class buses (ADO, ETN, Primera Plus) cover the region; buy at the terminal or online, passport or ID needed for some routes.
- Central Mexico ↗Mexico City, Puebla and Toluca sit above 2,000 m; the first day is slower than the map suggests.
- Central Mexico ↗The trans-Mexican volcanic belt is seismically active; know your building's exit and follow local instructions.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 398 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (398 km²)
- Park covers 39,819 ha (≈ 398 km²) across three states; figure includes the main volcano area and annexes (check).
- Established
- 1935
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Mexico City
Iztacchuatl‑Popocateptl National Park protects the twin volcanoes and high‑altitude ecosystems, offering summit hikes, cultural ruins, and diverse wildlife in a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 2010Los Volcanes Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
398 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (398 km²) · national park since 1935
Park covers 39,819 ha (≈ 398 km²) across three states; figure includes the main volcano area and annexes (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Mexico City.
Why go
- Two iconic volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, dominate the landscape.
- Cerro Tlaloc summit offers archaeological ruins and panoramic views.
- Rich birdlife with over 150 species, including raptors.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry; good for summit.
- FebCool, dry; good for summit.
- MarMild, less rain.
- AprStable weather, clear skies.
- MayWarm, low rain.
- JunRainy season begins.
- JulFrequent storms.
- AugStorms, possible trail closures.
- SepRain tapering.
- OctDry, clear, good visibility.
- NovCool, dry.
- DecCool, dry.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birds of prey (red‑tailed hawk, peregrine falcon)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Volcano rabbit (zacatuche)Mar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Bobcat, coyoteAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor centre (Paso de Cortes) | Ticket office, maps, basic facilities. | Open daily. |
| Cerro Tlaloc summit area | Archaeological ruins, views. | Hike from Río Frío or San Pablo Ixayoc. |
| Camping sites | Paso de Cortes, La Joya, Llano Grande. | Permit required. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata; park centre approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (visitor centre) | MXN 100–150 (≈ US$6–9) | person | Ticket bought at Paso de Cortes visitor centre (check). |
| Camping permit | MXN 150–200 (≈ US$9–11) | person | Required for all three campgrounds. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Camping permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- MX$100–150≈ US$6–9
- MX$150–200≈ US$9–11
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs must be on a leash and under control.
- Camping
- Only in designated areas with a permit.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use portable stoves.
- Guides
- Recommended for summit hikes; not mandatory.
- Litter
- Pack out all waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
Amecameca hotels
Budget and mid‑range hotels, good base for early starts.
In the park
Camping sites
Rustic campsites with no services.
Safety
Altitude and cold medium
Sudden storms high
Limited cell signal medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor centre reachable by car with short walks.
- Summit trails steep and rocky; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use the official camping permit to limit impact.
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park?
Entry tickets cost between 100 MXN and 150 MXN per person, bought at the visitor centre (check).
What are the best hikes in Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park?
Cerro Tlaloc summit from Río Frío (full day) and the short loop from Paso de Cortes (3–4 h) are the most popular.
When is the best time to visit Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park?
April to October offers clear skies and dry conditions; the rainy season June‑September can bring storms.
Can I camp in the park?
Yes, at three designated sites with a permit purchased at the visitor centre.
Do I need a guide for the summit hike?
A guide is not required but recommended for safety and navigation.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go