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.

Not field-verified

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

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 2010Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

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

12-month verdict

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

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park
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

From Mexico City

Metro to San Lazaro, then TAPO bus to Amecameca; taxi from Amecameca to park entrance.

2–2.5 h

Open the page →

From Puebla

Bus to Amecameca, then taxi to park.

1.5–2 h

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park
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

Approximate — not for navigation

Coordinates from Wikidata; park centre approximate.

1Mexico City · Town≈19.433, -99.133Map ↗
2Paso de Cortes visitor centre · Headquarters≈19.236, -98.663Map ↗
3Cerro Tlaloc summit · Viewpoint≈19.250, -98.650Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

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

ViewpointsHard8–10 h round‑tripCerro Tlaloc summit hikeFull‑day ascent from Río Frío; start before 8 am, bring warm clothing for altitude.Booking: No reservation needed; buy entry ticket.

TrailsModerate3–4 hShort loop from Paso de CortesWell‑marked forest trail, good for a day hike with views of the volcanoes.Booking: Entry ticket required.

TrailsModerate5–6 hMountain‑bike route along the Convent TrailFollows historic monastery roads, partly on paved sections, offers panoramic vistas; bring bike and helmet.Booking: No reservation; entry ticket required.

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

MXN ranges · check

Fees for Iztacchuatl-Popocateptl National Park
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

Buy ticket at visitor centre.

Camping permit or guide

Permit purchased at visitor centre.

What would our group pay?

from the fee rows above · estimates

People

Nights or days

Park entry (visitor centre)per personMX$100–150≈ US$6–9
Camping permitper personMX$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

Drones, guides, camping and more

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

Dress in layers, start early, carry water.

Sudden storms high

Check forecast, turn back if weather worsens.

Limited cell signal medium

Tell someone your route, carry a map.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Date

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

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