Popocatépetl

A very active volcano and the second largest mountain in Mexico

The Popocatépetl is an active volcano in Mexico. The volcano is no less than 5,426 meters high and very impressive. This also makes it the second highest mountain in the country.

The Popocatépetl is one of the most active volcanoes on earth, there are always recent explosions and you’re likely to see volcanic activity, such as gas clouds or plumes of smoke. The mountain is 5.42 metre high and very impressive.

Popularly the volcano is often called Popo. The name Popocatépetl means smoking mountain in Aztec. That name is very appropriate. It could erupt at any moment. Although seismologists often see activity in advance so that they can predict an eruption. Although this does not always go as planned.

Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park

Nowadays the volcano is part of the Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park. This nature reserve was established in 1935 to protect nature on and around the mountain.

This volcano is very impressive. This is mainly due to its shape. It is almost symmetrical with steep walls on all sides. With a nice top with opening on top. Where smoke can also be seen regularly. And there is regularly snow on the flanks. What makes this volcano extra beautiful.

Partly for this reason, this volcano is very popular with tourists. They would like to see one of the most active volcanoes in the world. From an appropriate distance of course.

Cholula is the photo spot for the Popocatépetl

If you want to take a special photo of the Popocatépetl volcano, you have to travel to Cholula. There you will find next to a large pyramid also the church Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios. This is often placed in the foreground of the Popocatépetl. So that you get a picture with depth.

And to be fair, it is very beautiful. If the volcano is visible.  But, Popo is often hidden behind clouds. Which means that the view is gone. Early in the morning is the moment of the day. In the afternoon there are often clouds visible.

Climbing Popocatépetl

Believe it or nit, this volcano is relatively easy to climb. A tour with a guide takes about six hours and starts at night. But check on the spot how dangerous it is. It often happens that the excursions are canceled because of the danger of an eruption. Which is a shame, but very logical.

Alternative climb: Iztaccihuatl

View from the Iztaccihuatl volcano.

Do you want to climb safely, but have a particularly beautiful view of the Popocatépetl? Then climb the adjacent Iztaccihuatl. This volcano is 5,230 meters high and offers the best view of Popo. Ask locally for possibilities to climb it under the guidance of a guide.

Visiting Popocatépetl

The Popocatépetl volcano is about 70 km away from Mexico City. The volcano is very accessible and easily see from any roads. But a stop for this massive mountain is a must. 

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