Iztaccihuatl is a dormant volcanic mountain next to its more popular neighbor of Popocatepetl. It's the 3rd highest peak in Mexico at 17,159 and about 40 miles southeast of Mexico City. It's also known as "La Mujer Dormida" since its profile is said to resemble a sleeping woman. I tried my hardest to "see" this, but I just couldn't, but that's just me.
According to our guide, legend has it that Iztahuatl was a princess who fell in love with her father's warrior, Popocatepetl who was sent off to battle but was promised to her upon his return. The entire time, Iztaccihuatl's father presumed he would not return, so she was incorrectly told that he died in battle. She was so grief-stricken that she died.
When Popocateptl returned, he was just as grief-stricken. As he kneeled by her grave, the gods covered them in snow and made them into twin mountains.
Popocateptl, to this day, spews smoke when he remembers his eternal love for Iztaccihuatl.
This was also one of my must hikes while in Mexico City. I'd seen pictures of Popocatepetl's majesty and wanted to see it for myself.
Getting there, we had to drive through "El Paseo de Cortes" which is a very rough mountain pass as we approach the mountains. It derived its name from the fact that Hernan Cortes and his men navigated this pass. One can see the entire Mexico City valley and it's vastness. It was about a 30 minute 5 mph (at most) ride. If the altitude doesn't make you feel nauseous, this ride certainly will. Coincidently, the return seemed rougher than the arrival. I'll chalk that up to fatigue after a long day.
There was a total of about 8 of us in our hiking group. Our guide indicated that everybody would pretty much be "on their own", but it would be impossible to get lost. "Just follow the trail and don't deviate off it", he said. He was correct.
The round trip ended up taking about 3 hours and was about 3 miles total, taking into account photo opportunities, of course.
The hike up to our previously agreed meet up/regroup point was not to difficult, even to this flatlander. As usual, the steep return was the best part to me. I usually find that I can push the pace with gravity's help.
Being at 13,950 feet did not take it's (altitude) toll on me considering just the day before we were below sea level in Texas.
The weather was nice, cold and breezy. This is definitely a must return trip/hike for me.
No comments:
Post a Comment