Mexico’s landmark, Popocatepetl, is a volcano that attracts tourists from all over the world. Although the mountain is potentially dangerous, it is very popular with hikers.
Description of Popocatepetl Volcano
Popocatepetl is one of the highest mountains in the country at 5,426 meters above sea level. In popular Mexican culture it is also often called “Popo” or “Don Gregorio.
Volcano Zones
The volcano is conventionally divided into three zones: the lower, middle and upper. In the lower part – greenery, vegetation, coniferous forests. The soil here and around the mountain is fertile.
Here grows a huge yew, the trunk of which weighs more than 500 tons.
In the middle part of Popocatepetl – “dead” zone, the stones. The upper part is covered by glaciers, which contribute to the filling of Mexico’s rivers.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=vqTLbtLBJ6U
Volcano activity and eruption history
There are many eruptions in the history of the site, which are known from documents from the colonial period, when the Spanish conquerors first arrived in Mexico. However, the exact dates and details of the early eruptions remain unknown.
The present-day activity of the fire mountain began to increase in the 1990s. Since then it has continued to spew ash and lava. Many of these eruptions have been classified as moderately strong, with phreatic (steam) and phreatomagmatic (steam-magmatic) manifestations.
A large-scale eruption occurred in 2000. At that time it was necessary to evacuate residents from nearby settlements. Then there were other cases of lava and ash emissions: in 2005, 2010 and 2013.
The last eruption happened on April 16, 2023. A pink column of smoke soared up to a height of 7 km.
Legends of the famous Mexican volcano Popocatepetl
The first legend is prosaic: inside lives an unstable deity who has an “explosive” character. If God is unhappy with people’s behavior, he sends punishment on them by erupting ash and lava.
The second legend is more romantic. Many years ago, a couple in love were separated by war. A girl named Ista received the news of her hero Popo’s death and committed suicide.
Popo survived and was beside himself with grief when he found the girl dead. He built two pyramid tombs in the mountains – for himself and his beloved. Popocatepetl and Istaxiwatl still stand side by side, and sometimes the mighty Popocatepetl pours out its grief.
Where is Popocatepetl Volcano in Mexico and how to get there
The map shows that the stratovolcano is located in central Mexico, near the cities of Mexico City and Puebla. It is part of the Istaxiuatl-Popocatepetl National Park and is part of the Transverse Volcanic Sierra.
The park can be reached in 1 hour by car or bus from the capital. If you are determined to enter the “volcano danger zone,” you should get permission. It is issued in the city of Amekameka.
Tourist routes and excursions
Popocatepetl is a popular destination for hiking trails and excursions in Mexico. Guides can tell you about its history, geological features and activity, and provide a safe route during the hike.
Conquering a volcano is an ambitious and dangerous goal. Not everyone is ready for such an adventure; most come here to experience the history and culture of the nearby Istaxhiuatl-Popocatepetl Park.
Monasteries on the slopes of Popocatepetl
On the slopes of the Mountain of Fire are 14 monasteries, which are examples of architecture created by the first missionaries, Dominicans and Augustinians. They came here in the 16th century after the Spanish conquest of Mexico for the purpose of converting the local population to Christianity.
The first monastery located in Huehotzingo at the foot of Popo was the church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. This monastery is located on a secluded “island” on an ancient hill in the center of the city, protected by walls from street noise.
It is famous for its amazing 16th century artwork and architecture. There are angular chapels, exquisite carvings, medieval Moorish arches with Franciscan emblems, and frescoes.
The other 13 monasteries are also famous for their ancient religious treasures. The monasteries of Popocatepetl are under UNESCO protection.
Mexican sights to see around Popocatépetl volcano
In addition to the volcanoes, there are beautiful towns in the surrounding area. In the small town of Chulula, for example, the food is unusual. Tourists are surprised by the incomparable taste of food, and the secret, according to local assurances, in the particles of ash. They go into food and have long been seen as a condiment.
List of cities near Popo:
- Mexico City;
- Puebla;
- Amecameka.
Tourists may have trouble finding Amekameka. Here are the coordinates of the town: -98.7671131, 19.1252361.
What time is better to go to the volcano
The right time to go may vary depending on the weather, season, etc. Before traveling it is recommended to check the official information about the state of the volcano and possible restrictions on visits. Many people prefer to come here in March, April, September, October. Fire Mountain is not very active during these months.
List of other volcanoes in Mexico
The country is rich in geological and volcanic activity because of its location in a tectonic zone. That is why there are other volcanoes, including active ones.
Mexican volcanoes:
- Istaxiuatl (5,230 m). It is the third highest volcano in Mexico, located in the central part of the country. Widely known as the “Sleeping Woman” because of its outline, which resembles the silhouette of a woman in her sleep. It is an extinct volcano, the last eruption occurred more than 500 years ago.
- Colima (3,839 m). One of the most active volcanoes in Mexico, located in the western part of the country. His middle name is “Fire Mountain. Colima is known for its activity and potential danger.
- Orisaba (5,636 m). It is the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. It is also known as the “King of the Mountains” and is located on the border between the states of Puebla and Veracruz. Orisaba is considered a potentially active volcano, although the last eruption occurred more than 150 years ago.
Mexico is a mountainous country. There are many majestic volcanoes here that can be dangerous. If you are careful, you can enjoy the sight of them without loss to yourself.
