Popocatépetl

Popocatépetl is an active stratovolcano located in the states of Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico in central Mexico. It lies in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt · State of Mexico · Mexico · 5,452 m

Volcano Popocatépetl, north side, view from Paso de Cortez

About Popocatépetl

Popocatépetl is a composite stratovolcano in Mexico’s Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc, located about 70 km southeast of Mexico City, with an elevation of 5,393 m and a summit crater approximately 400 by 600 m wide . It is one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, and the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program records eruptive activity at the volcano from at least the 14th century .

Popocatépetl is an active stratovolcano located in the states of Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico in central Mexico. It lies in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. At 5,393 m (17,694 ft) it is the second highest peak in Mexico, after Citlaltépetl at 5,636 m (18,491 ft).

Popocatépetl is a composite stratovolcano in Mexico’s Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc, located about 70 km southeast of Mexico City, with an elevation of 5,393 m and a summit crater approximately 400 by 600 m wide . It is one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, and the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program records eruptive activity at the volcano from at least the 14th century .

Documented mountaineering milestones

  • 1519 — First recorded European summit ascent traditionally credited to an expedition led by Diego de Ordaz during the Spanish conquest: Diego de Ordaz and companions
  • 1522 — Ascent to the crater to obtain sulfur, followed by a descent into the crater: Francisco Montaño and companions, with Juan de Larios identified in later accounts
  • 1848 — Expedition from Ozumba reached the upper mountain, while Ulysses S. Grant turned back before the summit and other members continued: Ulysses S. Grant and fellow U.S. Army officers

Routes and approaches

The Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park identifies access toward the Popocatépetl area via the Chalco–Cuautla Federal Highway through Amecameca and San Pedro Nexapa to Paso de Cortés, with an alternative approach from Puebla through Santiago Xalitzintla .

These records are loaded from the existing route API. No route metrics are invented when the source does not provide them.

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Sources and provenance

Mountain information is factual reference only, not a current conditions or safety report.

Page reviewed .