Popocatepetl is an active volcano located in Mexico in the states of Morelos, Puebla and Mexico. The exact location of the volcano is 19.02 N, 98.62 W, ie 70 km southeast of Mexico City.

Its name comes from the Nahuatl language composed Popoca «who smokes» ‘and tepetl «mountain or hill.» Has a constant activity since pre-Hispanic times in Mexico.

The Popocatepetl volcano is a symmetrical cone shape, is attached to the north with Iztaccihuatl, an extinct volcano, through a mountain pass known as Paso de Cortes.

Popocatepetl has perennial glaciers near the mouth of the cone. It is the second highest volcano in Mexico, with a height of 5.452 meters over sea level, second only to the Citlaltépetl or Pico de Orizaba, with 5.610 meters.

The first recorded ascent of this volcano was made long before the era of the Aztec Empire in 1289 by Tecuanipan and the second recorded ascent was made by the Spanish and led by Diego de Ordaz in 1519 to obtain sulfur for gunpowder.

Since 1354 there have been 18 eruptions. The last violent eruption of the volcano occurred in December 2000 that prompted the evacuation of thousands of people in the areas near the volcano. On 25 December 2005 occurred in the volcano crater a new explosion, which caused a plume of smoke and ash three miles high and the expulsion of lava.

These volcanoes are located within the Itza-Popo National Park

Due to the volcanic emergency, the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) restricts access to the park, so it is recommended to consult its website before scheduling a visit. Since 1994, when Popocatepetl went back into business, it is possible to climb to the volcano, though depending on the intensity of their activity, while the volcanic alert is yellow phase 2, it leads to Paso de Cortes, and continued until Santiago Xalixintla or follow direction La Joya, located at the foot of the Iztaccihuatl.

To visit the Paso de Cortés is recommended to wear warm clothes because it is located over 3,600 meters, and is exposed to winds from the valley of Puebla. It is an excellent place to observe the so-called foot Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcano. On clear days you can see, toward the volcano Malinche and Pico de Orizaba, west of Mexico City, the mountains of Ajusco and the Sierra de las Cruces.

To visit the park must pay a rate of 22.08 pesos per person per day (less than 2 euros) for children under six and disabled access is free.

It is necessary to fill out a registration form which is available in English French German Spanish.