How to Hike Iztaccíhuatl with No Experience (and Actually Enjoy It)

Ready to conquer your first 5000 m (1700 ft) volcano?

Climbing Iztaccíhuatl is not just a hike...
It’s a personal milestone, an experience that connects you with nature, your inner strength, and Mexico’s living history.

This guide is for you if:
- You’ve always wanted to climb a mountain, but don’t know where to start.
- You’re a bit worried about the altitude.
- You want a safe, guided, and unforgettable experience — with zero stress.

Take a deep breath — you’ve got this. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to reach the trail and the summit — even if you’ve never hiked at high altitude before.

Why is Iztaccíhuatl worth it?

- It’s one of Mexico’s most iconic volcanoes (5,230 meters / 17,159 ft)
- It offers jaw-dropping views of Popocatépetl and the valley below
- It’s accessible for beginners with decent fitness and a professional guide
- It leaves you with a powerful sense of accomplishment: your first “five-thousander”!

Many of our travelers say it changed them — that moment of silence at the top, the cold wind, the feeling of “I did it.”

Can I do it with no experience?

Yes, you can — with the right preparation, acclimatization and the right guide.

You’ll need:
- The desire to challenge yourself
- Basic fitness (able to walk for several hours)
- An understanding of altitude and acclimatization
- A team that handles the gear, safety, and pacing for you

Practical tips to hike Iztaccíhuatl (and handle the altitude like a pro)

✅ 1. Train your body — and your lungs
Try hiking or walking uphill once a week.
Train at elevations between 3,000–4,000 meters (9,800–13,100 ft) if possible — that’s the sweet spot to prepare for a 5,000m peak like Iztaccíhuatl.

✅ 2. Hydrate like crazy
Start drinking water the day before.
Altitude = faster dehydration = higher risk of headaches and nausea.
Bring electrolytes or sports drinks with you on the hike.

✅ 3. Rest well before the climb
Lack of sleep increases fatigue and lowers your body’s ability to adjust to altitude.
Get a full night’s rest before summit day.

✅ 4. Don’t rush. Breathe. Go slow.
In the mountains, slow = smart.
Take deep, regular breaths. Keep a steady pace. Let your body adapt.

✅ 5. Dress in layers
Wear:
- A quick-dry base layer
- A warm fleece
- A windbreaker or shell
- Gloves, a hat, sunglasses
- Warm hiking socks (especially in winter)
Avoid cotton — if it gets wet, it’ll cool you down fast.

✅ 6. Eat light but energizing
Oatmeal, fruit, bread with honey, or an energy bar is perfect.
Avoid heavy, greasy foods.

What should a beginner-friendly tour include?

If this is your first volcano, go with a guided tour. Trust us — it’ll make the difference between struggling and loving the experience.

Look for a tour that includes:
- Transportation from Mexico City
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- Accident insurance
- Technical gear (trekking poles, backpack, technical equipment, etc.)
- Entrance fees to the National Park
- Snacks and meals
- Most importantly: support, pacing, and acclimatization strategies

With México Travesías, you just show up — we handle the rest

In our Iztaccíhuatl guided tours:
- We hike at your pace
- We give you strategic breaks to acclimatize
- We take care of every little detail
- And we celebrate with you when you reach your goal — whether that’s Refugio de los Cien or even higher

Yes, you can do it. And yes, it’s worth it.

Ready to stand on top of your first summit?

If you want to hike Iztaccíhuatl without worrying about logistics or altitude, and with a guide who’s also a friend, check out our full guided tour:
👉 [Iztaccihuatl Summit]

👉 [Refugio de los 100]

👉 [Hiking Iztaccihuatl Popocatepetl]