Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl Volcanoes

The camera looks toward the two great volcanoes that stand between Puebla and Mexico City. On clear days the snow-covered cones of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl are visible, and Popocatépetl often sends up plumes of smoke and ash. The long ridge of Iztaccíhuatl, shaped like a sleeping figure, makes the skyline easy to recognise.

Early morning usually brings the clearest views before haze and afternoon clouds build up. The dry months from late autumn to spring offer the most open skies, while the rainy season adds cloud and occasional ash plumes. Sunrise light on the snow and the movement of smoke from the crater are the main changes to watch through the day.

Popocatépetl is an active volcano and Iztaccíhuatl is dormant, together forming the second highest peaks in Mexico. They sit on the border of Puebla, Mexico State and Morelos, within a national park. Visitors hike on Iztaccíhuatl and explore the surrounding highland towns, while Popocatépetl is observed from a distance because of its activity.