The Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park protects a high-altitude landscape east of Mexico City, where two of the country’s best-known volcanoes dominate the horizon. The protected area is more than a viewpoint for the peaks: its forests, alpine grasslands, watersheds and visitor trails form part of a larger ecological system. The park’s official history says the national park was decreed on November 8, 1935, with the protection of upper watersheds, soil, forest vegetation, flora and fauna among its stated aims. A later 1948 decree reduced the original boundaries to about 39,820 hectares.
The mountains also give the park its most visible contrast. Iztaccíhuatl is a destination for experienced mountaineers when routes and conditions allow; Popocatépetl is an active volcano with a separate safety regime. CONANP’s mountaineering page says ascents of Popocatépetl have been prohibited since 1994 because of eruptive activity. Restrictions can change with volcanic conditions, so a visitor should never treat a scenic road or old hiking description as permission to approach the crater. The park is best experienced from authorized recreation areas and trails that remain open under current instructions.
