Between the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala stands one of the most impressive dormant volcanoes in Mexico. With a height of 4,420 meters above sea level, La Malintzin is the sixth highest mountain in Mexico, inspiring travelers to conquer its (sometimes snowy) summit and walk its cobblestone paths, uphill. Malintzin's name means in Nahuatl "Venerable Lady of Grass or Venerable Lady of the Green Skirt", as its slopes are covered with large pine trees and some fir trees. If you dare to undertake this adventure that takes you to the tip of this volcano, you should always go in the company of a tour operator or authorized guide. In Destinations we tell you what this experience is like.
There is no reason to get discouraged knowing this: you have to walk for approximately nine hours to reach the top of La Malintzin, Malinche or Matlalcueye as this volcano is popularly known.
Rudy tells us that on this tour "you will live a roller coaster of emotions, because you will feel happiness when you reach the top, tiredness from the kilometers traveled and desperation for wanting to get there quickly. However, in the end the satisfaction of reaching your goal will be very great" .
To the top of the volcano
the eternal forest
Photo: Courtesy of Hike Adventures Mexico/ Rudy Valle
At three in the morning you start your uphill adventure. The starting point is La Malinche National Park. You will enter what they baptized as the "Eternal Forest", a thick place of trees, where the aroma of pine prevails, of freshness. The walk will be at a calm pace so as not to waste energy (which you will need on the ascent).
Views to the Chest of Perote
Photo: Courtesy of Hike Adventures Mexico/ Rudy Valle
After a few minutes you will begin to notice that the vegetation decreases: the trees are left behind and, now, you will begin to see grasslands. The effort begins to feel because of the height. The views of the nearby hills, such as Cofre de Perote, are some clues that nature gives you about the increase in altitude. The dawn is painted a very dark violet; the trees transform their greenness to black. A layer of mist barely lets you take a look at the mountain formations that make up the Transversal Volcanic Axis. At this point it is necessary to eat a snack to recharge energy.
The first contact with Malintzin
Photo: Courtesy of Hike Adventures Mexico/ Rudy Valle
The first hours of the walk begin to feel in the legs, but in the distance you can glimpse the La Malintzin volcano in its entirety. That view is an incentive to continue on the path. You can see its green skirts and its snowy tip, which announce that the ascent will soon become steeper.
Walk through the glen
Photo: Courtesy of Hike Adventures Mexico/ Rudy Valle
Over time, the land has eroded, this has naturally sculpted the ecosystem and thanks to this a ravine was formed through which you have to continue walking on the right side to climb to the tip of the volcano. Be careful, because here the path is complicated by the unevenness and because it is slippery.
volcanic peaks
Photo: Courtesy of Hike Adventures Mexico/ Rudy Valle
The landscape is covered with volcanic stone. Then you have reached one of the summits of the volcano. Relax, take a few minutes to appreciate the views. From there you can see the Pico de Orizaba. Here the temperature is colder and fatigue becomes greater.
A snack on the rock wall
Photo: Courtesy of Hike Adventures Mexico/ Rudy Valle
When you go up you will find a wall of rocks, which you will appreciate, because after so much effort it is time to have a snack in that place because it covers you from the cold wind that is beginning to be more noticeable. Get energized, hydrated and mentally prepared before continuing the adventure.
Conquer the top
Photo: Courtesy of Hike Adventures Mexico/ Rudy Valle
With a happy belly, it's time to reach the highest level of difficulty: climb to the top of the Malintzin volcano. At this moment some of the hikers begin to lose their temper due to fatigue, others, the more positive ones, begin to get excited for having passed the test. The walk is not easy, because it requires a lot of attention, putting a lot of effort and, above all, dominating our mind that, many times, because it feels fatigued, it does not let us move forward. That is why we recommend that you take it easy, lean on the guides and dare to leave your comfort zone. At the top, emotions come to the fore; fatigue is forgotten and the landscapes that your eyes see are incomparable. From the 4,420 meters of height that Malintzin has, other volcanoes such as Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl and Pico de Orizaba can be seen perfectly. You will feel that you almost touch the clouds. Around seven in the morning, and already on the crest of the volcano, it is time to appreciate the first rays of the sun and see how, little by little, the pink light begins to cover the entire sky. Take lots of photos, watch the sunrise and congratulate yourself for having reached the goal of the adventure. After a while get ready for the descent, which is also tiring. But one of the best experiences you will have in your life. Those of Hike Adventures Mexico tell us that, once you go hiking, there will be no turning back.
recommendations
The ascent towards the La Malinche volcano is suitable for all people. However, visitors with diabetes, hypertension or mobility problems will not be able to do the activity. It is very important to go hiking with specialized guides who know the routes and have certifications. Before preparing you for the ascent to La Malinche, the staff supports you with training and gives you food recommendations that will help you endure the journey. They also guide you on the type of clothing and footwear appropriate for the activity, give you suggestions for shops to buy your clothes, or help you choose the right clothes to be comfortable, warm and light. They teach you to prepare the backpack that you will carry with provisions, a first aid kit and energy snacks, among other things. They place a lot of emphasis on resting very well before doing this activity. Do not hesitate to rely on the guides, especially if you are just starting out in high mountain hiking.
Who takes you to the top of La Malinche?
Photo: Courtesy of Hike Adventures Mexico/ Rudy Valle
Rudy Valle started the Hike Adventures Mexico project. He tells Destinos that, when he was little, his family spent their vacations camping in the hills of San Luis Potosí, with his loved ones and close friends. Over time he stopped doing these activities, but the death of his father made him want to return to his roots and he started hiking, first visiting mountains near CDMX and then discovering more parts of the country. On these excursions he invited friends, who recommended him to more people.
Throw yourself into the Magical Horror Festival, in the Magical Town of Real del Monte
Although Rudy has a degree in tourism, hiking became his passion. To better train as an expert in hiking, he became a volunteer rescuer at Socorro Alpino and then at Civil Protection of San Luis Potosí. He increased his training with courses in first aid, nature guide, among others. With all these courses he decided to start a nature adventure agency organizing hiking tours, camping, trekking, adventure circuits.
COVID-19
It is recommended to wear face masks or bandanas during the excursion, bring antibacterial gel and sanitizing towels. The equipment used on the tour is disinfected before and after the trip. On the walk there should always be a distance of one and a half meters between each assistant. Due to the current situation, tours are only made with private groups, that is, whoever reserves the experience must have a maximum of 10 companions where everyone is sure that they do not have covid, if possible, with a test that confirms it, as well that you can go with family or friends (meeting the aforementioned requirements). Hike Adventures Mexico Cost: 580 pesos per person Web: hikeadventuresmexico.com IG: @hikeadventuresmexico WA: 5571973050
Read more: What to do in the Exhacienda de Temixco Water Park
Before visiting any destination, find out about the restrictions that exist in each destination. You must consider that the pandemic is still present and that the protocols established by the authorities may change from one moment to another.
