Nevado de Toluca

Nevado de Toluca with snowy peaks

Pd5

The Nevado de Toluca (also called Xinantécatl ) was for a long time - after the Pico de Orizaba ( 5636 m), Popocatépetl ( 5426 m) and Iztaccihuatl ( 5230 m) - with its 4680 m as the fourth highest mountain in Mexico. A few years ago it was found by satellite measurements and GPS, that the Sierra Negra, a neighboring mountain of Pico de Orizaba, could be a few feet higher.

Location

The Nevado de Toluca is part of the western area of Sierra Volcánica transverse and located about 30 km ( straight line ) rises southwest of the city of Toluca de Lerdo, the capital of the State of México; he is a good 100 miles - also in a south-westerly direction - away from Mexico City. Until just below the summit leads a bumpy ride road that was passable for both passenger cars and buses by the year 2008; now the track ends about 1.8 miles from the mountain peak.

Description

When Nevado de Toluca is a no longer active for centuries volcanic mountain floor with three summit craters. The last eruption is estimated around the year 1350 BC; the area around Toluca was then covered by a meter-thick stone and ash layer and even in the capital region, there were at least another 50 cm. The former craters are filled with rain and melt water; the two crater lakes are popularly known as Lago del Sol ( " Sonnensee " ) or as Lago de la Luna ( " Mondsee " ) referred. During the winter months, the mountain top is usually covered with snow; in the summer heat defrosts the snow entirely and the summit seems bare.

National park

Already in 1936 an area of ​​54,000 ha was reported on Xinantécatl and parts of its surrounding area as a national park and thus placed under protection; the area has now been reduced to about 17,000 ha. Mountain, which - because of its large number of sources - was worshiped by the pre-Columbian Indians as holy, 18 archaeological sites have been discovered with ceramic residues etc.. Bernardino de Sahagún reported in the 16th century over the mountain lakes as places where held ceremonies and offerings - including Copalharz - were laid down.

Tourism

The volcano is relatively easy to explore by bike or car, there is a parking lot at about 4200 m altitude. However, the ascent be exhausting because of the altitude, the heat ( in the sun ) and cold ( in clouds). You need enough water and good sun protection. The trail is not marked, and above one can easily run in clouds or fog. Best time of year to commit is from May to early December. Sometimes it can snow during the rainy season in early summer on the mountain. Approximately January to April of the mountain for a few days or weeks may be snowy, then a commission is not suitable. Best view prevails vor 12 clock noon ( then mostly clouds).

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