Citlaltepetl, Stratovolcano in Veracruz and Puebla, Mexico.

Citlaltepetl is a stratovolcano located across Veracruz and Puebla states in Mexico, reaching 5636 meters (about 18,491 feet) above sea level. Built from layers of andesite, it forms the country's highest point and stands as North America's third tallest peak, distinguished by its conical shape and year-round snow coverage on its upper slopes.

The volcano's pre-Hispanic name was Poyauhtecatl, meaning "the one that colours or illuminates", given by the Tlaxcaltecs in memory of their lost country. During the colonial era it was known as Cerro de San Andrés, after San Andrés Chalchicomula (today Ciudad Serdán) at its base. Its last eruption occurred in the 19th century; it is dormant but not extinct.

The name Citlaltépetl comes from the Náhuatl citlalli (star) and tepētl (mountain), but Náhuatl speakers near Orizaba call it Istaktepetl, 'White Mountain'. From Coscomatepec the planet Venus can be seen setting over the crater in autumn and winter, which explains the star name and the local Quetzalcóatl legend.

Climbing conditions are most favorable between October and April, when weather patterns stabilize and the northwestern face provides the most gradual route for ascents. Visitors should allow several days for altitude adjustment, and hiring experienced guides is strongly recommended due to glacier navigation and rapidly changing mountain conditions.

The crater is elliptical, about 478 m by 410 m across and 300 m deep, and the summit snow is visible from ships approaching Veracruz, roughly 110 km away, where dawn sunlight strikes the peak while the port still lies in shadow.