Pico de Orizaba National Park

Pico de Orizaba National Park is a national park with a snow-capped volcano in Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico, covering 197.5 square kilometers. The summit rises to 5,636 meters above sea level and remains snow-covered throughout the year.

The protected area was established on January 4, 1937, to preserve the volcano and its surroundings. The last eruption occurred during the 17th century in the colonial period.

The mountain carries the Nahuatl name Citlaltépetl, meaning Star Mountain, because moonlight on the snow sparkles like a star. Climbers from many countries travel here to reach the summit and experience different climate zones from highland forests to glacial ice.

Several hiking trails and climbing routes pass through the area, with most visitors arriving via Calcahualco. Camping sites are available, and conditions change significantly with altitude.

The largest glacier in Mexico sits here and measures between 20 and 50 meters (65 to 165 feet) thick. Scientists expect the ice to disappear completely in the coming years.

Location: Puebla

Location: Veracruz

Inception: January 4, 1937

GPS coordinates: 18.94170,-97.20830

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30