Cofre de Peru en tanga

Cofre de Perote is an extinct volcano in Veracruz that rises to about 4,280 meters, forming a shield volcano with gentle slopes. It sits at the intersection of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Sierra Madre Oriental, shaping the landscape of this region.

The last volcanic activity took place around 1150, marking the end of its active phase as a volcano. The Mexican government later recognized its importance and established it as a national park in 1937.

The mountain carries a Nahuatl name meaning Place of Four Mountains, reflecting the indigenous peoples who once inhabited this region. This heritage remains visible today through the local names and stories passed down by communities living nearby.

Most hikers begin their climb from El Conejo village, located at about 3,250 meters elevation near the base. Transportation services run from the town of Perote to the trailhead, making access to the starting point straightforward.

The summit features a distinctive rocky outcropping that resembles a coffer or chest, which inspired the mountain's Spanish name. This unusual formation has been a visual landmark for centuries and catches the eye of hikers approaching from different directions.