One day from Mexico City. Hike to the high refuge on the shoulder of Iztaccíhuatl, with Popocatépetl erupting across the pass. The highest, most dramatic day hike near the city — no glacier, no midnight start.
The Refugio de los Cien (the "100" refuge) is the first hut on the standard route up Iztaccíhuatl, sitting around 4,780m on the mountain's shoulder. We drive you from Mexico City to La Joya (≈3,950m), the trailhead above Paso de Cortés, and hike up to the refuge and back — roughly 7km round trip with about 830m of gain.
There's no glacier, no rope, no midnight start. What there is: real high altitude and a view most people never get. Plenty of climbers do it purely for the day — it's the most spectacular high-altitude hike within reach of Mexico City. It also works as honest acclimatization before Pico de Orizaba: a separate mountain, so the hours above 4,500m are genuine prep, not a repeat.
It also stands on its own as one of the most dramatic day-hikes in central Mexico. Popocatépetl sits directly across the pass, often venting gas and ash, and the Izta massif rises above you. You'll feel the altitude on the final climb to the hut — that's the point. Come having spent a day or two in Mexico City and most hikers reach the refuge comfortably.
From CDMX pickup at 2,250m to La Joya trailhead at 3,950m, up to the Refugio de los Cien at 4,780m and back — the altitude curve of a typical Yacana day on Izta.
This is a high-altitude day hike — standard hiking gear, no glacier kit. The altitude and the wind on the ridge are the variables, so layers and sun protection matter most. Need to rent personal items? We'll arrange it.
// Personal gear rentals · Need to rent boots, a puffy, gloves, or a daypack? Tell us when you book and we'll arrange it through our partners in CDMX. Reserve 7+ days out so sizing works.
Modeled conditions at the refuge altitude, refreshed when this page loads. Rounded estimates — we use this same data alongside on-site verification to call go/no-go on the morning of your hike.
Shot by Yacana guides on the Izta refuge hike. No stock, no models. The ridge, the climb, the refuge.
Verified reviews from Yacana climbers across our expeditions. 50+ five-star reviews on TripAdvisor — here are three.
We had an amazing time. Cristino goes above and beyond — just a genuinely warm person. Super well-organised: transport, food, technical gear. Everything is arranged perfectly. We would definitely do it again.
The company was always very quick to respond to all my questions, and helped me with everything I needed. Our guide was the best we could have wished for: knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. He knows lots about the history of Mexico.
Cristino took great care of us, helping set up tents, cooked, and more importantly motivated us even when we felt discouraged halfway. Wonderful experience overall. I would recommend doing it with this company.
A standalone high-altitude day — and honest acclimatization for Pico de Orizaba (05). It's not a stepping-stone to the Izta summit (04): that's a separate 2-day climb that already covers this ground, so most people pick one or the other. Here's how the family fits.
Most Refugio hikes run 2–4 climbers. Bigger groups get the same rate at 3 and above.
Deposit — 35% secures your guide and date.
Balance — 65% due at the END of your trip.
Cancel — 14+ days out: full refund. Inside 14 days: no refund.
Cards — +5% bank fee on remainder. Cash welcome.
Tell us when you're coming. We'll handle the rest.
