Iztaccíhuatl

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Iztaccíhuatl (alternative spellings include Ixtaccíhuatl or either variant spelled without the accent), (IPA: [istakˈsiwatɬ]) is the third highest mountain in Mexico, after the Pico de Orizaba (5,636m) and Popocatépetl (5,452m). Its name is Nahuatl for "white lady".

The mountain has four peaks, the highest of which is 5,230 m above sea level. Together, the peaks are seen as depicting the head, chest, knees and feet of a sleeping female figure, which is visible from either the east or the west. Iztaccíhuatl is a mere 70 km to the southeast of Mexico City and is often visible from the capital, depending on atmospheric conditions.

While the first recorded ascent was made in 1889, archaeological evidence suggests that the Aztecs and previous cultures also climbed the mountain.

This is the lowest peak that contains permanent snow and glaciers in Mexico.

Iztaccíhuatl lies to the north of Popocatépetl, and is connected to it by the high pass called the Paso de Cortés.

[edit] The Legend of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl

In Aztec mythology, Iztaccíhuatl was a princess who fell in love with one of her father's warriors. Her father sent her lover to a war in Oaxaca, promising him his daughter as his wife if he returned (which Iztaccíhuatl's father presumed he would not). Iztaccíhuatl was told her lover was dead and she died of grief. When Popocatépetl returned, he in turn died of grief over losing her. The gods covered them with snow and changed them into mountains. Iztaccíhuatl's mountain was called "White Woman" because it resembles a woman sleeping on her back, and is often covered with snow. He became the volcano Popocatépetl, raining fire on Earth in blind rage at the loss of his beloved.

A different legend, involving the Nevado de Toluca as well as Popo, is mentioned on the Popocatépetl page.

[edit] Elevation

This is usually quoted at 5286m but SRTM and Mexican national survey mapping agree that 5230m is more accurate.

Location of Ixtaccíhuatl

Ixtaccíhuatl from the Puebla side

Popocatépetl, the Paso de Cortés, and Ixtaccíhuatl as seen from Puebla

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