Arden and Marie below: We climbed to 14,700 feet

 

 

 

We traveled to Mexico to visit the towns of Puebla, Humantala and Tlachachuca.  From Huamantla we visited the town ( please see section on Mexico) went horseback riding and climbed La Malinche @ 14,700 feet.

La Malinche mountain is an inactive volcano located in Tlaxcala and Puebla states, in Mexico and rises to 14,636 feet.

Officially, its summit reaches 4,461 metres (14,636 ft) above sea level. Its height makes it the sixth highest in Mexico, and the 252nd highest in the world. The summit is 28.3 km from Puebla. The climate is cold on the summit and mild on its lower slopes.

The Tlaxcaltecs named it Matlalcuéyetl, which in English means “Lady of the Green Skirts,” a goddess of rain and song. The Spanish changed its name to  “Malinche”, in honor of a woman from the current Tabasco state, called Malinalli, who helped the Spanish as a translator.  At present, La Malinche is apparently quiet, although some “strange noises” have been reported by local residents.

On lower slopes are farmlands (ABOVE) which grow mostly field corn and forests which transition from oak to pines  with increasing elevation. The upper slopes are grasslands. The summit is covered by snow part of the year and is considered to be the coldest location in Tlaxcala. On the lower slopes the climate is mild year round, but rainy during the summer months. The soils consist of crushed volcanic rock and sand with an underlying layer of clay and sand called tepetate at an average depth of about a meter. The dark and porous forest soils were formed from volcanic ash. From La Malinche streams flow in all directions forming small gorges in places which fill and run rapidly when torrential rains occur. At the base of the mountain emerge many springs, some of drinkable water, and others of thermal water heated in the volcano’s interior.

At the trail head below

There are cabins and camping available at the park entrance at 3000 m (9800 ft) which we did nto take advantage of.  It is an ideal location to acclimatize and start an ascent of the volcano. There is a basketball and volleyball court, two restaurants, a gift shop and several small shops with basic snacks and drinks. I would have stayed here if we had time it looked great. The access road passes the camping area and continues partway up the mountain, switchbacking most of the way. A hiking trail to the summit begins at the resort area, cutting across the road switchbacks for the first section below

 

Beautiful Pines that change to grass lands as you head higher.  Marie and Arden above and below

The peak is quite high at 4460 m (14635 ft), so anyone from low altitude will notice the effects of altitude. It is often cold at the top, so proper clothing is recommended. The ascent is challenging but not technical below

– the trail can be hiked easily to the summit. Hikers usually reach the summit 5–6 hours with breaks.

 

on the way to the summit above and below

 

 

It is best to start in the early morning and return well before sunset. As you would expect, the view from the top is breathtaking, and there are several picturesque places to rest on the way up.

 

 

Below on the way down.  I forgot to take the photo at the summit with my altimeter bummer!!!

 

Below the summit above