Belly of Izta

Izta is the 3rd highest volcano in Mexico (17,159ft) and Popocatepetl is the 2nd highest (17,835ft). They are an iconic duo. Iztaccihuatl is a Mexica princess. She fell in love with one of her dad’s warriors, Popocatepetl, and was misled into thinking he had died in battle. Iztaccihuatl then died of grief.

Upon his return, Popocatepetl took her body into the mountains and the gods turned them both into volcanoes.

Izta looks like a woman laying down (sleeping woman) and Popocatepetl remains active. They are both ceremony sites.

It’s tough to find words to explain what it felt like to stand at the base of her belly. There are too many personal layers for me to unpack. BUT I can describe what I saw. I saw what was once a massive glacier looking like it’s in its last years.

Her belly was covered by a thick sheet of black ice that didn’t allow crampons to bite. On the other side of the glacier? Fresh rockfall.

We did not cross.

Izta did not call me to her to summit that day. She called me to her so she could whisper words of affirmation in my ear. She called me to her so I could see what remains of her glaciers before they disappear completely. She called me to her so I could learn and witness. And I did.

Belly of Iztaccihuatl (16,725ft) and active Popocatepetl in the distance. Dec 27, 2021.