Mount Tlaloc is a unique mountain in central Mexico. It is connected to the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The mountain reaches a height of over 13,517' and is regarded as one of the tallest peaks in the region.
The mountain, also sometimes known as El Mirador, is regarded as an incredibly sacred place to the indigenous people of the region. It's believed to be home to Tlaloc, an ancient Mesoamerican god of rain and fertility.
In addition to its beauty and cultural importance, the mountain is popular with hikers and mountaineers for its incredible views and challenging routes.
Mount Tlaloc: At a Glance
Location: State of Mexico, Mexico
Mountain Range: Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt / Sierra Occidental Mountain Range
Nearest City: Mexico City
Height: 13,517' (4,119 meters)
Interesting Fact: Mount Tlaloc used to be an active volcano.
Location
The mountain's summit trail is accessible from Texcooc, which you can get to from Mexico City. Take the bus to San Pablo, where you'll take a series of trails and dirt roads.
Cultural Importance
Throughout history, the Aztecs performed elaborate ceremonies in order to appeal to Tlaloc, the god of the mountain, for rain and a fertile season.
Feasts were held on top of the mountain before the rainy season, and other, darker ceremonies that involved the sacrifice of children occurred there as well.
More Christian recent shrines were built on top of the mountain as well. Today, remnants of these shrines can still be seen on the top of the mountain (they are part of an archeological site).
Hiking Mount Tlaloc
From the summit of the mountain, which is located in The Parque Nacional de Zoquiapan y Anexas, it's possible to look across the landscape and see the very prominent Itzaccihuatl and Popocatepetl volcanoes.
The mountain is popular with hikers, and although it's not nearly as foreboding looking as the nearby volcanoes, it is still over 13,000 feet and should be taken seriously by anyone headed to the summit.
Eventually, the trail disappears, and you'll just need to follow the trail markers to the summit.
The best time to climb the mountain is between November and March. You might also be interested to know that there are no camping permits required.
Climate and Weather
The climate around Mount Tlaloc is typically cool and wet, with temperatures varying depending on the elevation. At lower elevations, the climate is generally mild and temperate, with average temperatures ranging from 12-20°C (54-68°F) throughout the year.
As the elevation increases, however, the climate becomes cooler and more humid. Above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow is not uncommon during the winter months. The rainy season in the region typically lasts from May to September, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August.
Flora and Fauna
The Sierra Occidental mountain range is located in western Mexico and spans several states, including Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Durango. The region is characterized by rugged mountains, deep canyons, and a variety of ecosystems.
The flora of the Sierra Occidental includes a variety of plant species adapted to the region's diverse habitats. In the lower elevations, visitors might encounter cacti and other succulents, as well as shrubs, including mesquite and acacia. As you go up in elevation, the vegetation transforms to include dry forests of pine and oak and, higher up, cloud forests of oak and fir.
The fauna of the Sierra Occidental is equally diverse, with a variety of mammal, bird, and reptile species calling the region home. Large recognizable mammals such as jaguars, pumas, and black bears are found in the more remote areas of the range, while smaller mammals such as raccoons, skunks, and opossums are more commonly encountered.
Nearby Mountains
Iztaccihuatl (17,159 feet)
Iztaccihuatl, also known as "White Woman" in the Nahuatl language, is a dormant volcanic mountain located in Mexico near Mexico City.
It is the third-highest mountain in Mexico, with an elevation of 5,230 meters (17,159 feet) above sea level. The mountain is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is located to the north of Popocatepetl, another famous volcano in Mexico. Iztaccihuatl is made up of four peaks, which together form the shape of a sleeping woman.
Popocatépetl (17,802 feet)
Popocatépetl, also known as "El Popo" in Mexican Spanish, is an active volcano located in central Mexico, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Mexico City.
It is the second-highest peak in Mexico, with an elevation of 5,426 meters (17,802 feet) above sea level. Popocatépetl is one of Mexico's most active volcanoes, with a long history of eruptions dating back to the pre-Columbian period. The volcano's most recent eruptive activity began in 1994 and has continued intermittently since then, with periodic explosions, ash emissions, and lava flows.
Pico de Orizaba (18,491 feet)
Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl in the Nahuatl language, is a dormant volcano located in the eastern region of Mexico, near the border with the state of Puebla.
With an elevation of 5,636 meters (18,491 feet), it is the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. It is also the highest volcanic summit in North America.