The Gulf of California Rift Zone (GCRZ) is also known as the East Pacific Rise.

This zone is an active tectonic plate boundary that runs through the Gulf of California. While not strictly a volcanic belt, it is associated with volcanic activity and features submarine volcanoes and hydrothermal vents.

This rift zone contributes to the geological complexity of the region and provides insights into the processes of seafloor spreading and continental rifting.

The eruption will destroy nearby settlements and cause mudflows to cover the Puebla Valley, which would put hundreds of thousands of lives at risk. That’s why Popocatépetl remains under scrutiny by volcanologists.

Preventing the eruption of Popocatépetl is currently impossible. Popocatépetl is an active volcano that has erupted several times in the past, and scientists continue to closely monitor it for signs of future activity.

However, it is also worth noting that the risk of a catastrophic eruption of Popocatepetl is considered relatively low, although small eruptions and gas releases from the volcano continue to occur periodically.

But it is possible to mitigate the risks associated with an eruption by implementing emergency management plans, evacuating people from surrounding areas, and taking measures to limit the impact of volcanic ash.

Mexican authorities have established protocols for dealing with volcanic activity and conduct regular drills to ensure they are prepared to respond quickly in the event of a sudden, violent eruption of Popocatepetl.

Volcanic activity in Mexico can be monitored, but eruptions can still have significant impacts on local communities, highlighting the importance of preparedness and response measures in volcanic hazard zones.

Popocatépetl has a history of eruptions dating back centuries. The eruption that occurred in 1947 led to the evacuation of nearby towns and caused ashfall in Mexico City, respiratory issues, and disruptions to daily life.

The 1943 Paricutin eruption, which emerged suddenly in a cornfield in Michoacán, caused widespread damage to nearby villages and farmland, leading to evacuations and destruction of homes and infrastructure.

The eruption of El Chichon (a volcano in northwestern Chiapas) in March and April of 1982 caused widespread destruction in the surrounding areas, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing thousands of people.

The Valley of Mexico, where Mexico City is situated, is surrounded by several volcanoes, some of which are active or have the potential to be dangerous. Here are some of the notable volcanoes in the region:

Popocatépetl is one of the most active and potentially dangerous volcanoes in Mexico. Popocatépetl has erupted multiple times in recent history, and its eruptions can produce ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava flows.

Iztaccíhuatl is located to the north of Popocatépetl and is often referred to as the “Sleeping Woman” due to its shape. Iztaccíhuatl is currently considered a dormant volcano and not an active threat.

Nevado de Toluca is another significant volcano in the region, located to the west of Mexico City. While it is not considered highly active, it has had eruptions in the past. It is primarily known for its picturesque crater lakes.

La Malinche, also known as Matlalcueye, is considered dormant. It is located to the east of Mexico City. La Malinche is not an active volcano and is often used for hiking and recreational activities.

Cofre de Perote is located to the east of Mexico City. Cofre de Perote is another dormant volcano in the region. Cofre de Perote is characterized by its distinctive shape. It is not currently considered an active threat.

Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, is located to the southeast of the Valley of Mexico. It is the highest mountain and volcano in Mexico and is considered dormant. It is a popular destination for mountaineers.

Throughout history, the Valley of Mexico has experienced numerous significant earthquakes, including events in the colonial period and during pre-Columbian times. These events have shaped the region’s history and architecture.

The Valley of Mexico has a long history of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its location near the convergence of tectonic plates. Here are some significant volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that have occurred in the region over the centuries:

Xitle Eruption (around 200-300 AD): The Xitle volcano, located within the Valley of Mexico, erupted and caused significant changes in the landscape. This eruption covered several pre-Columbian settlements with volcanic ash and lava flows.

Cuicuilco Eruption (around 100 AD): Cuicuilco, another volcano within the Valley of Mexico, experienced a major eruption that led to the abandonment of the Cuicuilco archaeological site.

Popocatépetl Eruptions: Popocatépetl, one of the most active volcanoes near Mexico City, has had multiple eruptions over the centuries. Notable eruptions occurred in the 14th and 15th centuries, impacting nearby populations.

These are possibly the snowiest places you can visit in Mexico. These destinations offer a unique combination of winter wonder and Mexican charm, making them ideal for those looking for a snowy vacation in Mexico.

All these destinations offer a unique winter experience and enchanting natural beauty.

Monterreal, Coahuila

Monterreal, located in the Coahuila highlands near Arteaga, is Mexico’s premier ski resort.

In winter, especially from December to January, this area turns into a snowy paradise. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Monterreal while taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains surrounding you.

Arteaga, Coahuila

Arteaga is a small cozy town on the outskirts of Saltillo. Known as the “Switzerland of Mexico,” Arteaga exudes a charming winter vibe. Stay here for a winter weekend and explore quaint streets and snow-covered landscapes.

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

Copper Canyon becomes a winter wonderland, best seen from the Chepe passenger train passing through the Sierra Tarahumara. Snow-covered pine trees, frozen lakes, and periodic snowfalls create a magical scene.

Creel, Chihuahua

Creel is a charming town on the Chepe Route, to see snow-covered views, frozen waterfalls, and the serene beauty of winter in the Sierra Tarahumara. Visit Creel in winter to see snowy pines, waterfalls, and frozen lakes.

Mexiquillo, Durango

Mexillo National Park, located in the Sierra Madre, attracts adventurers and nature lovers.

Frost-covered landscapes, abandoned tunnels, and icy waterfalls await exploration. Adventurers and nature lovers will enjoy rock climbing and hiking along the many trails of Mexico National Park in their winter gear.

Sombrerete, Zacatecas

Sombrereteis an old mining town is full of charm and colonial architecture. Sombrerete turns into a snow-covered paradise in winter. Stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the picturesque churches set against a white backdrop.

The city’s colonial buildings offer visitors a winter landscape rarely seen in Mexico.

Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico

For extreme adventure seekers, the stratovolcano Nevado de Toluca offers an exciting winter playground. Stroll along snow-covered trails of the volcano slopes and enjoy panoramic views from this towering stratovolcano.

La Malinche (Malintzin), Tlaxcala

La Malinche National Park, located next to the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley, is ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The park’s natural beauty is especially noticeable when it is covered with white snow during the cold winter months.

Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl

These two majestic volcanoes are a challenging adventure for experienced climbers and hikers, especially Popocatepetl. Both volcanoes are not for beginners – it is best to explore them only if you already have some experience.

Pico de Orizaba

Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico to climb and admire the unparalleled snowy landscapes. Due to the dizzying heights and challenging terrain, this adventure is designed for those who do not suffer from vertigo.

Mexico City is located in a valley surrounded by large mountain ranges.

These mountain ranges act as a barrier to the cold air needed to form snow. The city’s low altitude and a subtropical high-altitude climate zone also contribute to milder temperatures, making it less favorable to snowfall.

Snow has occurred only a few times in Mexico City’s entire history. These snowfalls are usually very significant events and are often accompanied by excitement and amazement from the residents and tourists.

One of the recorded snowfalls in Mexico City occurred on March 5, 1940. The next time it snowed was 27 years later, on January 12, 1967, when 5 cm of snow fell in the center of Mexico City and the historic center.

Since these rare climate events, Mexico City has experienced several more notable snowfalls in 2007, 2016, and 2020. All of these events resulted in light to moderate snowfall only in various parts of Mexico City.

Although snowfall is a rare occurrence in Mexico City, it is more common in the surrounding mountainous areas, where higher elevations and cooler temperatures create more favorable conditions for snow formation.

On mountain peaks and volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico, the thickness of snow ranges from 12 to 25 cm. These areas experience annual snowfall on the high elevations, but such events are usually isolated from Mexico City.

Mexico City typically experiences moderate to warm temperatures throughout the year. The city’s climate was relatively stable in terms of temperature and precipitation, with snowfall occurring on only a few occasions.

Usually, snow requires certain temperature conditions to form, usually around or below freezing. Average temperatures in Mexico City rarely drop low enough to support snow formation, especially in the city center.

The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and human activity, can further increase temperatures. This effect can prevent the formation and accumulation of snow even during cold weather.

Popocatépetl comes from the Nahuatl words popōca “it smokes” and tepētl “mountain”, meaning “smoking mountain”.

The volcano is also referred to by Mexicans as El Popo. The alternate nickname Don Goyo comes from the mountain’s association in the lore of the region with San Gregorio. Goyo is the short form of Gregorio.

The crater’s walls vary from 600 to 840 m in height.

The generally symmetrical volcano is modified by the sharp-peaked remnant of an earlier volcano.

At least 3 previous major cones were destroyed by gravitational failure during the Pleistocene, producing massive debris-avalanche deposits covering broad areas south of the volcano.

The modern volcano was constructed to the south of the late Pleistocene to Holocene El Fraile cone.

Three major Plinian eruptions (the last occurring around 800 AD) have occurred at Popocatépetl since the mid-Holocene, accompanied by pyroclastic flows and volumetric lahars that engulfed the basins beneath the volcano.

The volcano is about 730,000 years old. The elevation at the peak is 5,450 m. The volcano is cone-shaped with a diameter of 25 km at its base. The crater is elliptical with an orientation northeast-southwest.

Popocatépetl is currently an active volcano after being dormant for about half of the last century. In 1991 the volcano’s activity increased and since 1993 smoke can be seen constantly emanating from the crater.

Popocatépetl has been one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico. Since 1354, 18 eruptions have been recorded. In 1927 a major eruption occurred, thus beginning a period of rest.

Then, on December 21, 1994, after several years of inactivity, the volcano registered an explosion that produced gas and ash that were transported by the prevailing winds more than 25 km away.

Currently, its activity is moderate, but constant, with the emission of fumaroles, composed of gases and water vapor, and sudden and unexpected minor expulsions of ash and volcanic material.

The last violent eruption of the volcano was recorded in December 2000, which, following the predictions of scientists, led to the evacuation of thousands of people in the areas near the volcano.

On December 25, 2005, a new explosion occurred in the volcano’s crater, causing a column of smoke and ash three kilometers high and the expulsion of lava.

On June 3, 2011, Popocatépetl once again emitted large fumaroles without causing damage. On November 20, 2011, a large explosion took place that shook the earth and was heard in the towns near the slopes, but without major alteration.

The volcano registered a fumarole of water vapor and ash on the morning of January 16, 2012, without this representing risks to the population surrounding the colossus.

On April 16, 2012, was raised the volcanic alert traffic light from yellow phase 2 to yellow phase 3 due to the great activity that has been occurring, without it thus far representing a serious danger to society.

At 3:23 on April 30, 2013, the Popocatépetl volcano threw incandescent fragments 800 meters from the crater on the northeast slope, reported the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED).

On May 12, 2013, after the strong roar that was felt in the town of Atlixco, the volcanic alert light was changed from yellow phase 2 to phase 3. On June 2, 2013, CENAPRED returned the alert level to yellow phase 2.

On June 17 and 18, the volcano recorded several larger explosive events, recording fumaroles that reached 4 km above the level of the crater and expulsions of incandescent rock that reached the slopes on the South-West side of the colossus.

The alert remained yellow in phase 2.

The volcano became active on July 7, 2013, releasing ash clearly visible in nearby towns. The ash also reached Mexico City, expelling pyroclastic flows and incandescence. The volcanic traffic light turned yellow in phase 3.

The volcano registered an explosion on January 22, 2019, releasing incandescent material and ash. This explosion could be felt in areas surrounding the volcano (areas of the state of Puebla and the State of Mexico).

Once upon a time, in pre-Hispanis times, there were two young people named Itzaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl. Itzaccíhuatl was a beautiful princess from the Tlaxcala, and Popocatépetl was a brave Aztec warrior.

Both lived at a time when Tlaxcala was at war with its cruel enemies, the Aztecs.

Popocatépetl deeply loved Itzaccíhuatl and wanted to marry her. Popocatépetl asked to marry Itzaccíhuatl. The leader agreed but had one condition: Popocatépetl had to return safely from the war to marry her.

So, Popocatépetl went off to battle, leaving Itzaccíhuatl behind, eagerly awaiting his return. However, a jealous rival of Popocatépetl spread false rumors and told Itzaccíhuatl that her beloved had died in the fight.

Heartbroken and deceived, Itzaccíhuatl couldn’t bear the sorrow and passed away.

Soon, Popocatépetl returned from the battle. But upon his arrival, he received the devastating news of the death of his beloved. Overcome with grief, he wandered for days and nights, searching for a way to honor their love.

He decided to build a great tomb beneath the sun, piling up ten hills to create a massive mountain. After completing this monumental task, he took the lifeless body of his princess and placed her on the mountaintop.

He kissed her for the last time and, holding a smoky torch, knelt by her side to watch over her forever.

Since then, they have remained together, facing each other. As time passed, snow covered their bodies, turning them into two enormous volcanoes that stood unchanged until the end of time.

***

There’s another legend connected to this volcano, and it’s about a friendly nickname given to the mountain by the people living nearby. They call this volcano “Don Goyo,” which is short for Gregorio.

It’s said that from time to time, an elderly man appears in various villages in the area and introduces himself as Don Gregorio or Gregorio Chino. The locals believe that this old man is the embodiment of the volcano.

Locals believe that Don Goyo, the old man, comes to make sure that the people living in the area act with honesty and show respect to the volcano. They believe that if they do so, good luck will come their way.