Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl
The warrior who became a volcano
The warrior sent to war who receives a false report of his death; the princess dies of grief and he watches over her body forever. The two become Mexico's twin volcanoes.
01Why it matters
It is Mexico's most visible love legend: two real volcanoes millions see daily from Mexico City and Puebla. Popo's smoke "is" his passion that never dies.
02The conflict
War; the false rumor of death; in some versions, a jealous rival.
03The iconic moment
Popocatépetl kneeling with a smoking torch beside the "Sleeping Woman."
04What survived
The two volcanoes over the Valley of Mexico; the volcano's smoke "explained" as his eternal love.
05Where to travel
06Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl famous?
It is Mexico's most visible love legend: two real volcanoes millions see daily from Mexico City and Puebla. Popo's smoke "is" his passion that never dies.
How does the story of Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl end?
Popocatépetl kneeling with a smoking torch beside the "Sleeping Woman." The two volcanoes over the Valley of Mexico; the volcano's smoke "explained" as his eternal love.
Where can you visit the story of Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl?
You can visit Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park, in Amecameca. Viewpoints from Mexico City, Puebla and Amecameca.
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