While all mountains have an interesting story to tell, rooted in geological drama and local legend, La Malinche, with her rippling contours, spins a more intriguing yarn than most. Soaring above the border between Puebla and Tlaxcala states in Mexico with a prominence of 6,300 feet (1,920 m), La Malinche’s peak reaches into the sky at an elevation of 14,636 feet (4,461 m). This makes the mountain, a volcano believed to be dormant for over three millennia, the sixth-highest in all of Mexico. But that’s not all.
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the local indigenous people (Tlaxcalans) called the mountain Matlalcueitl, meaning “blue skirt” in Nahuatl. This was a reference to a water goddess. At the beginning of each Spring season, people would scale the volcano to leave offerings and sacrifices as they prayed for the rain to come. When the Spanish came, the mountain’s name lost its pagan edge and became Sierra de Tlaxcala. The name it wears today is for Malinalli, a.k.a. Doña Marina, the indigenous woman made famous for her work as Hernán Cortés’s interpreter and confidante as he took over Mexico in the 16th century. The peak has not lost its spiritual importance, however. A shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe remains on the mountain and is visited each year by faithful pilgrims.
In 1938, under the administration of President Lázaro Cárdenas, the area was given a protected status and La Malinche National Park was formed. This served to protect the regional wildlife, such as the red lynx and Mexican cottontail rabbit, from the encroaching urban area to the southeast of the mountain.
Due to its high elevation, many serious alpinists train on La Malinche before attempting higher peaks. But don’t be perturbed, the summit is accessible for hikers of all experience levels. The main trail begins at the Centro Vacacional la Malintzi, a resort at an altitude of 10,935 feet (3,333 m) in Huamantla, Tlaxcala. An 8am start is recommended, to appreciate the morning birdsong and to comfortably reach the summit by noon. Past the tree line, when the rocks begin, hiking poles are recommended. More challenging treks can be started in one of the towns below Huamantla. No matter how you get there, the summit rewards La Malinche’s visitors with unparalleled, unforgettable views.
From La Malinche’s summit one can see three states, with views of the surrounding mountains, including Pico de Orizaba, Popocatepétl, and Ixtaccihuatl. When ascending after a recent snowfall, hikers should be prepared for some ice climbing. Bike routes at La Malinche’s base offer excitement for those who prefer two wheels. Cabins, camping, and recreation facilities are available at the resort, and on the weekends, horses and llamas may be available, as well.
