the first section. The trail then leads into a conifer section at around . The tree line, from where the "false" summit is visible for the first time, is at . After that, a very steep grassland section begins. The ridge starts at and leads to the summit, which is just behind the false summit. The last 100-or-so metres involve a bit of scrambling. It is often cold and very windy above the tree line, so proper clothing is recommended. Crampons and an ice axe are absolutely necessary whenever it has snowed recently – which typically happens a few times each year from December to March. Other than that, the ascent is challenging but not technical. Fit hikers can reach the summit from the resort area in 3–4 hours, but it is best to plan for 5–6 hours with breaks. It is best to start in the early morning and return well before sunset. The alpine police will warn hikers against ascending above the tree line after 2 p.m. There are other more demanding routes starting from the surrounding towns of Huamantla, Ixtenco, San Juan Tepulco and San Miguel Canoa. On September 14, 1968, a group of mountain climbers mainly consisting of employees of the Autonomous University of Puebla was infamously lynched in San Miguel Canoa, after they planned on staying in town overnight because of the adverse weather. The conservative town priest had encouraged the town population to the killing, mistaking the climbers for Communist students. The massacre was later adapted to film by director Felipe Cazals. See also List of mountain peaks of North America List of mountain peaks of Mexico List of volcanoes in Mexico List of Ultras of Mexico References Sources Acuña, René (1984). Relaciones geográficas del siglo XVI: Tlaxcala. Mexico City: National Autonomous University of Mexico. External links "Volcán La Malinche, Mexico" on Peakbagger Volcanoes of Puebla Volcanoes of Tlaxcala Mountains of Mexico Religious places of the indigenous peoples of North America Landforms of Puebla Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt North American 4000 m summits