A day at iztaccihuatl.

Reaching the summit of Iztaccihuatl presents a significant challenge. Starting from a base camp at 3900 meters, you can immediately sense your lungs struggling for oxygen. To reach the summit, you must begin the hike at midnight, trekking in darkness for several hours. The most demanding part of the climb is ascending to the "knee" at 5000 meters, involving some exposed climbing. By this point, the sun has risen, offering breathtaking views. However, reaching the summit is only the halfway point in your day. Descending is exhausting, and all you can think about is getting back to the base for a cold beer and a well-deserved meal.