Winter weather has caused significant changes across Mexico, leading to the closure of the popular Nevado de Toluca due to safety concerns. The Coordinación General de Protección Civil y Gestión Integral de Riesgos del Estado de México announced on December 23, 2024, the suspension of access to the volcano, known locally as Xinantécatl, after experiencing its first snowfall of the season. This phenomenon, fueled by the 15th cold front of the year, resulted not only in stunning snowy landscapes but also hazardous conditions for visitors.
Authorities reported, "El camino se encuentra congelado, lo que representa un alto riesgo para la seguridad de las y los visitantes" (The road is frozen, which poses a high risk to the safety of visitors). The decision to close the access routes was made following recent weather events, which brought low temperatures and poor visibility due to dense fog. Such conditions heighten the risk of accidents and potential hypothermia for those planning to hike or engage in outdoor activities around the area.
Located approximately 43 kilometers southwest of Toluca, the Nevado de Toluca is the fourth highest mountain in Mexico, reaching elevations of 4,680 meters. The area is renowned not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its biodiversity, housing two beautiful lagoons, Laguna del Sol and Laguna de la Luna.
Over the weekend, several volcanoes, including Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, received significant snowfall, attracting many tourists eager to capture the winter scenery. Unfortunately, those planning to visit Nevado de Toluca during the Christmas holidays will have to alter their plans due to the stringent safety measures implemented by local officials.
The Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas also emphasized the dangers faced by visitors, calling attention to factors like low visibility, strong winds, and high chances of hypothermia. They noted, "Las condiciones meteorológicas adversas provocadas por el frente frío número 15 han generado una situación de alto riesgo en la zona" (The adverse weather conditions caused by the 15th cold front have generated high-risk conditions in the area).
The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional has predicted continued cold temperatures throughout the week, with lows ranging from 2 to 4 degrees Celsius and highs only reaching between 17 and 18 degrees. Although lloviznas and other wintry conditions are expected, visitors are advised to stay informed through official weather channels and follow safety recommendations provided by authorities.
Among those recommendations is the importance of dressing warmly, staying hydrated with hot beverages, and ensuring ventilation when using heaters indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning risks. Authorities highlighted the need to assist vulnerable groups—like children, those with chronic illnesses, and the elderly—to navigate this unusually cold winter.
The recent snowfall and cold weather have transformed the Nevado de Toluca's stunning landscapes, gracing it with breathtaking views. These conditions typically attract large crowds, especially during the holiday season, which emphasizes the importance of safety measures during visits.
With the status of closure until conditions improve, the local authorities thanked visitors for their patience and urged them to prioritize safety over the allure of winter festivities.
It's clearer than ever: if you’re planning to visit this iconic site known for its captivating cold-weather scenery, you’ll need to wait until the weather cooperates, and roads become safe again. Rest assured, the beautiful views will undoubtedly await when the time is right to experience the wonders of Nevado de Toluca once more.
