Altzomoni is a prominent mountain pass or saddle located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, specifically situated between the active Popocatépetl volcano and the dormant Iztaccíhuatl volcano in central Mexico. It lies within the Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, straddling the border between the states of Mexico and Puebla.
The pass is positioned at an approximate elevation of 4,000 meters (about 13,120 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest points of access in the region. Its strategic location serves as a crucial starting point for mountaineers and researchers undertaking ascents of Iztaccíhuatl, offering expansive views of both volcanoes and the surrounding high-altitude terrain.
Geologically, Altzomoni is a significant feature, representing a low point along the volcanic ridge that connects Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, both of which are part of the extensive Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Ecologically, the area around the pass is characterized by its high-altitude alpine and subalpine ecosystems. These environments include coniferous forests at lower elevations of the pass and high-mountain grasslands, which support a variety of flora and fauna adapted to the challenging cold and thin-air conditions.
The name "Altzomoni" is derived from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec people. While interpretations can vary slightly, it is generally believed to relate to water, possibly meaning "place where water descends" or "place of the water fountain/spring," referencing the hydrological characteristics found at this elevation.