Holly summits Iztaccíhuatl, one of Mexico’s most iconic volcanoes

Holly’s next acclimatisation climb was Iztaccíhuatl, one of Mexico’s most iconic volcanoes, with three distinct summits. Known as the "Sleeping Woman" in Nahuatl because its ridges resemble a reclining female figure, in mythology Iztaccíhuatl was a princess who fell in love with one of her father's warriors.

Holly reached the first summit at 5,050m and wanted to continue higher, but the group she was climbing with was unable to go on. Considered an extremely rewarding but physically brutal high-altitude mountaineering challenge, reaching 5,050m was the perfect acclimatisation goal to prepare Holly for her next challenge — Pico de Orizaba, and another important step towards Everest.