Mexico's Volcanoes: Orizaba & Ixta

Located southeast of Mexico City, the massive volcanoes of Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl and El Pico de Orizaba dominate the surrounding skyline. Orizaba is the third highest peak in North America, towering over Mexico City at 18,700 feet above sea level, and surrounded by small Indian villages. Popocatepetl, The Smoking Mountain, is the seventh highest peak in North America with an elevation of 17,887 feet - however, due to recent volcanic activity, it is currently off limits to climbing. Iztaccihuatl, known as The Sleeping Lady, offers interesting and varied climbing at an elevation of 17,373 ft. Our volcano climbing expeditions to Orizaba (with a warm-up climb on nearby La Malinche - 14.640 ft.) and Iztaccihuatl combine a great mix of culture and climbing, continually proving the Mexican volcanoes to be an excellent introduction to high altitude mountaineering.

Mexico City is a modern, cosmopolitan city that is very crowded and congested. We spend little time here, and instead stay on the outskirts of town in a nice, clean and convenient hotel. You will be met at the airport upon your arrival by your guide and taken to the hotel. The rural areas in which we climb provide us with opportunities to experience classic Mexican culture with people who are very friendly and interested in Americans. Petty crime and crimes of opportunity are present in Mexico City and some small towns, but are rare in the areas in which we climb. It is best to be cautious and alert, but not paranoid about potential crime.

2009/2010 Offerings

Orizaba Express - If time is a factor, then this trip was designed with you in mind! 7 days still gives us time to properly acclimatize for the ascent, but doesn't take up all your vacation time. A schedule friendly trip that gets you up high!

Orizaba & Ixta - The classic introduction to high altitude climbing. First we ascend Iztaccihuatl (17,373 ft.) to acclimate for our ascent of the third highest peak in North America, Orizaba (18,700 ft.). Our trip is still the quickest and least expensive way to go big! Perfect for the novice mountaineer.

Additional Information

Travel in Mexico is made by the most practical means necessary. We travel by public bus (first class when possible), four wheel drive vehicle, taxis (collectivos), and on foot. When the group size necessitates, we hire a private vehicle to take us between major towns.

In the highlands where we will be climbing, the days are warm and the nights are cool. On the climbs themselves, you can expect temperatures to be in the 20s and 30s at the huts. On the summit days, the temperatures can dip to below 0F with the wind chill factor. As with any high altitude climb, the temperature extremes can be great.

You will need a valid passport or an original birth certificate (no photocopies) and a drivers license to enter Mexico. Make two copies of your passport in case the original is lost. Leave one copy with someone in the United States and carry the other one with you. You will be issued a tourist card upon entry. At the airport, you can check two bags at 50 lbs. each and carry on a small handbag without an additional charge.

No vaccinations are required to enter Mexico, however it is important to get a tetanus booster (if you have not had one in the last ten years) and a Hepatitis A vaccine. It is a good idea not to eat raw or uncooked food or fruits that you do not peel. We drink bottled water when available, and we purify and boil water in the mountains.

One last note: traveling and climbing in a foreign country can be stressful. The best laid plans can change for reasons beyond anyones control. In less-developed countries, little problems can be compounded by lack of infrastructure as well as cultural and language differences. It is therefore important to be flexible, laid back and less goal-oriented than we may be in our everyday lives. Let the guide deal with the hassles and headaches that come and go.