Pico de Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl Expedition

• Private transports throughout the expedition
• Veteran American mountain guides with over a 15 years of guiding in Mexico, to ensure seamless delivery and safety procedures
• Access to satellite phone and email, dispatches of the team progress on our news site
• Emphasis is placed on providing high end logistics, staff, equipment and services to a small team of climbers
• Accommodations in Tlachichuca, Mexico and at Iztaccihuatl in quaint lodges

Join us for a climb of this beautiful and accessible mountains in the heart of Mexico. First climbed in 1848, Orizaba is the 3rd highest mountain in North America and an excellent experience for the aspiring mountaineer. Iztaccihuatl serves as the perfect acclimatization peak, as well as a standalone climb of a 17,340 ft. mountain. Standing 18,491 feet above the Gulf of Mexico to the east, Pico de Orizaba is an excellent challenge for those who have had some experience with mountaineering and are looking to test themselves at high altitude. Orizaba is a great next step on the road to peaks such as Elbrus and Aconcagua and has served as the choice for mountaineers as the first big mountain glacier climb.

Pico de Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl are easily accessible from Mexico City, a short drive in private vehicles brings us to the base of the mountains. We begin with a transfer to Paso Cortez for an acclimatization hike up to 3600m and return to sleep at Amecameca cabins. The next day we travel to Altomoni hut for a short acclimatization hike around hut and return to sleep at Altzomoni. We then take an additional day at Altzomoni hut for another short acclimatization hike around hut and return to sleep at Altzomoni to prepare for the summit attempt on Iztaccihuatl. After the ascent we are picked up by a transfer vehicle and travel to Tlachichuca.

We will spend a night in town to take in the views of the mountain and sample the exquisite local cooking. Before making our way to the start of the climb we have time to pack and organize equipment on the sunny grass of our logistics operators hacienda.

A 4-wheel drive truck ride will transport the group and gear to the Piedra Grande hut located at 13,972 feet on the mountain. Here we will take a day or two to relax, hike, and acclimatize. As soon as we have taken some time to review basic skills, we are ready to climb to the summit.

The route travels via moderate snow slopes of the Jamapa Glacier. After several hours ascending the snow slopes we reach the crater rim. A short traverse along the exciting summit ridge leads to the summit of Orizaba.

After the climb we will join in a celebration dinner back in town and then transport back to Mexico City for the culmination of the expedition.

The Orizaba trip was a great adventure set within the rich culture of central Mexico. As an experienced climber, I was provided an introduction to high altitude mountaineering and Mountain Professionals also taught me vital climbing lessons along the way.

Steve C.

• Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City (7,340′) transport to Amecameca area and stay in a beautiful cabin setting to rest, have a team meeting and go over the equipment list.
• Day 2: We take a transport to the Altzomoni hut (13,100′) where we take a short acclimatization hike and overnight in the Altzomoni hut for acclimatization.
• Day 3: An extra day of acclimatization and a hike to a higher elevation to prepare for the ascent of Iztaccihuatl, sleep at the Altzomoni hut.
• Day 4: In the early a.m. we leave from the high camp for the summit day on Iztaccihuatl and return down to La Jolla in the late afternoon, for our transfer to Tlachichuca (7,000′) in private van. Enjoy our local operator’s hacienda for a shower and wonderful locally prepared meals.
• Day 5: Relax and regroup with an overview of the Orizaba climb, explore Artisans’ Market.
• Day 6: Transport via 4-wheel drive to Piedra Grande Hut (13,972′) on Orizaba and set up our tents at the camp before taking a short hike up the first part of the climbing route.
• Day 7: Early a.m. departure for the Summit of Orizaba and return to the hut in the afternoon, transport to Tlachichuca and sleep in our hosts hacienda with celebration dinner.
• Day 8: Morning transport to Mexico City/Flights home.

Trip Cost Includes

• Mountain Professionals guides
• Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Tlachicuca and back
• Accommodation in Amecameca, Tlachicuca at Hotel and mountain huts, including meals
• Transfers to and from mountains via 4×4 vehicle
• All hut or camping fees for the climb
• All meals and cooking gear on mountain
• Group climbing equipment, including tents

Price does not include

• Items of personal nature, individual travel costs to Mexico City, delays, taxis, etc
• Personal clothing or gear
• Alcoholic drinks and personal snacks
• Recommended Travel/Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Staff gratuities