Description
Pico de Orizaba and the Mexican Volcanoes – Malinche, Iztaccihuatl
This expedition to Pico De Orizaba (5636m) offers the opportunity to climb the highest volcano in North America, along with two other Mexican volcanoes; Malinche (4460m) and Iztaccihuatl (5260m). Pico De Orizaba is also one of the Seven Volcanic Summits, the highest volcano on each continent. The ascent of Pico De Orizaba is similar to climbing Mt Elbrus and the ideal climbing months are Late November to March.
The climb up Pico de Orizaba starts with an exciting jeep ride that takes us from the Mexico city to our camp at the Piedra Grande Hut perched at 4200m. From our camp we make our way through the mountain’s rocky moraine to join the Glacier de Jamapa Glacier. The route climbs the glacier and snow slopes to Orizaba’s summit, a perfectly formed conical shaped crater with a breath taking panorama.
If you are used to regular multi day hill walking you will have the right level of fitness to fully enjoy your time on this expedition. Previous experience of ice axe and crampons skills is a pre-requisite for this expedition for which you are welcome to join one of our Scottish Winter Skills course or Winter mountaineering. We also recommend that you also have experienced walking at over 4000m.
For those with more time you can extend your stay and explore the diverse cultures of Mexico with visits to the Teotihuacan Pyramids and the beautiful crater lakes of Nevado de Toluca for example.
John S –
Another great expedition led by Adventure Peaks. The trip included cultural highlights with visit to the celebrated pyramids of the Sun and Moon followed by short visit to the town of Tlachichuca. It facilitated preconditioning on an ascent of Malinche. The expedition provided continued acclimatization on Pico de Orizaba which ultimately enabled a successful summit from the Piedra Grande Hut up Glacier de Jamapa to crater rim. The trip was capped by a celebratory dinner in Serdan. In summary – superb planning, flawless logistics, and amiable, competent guiding. John S
Tim –
Fantastic support and organisation as always
Devin –
Great adventure programme. Mexico Volcanoes itinerary was great, with good acclimatisation schedule and opportunity to climb three volcanoes. One recommendation to the itinerary could be possible inclusion of going for Lucha Libre (local wrestling) – it was one of the highlights!