Mexico Volcanoes
The Mexico Volcanoes trip is an all time favorite amongst guests and guides. It is an all inclusive trip (no hidden fees) once you arrive in Mexico City. The combination of cultural experiences, great food, and amazing climbing makes it a must do for any mountaineer. This trip is led by an IFMGA Certified American Mountain Guide. The team truly makes this trip a special endeavor. During our trip, we climb the two highest peaks in Mexico and one acclimatization peak: Pico De Orizaba at 18,481ft (3rd highest peak in North America), Ixtaccihuatl (17,340), and Malinche (14,636).
This trip is designed so that we spend 2 nights in tents — one night at Pico De Orizaba basecamp and one at Ixtaccihuatl high camp. All other nights are spent in historic hotels in some of the most beautiful cities Mexico has to offer. The climbing is interspersed throughout the trip with other days visiting historic sites and learning about the rich history of Mexico. We also have a private local tour guide with us during our travels for the Museum of Anthropology, Teoihuacan, Pyramid del Sol (the third largest pyramid in the world), and Puebla (known as one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Mexico.)
Mexico Volcanoes 2024 Dates:
Mexico Volcanoes: Pico De Orizaba, Ixtaccihuatl, Melinche
October 26 - November 3, 2024
November 30 - December 8, 2024
Group Size
3 Guests to 1 Guide on summit days
Pricing
$3,250
Must have hiking and backpacking experience.
Must be able to carry 40 lb pack.
Must be able to hike 6 miles a day.
Skill Level
Required Equipment
All inclusive trip once you arrive in Mexico City.
IFMGA Certified American Mountain Guide
Local Tour guide
All museum/ sightseeing fees
All in-country transportation
All lodging
Hotel accommodations
All group camp supplies, such as tents, stoves, etc.
All meals (excluding alcoholic beverages)
All group climbing gear
All meals while climbing
All hut fees, park fees, and permit
What’s Included
International round-trip airfare USA-Mexico
Alcoholic Beverages during your stay
Taxi between airport and hotel in Mexico City
Single room supplement (hotels only)
Personal gear (see Gear List)
Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
Personal items
Trip cancellation insurance
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Valhalla Mountain Guides
Gratuities for staff and guides
What’s Not Included
Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking.
Cancellation Policy
Itinerary
Day 1
Mexico City + Museum of Anthropology • 7,300' | 2,225M
Today we arrive in Mexico City in the morning. A taxi will shuttle you to our hotel. The hotel is located in the heart of the city. In the afternoon we take a guided tour of the Museum of Anthropology. This is an optional tour but highly recommended! This evening we will have a group dinner and orientation at 6:00 p.m. which is mandatory.
Day 2
Tour the Pyramids + Shuttle to Malinche • 10,000' | 3048M
We meet for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Following breakfast we drive in private vehicles to the cabins at the La Malintzi Resort, a facility located at 10,000' at the base of La Malinche (14,636'). On the way, we visit the famous pyramids of Teoihuacan and Pyramid del Sol, the third largest pyramid in the world.
Day 3
La Malinche + La Joya • 14,636' | 4,461M
This morning we get an early start and make an attempt on La Malinche (14,636). This climb is just for acclimatization, we can turn around at any point. This will allow us to save energy for the following days. After the climb we load up and head to La Joya at the base of Ixtaccihuatl. On the way we have time to visit Amecameca and purchase any last minute items for our climb. From here we head into Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park. This is one of the highest roads in Mexico and we camp at the end of the road, in a place called La Joya (13,047).
Day 4
Ixtaccihuatl High Camp • 15,430' | 4,703M
We leave La Joya and hike to our High Camp. This day has an elevation gain of 2,383 ft. We set up camp, review our mountain skills and prepare for an early alpine start.
Day 5
Ixtaccihuatl Summit Day • 17,340' | 5,285M
Summit Day on Ixtaccihuatl! We leave our High Camp for our summit attempt. We will climb the Knees Route to the Ridge of the Sun (La Arista del Sol). After enjoying the beautiful views and celebrating on the 17,340' summit, we descend to High Camp, pack up, and return to La Joya. After returning to the trailhead we head to our hotel in Puebla, one of the most historic and beautiful places in Mexico.
Day 6
Puebla • 7,000' | 2,134M
Our hotel in Puebla is walking distance to the Zocalo (main square). Today is a rest day. We will have guided tours of museums. Time to hit the local shops, and a great day for recovery after the last three days. This is topped off by one of the best restaurants in Mexico. The birthplace of poblano mole it is truly 10/10. Puebla is a favorite amongst our guests and guides.
Day 7
Orizaba High Camp • 14,000' | 4,267M
Today we drive to Tlachichuca, located at the base of Pico de Orizaba. After lunch, four-wheel drive trucks take us to Piedra Grande, our High Camp on Orizaba at 14,000'. We spend the night in tents. Our partners have a great comfortable base camp set up for us. After dinner we prepare for our Alpine Start.
Day 8
Orizaba Summit Day • 18,491' | 5,636M
Summit Day on Pico de Orizaba! Waking before the sun, we make our way through a maze of rock and scree. Once we reach the Jamapa Glacier, the remainder of the climb is snow/ice. We will use our crampons/ice axe/ and the rope to ascend to the summit. There are limited crevasses on Orizaba and it is a great place to be introduced to glacier climbing. Hurrah the summit of the third highest peak in North America! Pico De Orizaba (18,491). We then reverse the route back to basecamp. Once at Piedra Grande, we load our trucks and descend for a hot shower and a home-cooked meal. We spend the night in our partner hotel near at the base.
Day 9
Mexico City + Travel Day
After breakfast, we leave Tlachichuca and head to Mexico City. It's about a three-hour drive, and we arrive at the airport around 12:00 p.m. Your outbound flight should be booked for 3:00 p.m. or later.
