PICO DE ORIZABA SUMMIT

Mexico's highest peak (18,491 feet)

Mexico's highest mountain. 2-day expedition with acclimatization, technical equipment included, and certified guides (1:2 ratio).

5,636 msnm | 2 días | T5 MONTAÑISMO MODERADO - AVANZADO | MÁXIMO 8 PERSONAS | DESDE $4,200 MXN

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SECTUR TURISMO DE AVENTURA - EXCURSIONISMO | TRAM TÉCNICO RESCATE ALTA MONTAÑA

| NDR - NO DEJAR RASTRO | + 1000 CUMBRE CON GRUPOS

It is the highest volcano and peak in Mexico, with an elevation of 5,636 meters above sea level. This also makes it the third-highest peak in North America.

It is known in the Nahuatl language as *Citlaltepetl*—*citlali* meaning "star" and *tepetl* meaning "mountain"—translating to "Mountain of the Star."

If you enjoy outdoor activities with friends or crave thrills, you simply must climb Mexico's highest peak. Doing so requires training, a passionate spirit, discipline, determination, and courage.

NORTH FACE ROUTE

The North Route is the most spectacular and technical, requiring knowledge of how to use crampons and ice axes, as the climb involves an impressive ascent up the Jamapa Glacier.

The climb begins at the Piedra Grande site, next to the Jamapa Ravine. There are two shelters here: the first, built in 1957, is named Augusto Pellet; the second was originally named "Benito Juárez" but later renamed "Santos Castro." Paradoxically, however, everyone refers to the area simply as "Piedra Grande," even though the actual *Piedra Grande* (Big Rock) is located next to the Augusto Pellet shelter.

Pico de Orizaba is a true challenge for anyone looking to push their limits. Without a doubt, it is worth every drop of sweat, every moment of breathlessness, and every ounce of fatigue experienced during the ascent.

SOUTH FACE ROUTE

The least complicated route to visit this giant is the South Face route. This path crosses the "Del Encuentro" valley—near the entrance to the Large Millimeter Telescope and the "Cueva del Muerto" (Cave of the Dead) at 4,200 meters above sea level—before reaching a point known as Cargaderas, located near the Fausto González shelter (4,660 meters above sea level). The ascent begins up a steep stretch of loose sand, connecting to "El Espinazo" (The Backbone)—a rocky ridge leading directly to the summit. Before reaching the top, there is a prominent crag known as "El Espolón" (The Spur), which can be bypassed on either the left or the right.

IS IT FOR ME?

Assess whether this expedition is suitable for your level. Be honest with yourself

Physical requirements:

Ideally, you should have experience summiting a peak or similar mountain over 4,500m within the last six months. You must be capable of hiking for 8–10 hours with an elevation gain of 1,400m and possess good cardiovascular fitness. This should not be your first mountain climb.

Technical requirements:

We teach you everything. You don't need prior experience with crampons and ice axes; we hold a practice session at the camp. All you need is the desire to learn and to follow instructions. We provide the certified technical equipment.

It’s not for you if...

You are looking for a light hike. You have uncontrolled heart, respiratory, or blood pressure issues. You cannot tolerate extreme cold (-10°C), high altitude, or days that start at 11:00 AM. You suffer from severe vertigo or have untreated knee injuries.

MAP

ITINERARY - 2-DAY TIMELINE

Classic North Face Route

⛺ DAY 1:

Approach and Acclimatization • 📍 Meeting point: Ciudad Serdán at noon. • 🛒 Lunch and last-minute supply shopping. • 🚐 4x4 transfer to the Piedra Grande refuge (Base Camp, 4,200 masl). • ⛺ Setting up camp or settling into the refuge. • 🥾 Acclimatization hike. • ⏰ Afternoon: Technical briefing on gear usage, crampon adjustment, and summit pack preparation. • 🌙 Early rest: Goal is to sleep by 5:00 PM.

⏰ DAY 2:

Summit Push • 🕙 10:00 PM (previous night): Wake up and light meal. • 🕚 11:00 PM: Start of the ascent. • 🌅 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Summit arrival. • ⚠️ 9:30 AM: Turnaround point (regardless of location, for safety reasons). • 🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Return to camp, breaking down camp, and packing up. • 🚗 Afternoon: Return trip from Piedra Grande to Ciudad Serdán.

Elevation gain: +1,436m | Moving time: 12–15h | Distance: 10km | Times are approximate and depend on weather and group pace. Safety is always the priority.