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Alvaro and his team of guides will take you to the top of the highest volcano in Mexico. Follow them on this 2-day expedition to Pico de Orizaba!
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
2 Days
All year
High
Beginner
Come with one of our experienced local guides and discover Pico de Orizaba!
Rising high above the region, this stratovolcano summit is situated at 5,610 meters (18,400 ft) above sea level. Located on the border between the states of Veracruz and Puebla, Pico de Orizaba offers one of the most spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
On the first day of our trip, we will go to Piedra Grande Hut where we will settle in before an afternoon excursion.
The hut offers comfortable bunk accommodations, communal dining areas, and essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. Enjoy warm, nourishing meals, secure storage for your gear, and shared spaces designed for socializing and unwinding after a day of adventure.
Then, the following day we will start off very early between midnight and 2 am.** At 4,749 meters (15,580 ft), we’ll encounter a challenging path known as the “Labyrinth” and one of our guides will carefully lead you through this section. By sunrise and at an altitude of 4,900-5,000 meters approximately, we’ll start climbing the Jamapa Glacier (700 m /2300 ft).
Even though no mountaineering experience is required, all participants need to be physically fit. Furthermore, we’ll take into account everyone’s particular needs and we’ll organize the best itinerary accordingly in order to get to the top in the best possible condition.
As of early 2024, the entrance fee to Parque Nacional Pico de Orizaba is 58 pesos ($3.5 USD) per person, payable in cash before you reach Refugio Piedra Grande. Rest assured, this fee is already included in your trip price.
Before embarking on this two-day expedition to Pico de Orizaba, it's crucial to prepare both physically and mentally to ensure a safe and enjoyable climb. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Build Endurance: Engage in regular aerobic exercises like running, cycling, or hiking.
Strength Training: Focus on leg and core workouts to improve stability and power.
Simulate the Climb: Practice hiking with a weighted backpack to mimic the conditions you'll face on the mountain.
By incorporating these preparation steps, you'll be better equipped to handle the physical demands of the ascent and focus on enjoying the incredible views
For the safest and most rewarding experience, we recommend climbing during the dry season—typically from November through April. These months offer more stable weather conditions, clearer skies, and less precipitation.
So, are you are ready for this 2-day expedition on Pico de Orizaba? Then send your request and get ready to experience Mexico’s ultimate trekking and climbing challenge!
If you are looking for more unforgettable adventures in Mexico, you may also join us on this 2-day Expedition on Iztaccihuatl, Mexico.
Meeting point
7:00 : Meeting point ( in the location you decide). We will check our equipment and do the final arrangements.
07:30 : Departure
09:30 : Arrival to Tlachichuca
11:30: 4×4 transport to Piedra Grande Hut
13:00: Acclimatization hike
17:00: Dinner
18:00: Go to sleep
00:00 : Wake up and breakfast.
01:00: Start climbing
09:00 : Summit
09:30: We’ll begin descending.
14:00: Arrival to Piedra Grande hut.
18:00: Arrival to Puebla (approximately)
Accommodation
We'll stay at Piedra Grande Hut in Orizaba—a cozy mountain retreat perfect for unwinding before our excursion. Enjoy comfortable bunks, communal dining, nourishing meals, secure gear storage, and inviting spaces to relax after a day of adventure.
More info
Transportation options:
We can also organize an acclimatization before the summit in Iztaccíhuatl or La Malinche.
Water bottle
Backpack
Sunglasses
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
We include all technical gear:
Really, all you have to bring are your mountaineering clothes, boots sleeping bag, and backpack, and we take care of the rest.
And if you don't have some clothing, you can rent it with us too.
We will send you a comprehensive list of the equipment you will need with you after you book your tour.
Can I join a group?
Yes, You can join a group! Please check our guaranteed departure dates.
Please note, the shared guide tour will be converted to a private guide tour if the minimum number of participants is not reached.
Price if less that 4 persons in total, will be like this:
1 Person: USD$785 per person
2-3 Persons: USD$600 per person
4-5 Persons: USD$565 per person
Which is the meeting point?
The departure is set from Puebla City (about 2 hours from Mexico City and halfway to Pico de Orizaba) because it's in the middle of the 3 big volcanoes (Pico de Oriaba, Iztaccihuatl, and La Malinche), and many clients want it this way, but if you want us to pick you up from Mexico City, we can provide that too.
Will we carry our own backpacks, clothes, tents, and other gear? How many liters do you recommend our backpack to be?
We reach the base camp by 4x4, so all hikes will be light (no more than 5–10 kg). With a 30–40-liter backpack, you will be fine.
Do you have storage for suitcases during our climbing trip?
Yes, no problem. You can leave them at our office in Puebla. Also, many hotels we work with let you leave it there while climbing with us (which normally is the most comfortable option for you).
Are you offering other guided ascents in Mexico?
We organize guided climbing tours on the following mountains of Mexico: Pico de Orizaba, La Malinche, Iztaccihuatl, and Nevado de Toluca. You’ll find all the info & details here: https://www.explore-share.com/mountain-guide/3summits-adventure/
How can I increase my chances of climbing Pico de Orizaba successfully?
If you are a mountain lover but don't have a lot of experience, a 2-day ascent may be excessively short to make it a triumph. The key is acclimatization! In this case, there are a few choices available for you:
How can I get to the meeting point? Could you please share the different transportation options?
Here are the common transportation options between cities:
If you decide to come by bus, we will pick you up at the Puebla bus station or at the Puebla hotel if you are already in Puebla.
How many climbers is a guide allowed to accompany?
There is 1 guide for every two climbers who join us on Pico. Our top priority is your safety.
Where is the nearest airport?
Puebla Airport (PBC) is the closest airport to Puebla. Still, there are other ways to travel to Puebla. An hourly bus service is provided by ADO between Aeropuerto MEX Terminal 1 and Puebla Terminal Paseo Destino. The trip takes two and a half hours, and tickets range from $7000 to $55000.
What public transportation options are available to Tlachichuca?
You can reach Tlachichuca via several regional bus services. Major cities like Veracruz and Puebla offer direct or connecting bus routes, making it a convenient entry point for climbers heading to Pico de Orizaba.
How long is the bus ride?
The journey duration depends on your departure city, but expect a ride of approximately 2–3 hours. This gives you ample time to relax and prepare mentally for the climb.
What communal facilities can I expect at the base camp?
At Piedra Grande Hut, you'll enjoy comfortable bunk accommodations along with communal dining areas and shared living spaces designed for relaxation and socializing after a day of adventure.
When is the best time to climb Pico de Orizaba?
The optimal season for climbing is during the dry months from November to March. During this period, the weather is more stable, with clearer skies and less precipitation, making for safer and more enjoyable ascents.
While the dry season (November to March) is the optimal time to climb Pico de Orizaba, some climbers consider the shoulder months of April and May for their ascent. However, these months come with unique challenges that should be carefully considered.
Why is acclimatization important for climbing Pico de Orizaba?
Acclimatization is crucial because Pico de Orizaba reaches an altitude of 5,636 meters (18,491 feet), where oxygen levels are significantly lower. Proper acclimatization helps your body adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and improving your chances of a successful summit.
How do you ensure proper acclimatization?
We design the itinerary to allow for gradual ascent, including a pre-acclimatization hike and an overnight stay at higher elevations before attempting the summit. This approach helps your body adapt, increases your endurance, and maximizes your safety and success rate.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
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Guiding agency
We are a group of passionate mountain and rock climbing local guides in Mexico, members of the AMGME (Mexican Mountain and Climbing Guides Association), where we have been practicing and guiding around the country for 10 years.
Our main goal is to make people enjoy our mountains as much as we do and get a real experience of out Mexican style of life having a close and friendly relationship with all our clients and trying to help as much as we can.
Everybody has different needs so we can modify all our programs to what is best for you, wether you need everything from transport, accommodation, food, gear... or just want to be guided in the mountain.
Please get in contact with us to climb our beautiful mountains and we'll do our best so that you get the most of your trip.
Languages
English | Spanish
Certificates
AMGME
Erik
Tjok
Great experience with 3summits and guide Chris! Would recommend to everyone to do this climb with them!
olivier
Guy
sophie
Our guide was Mesh, he was so knowledgeable, friendly and spoke great English (which always helps haha) We could not have wished for a better guide!!
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