2-day Climbing trip to Pico de Orizaba (5636 m)
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
Highlights
- Reach the top of the highest volcano in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba!
- Improve your mountaineering skills with the help of an expert local guide.
- Stand on the summit of a 5-thousander and look down towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Description
This 2-day expedition will take you all the way to the top of the highest mountain in Mexico, the third highest in North America. 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**. 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.
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.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Personal insurance
- Permit and entrance fees
- Tents
- Rope
- Sleeping pad
- Cooking utensils
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Trekking poles
- Snacks
- Clean drinkable water
Price details
- Transport from Mexico City to Puebla and accommodation in the city are not included in the price.
- Lunches while not in the mountains are not included.
- Technical gear (crampons, Ice-axe, helmet, harness, hiking poles, front headlight, ropes, anchors, first aid kit) are included. Water included (we carry 2 liters on summit day).
Itinerary
Day 1: Tlachichuca - Piedra Grande Hut
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
Day 2: Summit day
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)
Details
More info
Transportation options:
- Pick you up at your hotel. 1 person: 110 USD, one way (2hrs).
- Buses Mexico-Puebla from TAPO bus station. About 15 USD. One way. No stops (2hrs.) and running all day long.
- Buses Mexico Airport-Puebla. About 20 USD one way (2hrs). No stops and running all day long.
- If you decide to come by bus, we would pick you up at Puebla bus station or at Puebla hotel if you are already in Puebla.
We can also organize an acclimatization before the summit in Iztaccíhuatl or La Malinche.
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Sunglasses
Shirt, jackets, pants, boots, neck protector, hat, gloves, socks, gaiters, sleeping bag, sunscreen, camera.
FAQs
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:
- crampons,
- ice-ax,
- helmet,
- harness,
- hiking poles,
- front light
- all food and drink in the mountain,
- medical insurance for summit day,
- tents, camping equipment, etc.
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:
- We suggest you go for a 3-day tour that incorporates an acclimatization hike. You’ll find all the details in the following link:
- Another alternative is to climb La Malinche (4.421m - 14.505ft) before Pico. You’ll find in the link below all the details for Pico and La Malinche ascents: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/pico-de-orizaba-ascent-acclimatization-la-malinche-3-days/
How can I get to the meeting point? Could you please share the different transportation options?
Here are the common transportation options between cities:
- Pick up at your hotel/airport: with a cost of 100 USD/car One way (2 hours long)
- Buses Mexico-Puebla from Tapo bus station. Cost: 15 USD. One way. No stops (2 hours.) No stops, and running all day long.
- Buses Mexico Airport-Puebla depart from the airport terminal. About 20 usd one way (2 hours). No stops and running all day long.
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 are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
3Summits
4.8
(142)
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
What people are saying about this trip
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!!
Stefanie
Kirsten
Amazing experience! I had such an incredible time on the mountain. My guide Abraham, Ahmed and the 3Summits Staff, especially Karla whom I was in contact with the entire duration, were all phenomenal. I recommend them 100% for anyone looking to climb Pico de Orizaba. Abraham is very experienced, knowledgeable and kind. It was a wonderful climbing with him. It has been awhile since I have climbed due to injury, and he definitely helped me get my confidence back. You can tell he truly likes what he does, and that is very important in the mountains. Highly recommend him as a guide!!! Ahmed was also a joy. He was so helpful throughout the trip, and helped with logistics, food, and setting up. Very positive person! And Karla was amazing, and always on top of everything. Very nice, and quick to respond. I can't wait to go back someday. That mountain is great for training, and a fun peak in itself. I highly recommend hiring a private tour, like I did, if you have any injuries or want to go at your own pace. It's well worth it. But, 3Summits does have a 1:2 ratio, which is better than a lot of other guiding services out there, should you choose to go in a group. I am very impressed with 3Summits and will use them again. Thank you! :)
Jaime
I am 63, I tried to climb Pico de Orizaba 6 months ago without success. I was in a group of 8 people and the guides seemed to be in a hurry to finish their job, I could not keep up with their pace. I decided to try it again, searching the web for Pico de Orizaba climbing I found Explore-Share where you can find guides from all over the world, 3Summits Adventure was the option that could not have been better, I can say there is a world of difference between 3Summits Adventure and the other mountain guides. My guide Lalo was all attention to detail, he let me climb at my pace always making sure I was in condition to continue and checking for any symptoms that could affect the climb, without his patience and experience in the mountain I could not have reached the summit. In 5 days I climbed La Malinche and Pico de Orizaba, something that at my age I could not have done it without the guides and services 3Summits provided, Karla and Lalo made it possible for me. You can take a risk and try other guides, there are plenty of them, but if you really want to make it to the summit 3Summits the best option.
Michelle
Hi, It’s Michelle Houjeily, apologies I’m submitting this so late! Thank you for all of the support and help throughout this hike, it was truly amazing!! I should have taken more seriously your recommendation to do an acclimatization hike prior as the altitude really got to me at a certain point and didn’t allow me to summit. Regardless, this was such a beautiful experience. I appreciated the guidance prior to the hike, being able to rent out items, the home cooked meal in the little town, and even the disappointment in not completing the hike. This hike inspired me to keep going and keep trying! So thank you!!
You may also like
Find more mountaineering trips
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.