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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
15 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Mountaineering in Mexico the land of the Aztecs
  • Climb Pico de Orizaba, the highest summit in Mexico
  • Views of Popocatepetl from Izta
  • Experience Aztec and Spanish colonial history
  • A brilliant climbing holiday at altitude in Mexico
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Trekking
Other: Hiking, Mountaineering, Volcanoes, sightseeing, Urban Exploration, climbing, Camping
$2960USD
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ONGOING PROMOTIONS
"Get 5% off when you book with AdventureLink before May 31st, 2012!"
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Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
Promotion lasts :
From 4/25/2012 To 6/1/2012
TRIP MAP
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Mexico Volcano Climber

High above its tropical forests, Aztec ruins and Spanish colonial architecture, there is a side to Mexico that few people get to see - amongst the ice and snow of its 5000 metre volcanoes. As an acclimatisation exercise, we start out with a 2-day ascent of the country's 5th highest summit.
High above its tropical forests, Aztec ruins and Spanish colonial architecture, there is a side to Mexico that few people get to see - amongst the ice and snow of its 5000 metre volcanoes. As an acclimatisation exercise, we start out with a 2-day ascent of the country's 5th highest summit, a dormant volcano called La Malinche (4462m). Then, over 3 days, we tackle Iztaccihuatl ('Izta') (5260m), following a beautiful route known as the 'Ridge of the Sun'. From the top, there are superb views across to Popocatepetl (a popular climb - until its recent eruptions). During this first part of the holiday, we take every opportunity to return to our comfortable hacienda base at the foot of La Malinche. Moving on to the town of Tlachichuca, we make our preparations for the final ascent, on Pico de Orizaba (5746m). After climbing the 30-degree snow slope of the Glaciar de Jamapa and tracing a route around the crater rim, our reward is a summit with splendid views across to the Gulf of Mexico. With 3 challenging climbs and a host of new experiences, this is a brilliant adventure and the opportunity to see another side of Mexico.

NOTE: Prices and itineraries shown for trips departing in 2013 may be subject to change although we will endeavour to keep any price increases for 2013 trips to a minimum. 2013 prices will be confirmed in October 2012.
Day 1: Arrive Mexico City
Rendezvous at the group hotel in Mexico City. A timed group airport transfer is provided. KE group package services begin with the overnight at the group hotel. Meals included: Dinner.
Day 2: Transfer to La Malinche
After breakfast we make the 90 kilometre drive to the base of the peak known as La Malinche. Here, we check in at a comfortable hacienda which we will use on several occasions during this holiday. We can leave some of our gear here and pick it up before the bigger peaks. On this first afternoon, we will make an acclimatisation hike on the slopes of La Malinche and then return to the hacienda. In the evening we will have dinner and pack for the ascent on the next day. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Up to a high camp on La Malinche
This is Mexico's 5th highest peak and provides excellent acclimatisation for the climbs later in the week. Also known as Maltzín, this striking volcano is divided by ridges, gullies and volcanic ravines that drop down from its summit. It offers a longer ascent than Nevado de Toluca, for example, and better preparation for our groups. Today, we hike for 4 or 5 hours to our high camp on Malinche at around 3800 metres. There are no huts on Malinche and no water, so we have to carry food and provisions for our overnight camp. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Climb La Malinche
Above our high camp, we follow a good trail across scree to reach rockier ground on the summit ridge. It will take us 3 hours or so to reach the summit at 4462 metres and a further 1 or 2 hours to return to high camp. From the top the views are superb and we can see the active Popocatepetl in the distance, often with a plume of drifting smoke. We break camp and hike back down to our hacienda base. We have the afternoon and evening to prepare for Iztaccihuatl, our next peak. We eat dinner at the hacienda and get another good night sleep. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Transfer to Izta Base Camp
After a leisurely breakfast, we board our transport for the drive to La Joya and our basecamp for the next peak, Iztaccihuatl (usually referred to as Izta). We set up our camp at approximately 3900 metres on the edge of a pine forest and the rest of the day is free to explore the area. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Trek to High Camp
The peaks of Iztaccihuatl which translates as ‘White Woman’ and Popocatepetl 'Smoking Mountain' are around 15 kilometres apart and together they form the eastern rim of the Valle de Mexico. Iztaccihuatl has four peaks, the highest of which is at 5230 metres (17,159 feet) above sea level. Together, the peaks are seen as depicting the head, chest, knees and feet of a sleeping female figure. In Aztec mythology, Iztaccíhuatl was a princess who fell in love with Popocatepetl, one of her father's warriors. Iztaccíhuatl was falsely told Popocatepetl had been killed in battle and she died of a broken heart. When Popocatépetl returned to find his love dead, he kneeled by her grave and the gods changed them into mountains. Today we move up to a high camp on the ‘White Woman’ at around 4725 metres, where we make use of a basic hut with simple wooden bunks. It should take approximately 4 hours to make this ascent. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Ascent of Iztaccihuatl
We use the normal route, known as La Arista del Sol or 'Ridge of the Sun' to climb Izta. This is the standard route often referred to as the 'knees' route, since it traverses the ridge supposed to resemble the knees of the sleeping woman. During the climb we will negotiate some ice cliffs and cross a crevassed glacier. It is an 8 to 10 hour day to make the climb to the summit and back down to the roadhead. We'll need to start early in the morning to ensure we are up and off the peak in reasonable time. From the summit, the views are superb across to Popocatepetl which may put on a display for us. The panorama extends across Mexico State to Puebla and Mexico City. We descend all the way back down the mountain and drive back to our relaxing hacienda base below La Malinche, for hot showers and a rewarding evening meal. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Drive to the foot of Orizaba
This is a useful rest day, as we drive the 150 kilometres to the Servimont Climbers Hostel in the town of Tlachichuca. We have lots of time to check out the town, witness the way of life of the local people and maybe find a suovenir. We also have to prepare our gear for the ascent of Orizaba. Located approximately 25 kilometres northwest of the city of the same name, Orizaba is Mexico’s highest peak and North America’s third highest. It is also ranked 7 th in the world in topographic prominence and is the world’s second most prominent volcano after Kilimanjaro. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Hike to the Piedra Grande Hut
We hike up the flanks of Orizaba to the Piedra Grande hut (4230m) on the north side of the volcano. This is not the standard route but gives us a better opportunity to acclimatise and see the mountain. Our gear will be transported by 4WD to the hut. We spend the night in the hut, just above the tree line. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Trek to High Camp
Moving up to a high camp at around 4750 metres gives us extra acclimatisation and reduces the effort of tomorrow's ascent. The afternoon is spent relaxing and taking in the views. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Summit day on Orizaba
We make an early start for the ascent of Orizaba (5746m), Mexico’s highest peak. The route follows easy angled snow slopes on the Glacier de Jamapa. Reaching the crater we then follow the edge of the caldera to the summit, which is marked by a cross. The views across the Gulf of Mexico to the east and the central plateau to the west are breathtaking. The only people who might be higher than us in all of North America are those who happen to be on the summit of Denali in Alaska or on Mount Logan in Canada. The views from the summit are extensive from Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatepetl in the west to the Gulf of Mexico, 100 kilometres to the east. Retracing our route of ascent we descend as far as the Piedra Grande hut. Approximately 8 - 10 hours. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Return to Tlachichuca
We have breakfast at the Piedra Grande Hut and pack our gear into the 4WD support vehicle for transport back to Tlachichuca. We hike down with light daypacks and can spend the afternoon in Tlachichuca. Overnight at the Servimont Hostel, a former soap factory that has been popular with climbers for 40 years. We will find a local restaurant for dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Contingency Day
This day is reserved as a contingency day in the event that our programme has been delayed up to this point. It allows us a second chance to attempt Orizaba. If we have climbed the peak at the first attempt, we will return to the hacienda below Malinche today and visit the nearby town of Huamantla, with its cafes and markets. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Transfer to Mexico City - sightseeing
In the morning, we drive back through rural Mexico to Mexico City, a journey of 3 to 4 hours. After checking in to our hotel and enjoying a hot shower, there is the opportunity for those who wish to have a guided tour of Mexico City's wonderful collection of colonial buildings from the Spanish era. There are epic murals by the likes of Rivera, Orozco and Siquieras and excellent museums of art and archaeology. After the tour there will be some free time for further independent sightseeing. In the evening we will no doubt wish to go out and celebrate our successes in one of the city’s popular restaurants. Please note that this final meal is not included in the trip price. (B)
Day 15: Depart Mexico
After breakfast there is a timed group transfer to Mexico City Airport where KE Land Only services end. (B)
Overall Rating
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David Byrne
The local guides - Alfredo and Livingston were both very capable and friendly. It was an excellent trip made all the better by summitting all the mountains.
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Steve Barron
Dale and Mike (our guides) could not have been more friendly and helpful. The service they provided was well beyond my expectations and nothing was too much trouble. The Mexican guide Livingstone was very knowledgeable and professional. The 2 big mountains Izta and Pico de Orizaba were really challenging and rewarding. So different they could have been in different countries which enhanced the experience
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Peter Sinclair
The trip was tougher than I expected but great experience on challenging mountains. Accomodation at our base was superb. Both our American guides were great fun and company throughout the trip. They did everything in their power to ensure a successful trip.
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • English-speaking local climbing leader
  • Experienced mountain guides and local helpers/porters
  • Single timed group transfers from/to Mexico City Airport
  • A good standard hotel accommodation (minimum 3 star) in Mexico City
  • Hacienda hostel and camping and mountain hut accommodation as described in the itinerary
  • All meals except lunch and dinner in Mexico City All road transport required in private vehicles
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Tips for local staff
  • Airport transfers other than the group transfer
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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