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14,640 feet / 4462 meters & 18,404 feet / 5612 meters
This comprehensive course is similar to our popular 8-day Alpine Climbing Course in the North Cascades and provides training in snow, rock, and beginner ice climbing skills. Set against a backdrop of rich Mexican culture and the opportunity to climb North America’s third highest peak, this trip offers participants a chance to gain skills and high altitude experience in one of our favorite countries.
This course differs from our other international trips as it has a rock climbing component, which encompasses not only time busting out the moves on the rock, but also learning skills that apply to the alpine environment such as rappelling, belaying techniques, basic rescue skills, and more. Motivated beginning climbers will get intensive hands on experience necessary to move competently and efficiently over a wide diversity of climbing terrain.
Elevation 7,341 feet / 2238 meters
Your guides meet you at the Mexico City International Airport and transport you to our hotel, which is conveniently located in the center of the historic district. We spend the remainder of the day sightseeing and beginning the acclimatization process. (7,341')
Elevation 10,000 feet / 3048 meters
Today we visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan. After exploring Pyramide del Sol and Pyramide de La Luna, we drive to El Chico National Park near the city of Pachuca in Hidalgo state. Here we will spend the afternoon climbing and learning skills at the rock climbing area known as Las Ventanas. We spend the next two nights in the climbers’ lodge next to the crags. (~10,000’)
Today we will continue the course with skills focused on rock climbing, belaying, rappelling, anchors, and using ascenders on fixed ropes. Overnight in the climbers’ lodge. (~10,000’)
Elevation 10,000 feet / 3082 meters
Today we will drive to Malinche National Park and check into the cabins at Campamento IMSS La Malintzin on the north slopes of Malinche peak to continue acclimatizing. (10,115’)
Elevation 14,640 feet / 4462 meters
Today we will climb to the summit of Malinche (14,640’) and return to the cabins for the night.
Elevation 13,792 feet / 4204 meters
Today we will drive through Mexico’s scenic countryside, taking advantage of fantastic photo opportunities and experiencing the interesting culture and hospitality of local people. From Tlachichuca we travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles to the hut at Piedra Grande (13,972') on Pico de Orizaba.
Elevation 15,500 feet / 4572 meters
We will focus on proper use of ice axes, crampons and techniques for roped team travel on glaciers.
Elevation 18,410 feet / 5611 meters
After a pre-dawn start, we head for the summit of Orizaba via the Glacier de Jamapa. We will ascend the moderate snow slopes of the Jamapa Glacier, traverse a rock band, and then reach the crater rim. Climbing along the edge of the crater rim leads us to the cross marking the summit of Orizaba, 18,410’! After enjoying the views of the rural Mexican landscape, we head down to Tlachichuca for a shower and a well-deserved celebration.
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