Itinerary

Day 1

Elevation: 7,341 feet / 2238 meters

Your guides will meet you at the Mexico City International Airport and transport you to the hotel, conveniently located in the center of the city's historic district. We can spend the remainder of the day sightseeing and beginning the acclimatization process.

 
Day 2

Elevation: 11,703 feet / 3567 meters
After a visit to the pyramids of Teotihuacan we leave Mexico City behind and drive through gorgeous high-elevation terrain towards Popocatepetl and Ixta. We can explore a fantastic market in Amecameca and make last minute purchases. We overnight in Amecameca.

 
Day 3

Elevation: 13,124 feet / 4000 meters
Our drive continues towards Popo-Ixta National Park and to the Paso de Cortez, named after Cortez crossed the pass in 1529 en route to the city of Tenochtitlan. From here we take our acclimatization hike up to 14,500 feet and relax and enjoy the great view of the volcanoes and the surrounding pine forest. We spend the night in the refuge.


Day 4

Elevation: 15,000 feet / 4572 meters
We use either the La Arista del Sol (Ridge of the Sun) route or the Glacier de Ayoloco route to climb Ixta, depending on weather conditions and the strength of the group. Today the group will move to a camp higher on the mountain, around 15,500 feet, depending upon the ascent route. In Aztec mythology, Ixta is known as the “Sleeping Lady” and with a little imagination, you can see the head, breast, belly, and knees along the skyline!


Day 5

Elevation: 17,154 feet / 5239 meters

After a pre-dawn wake-up, we will make our summit attempt on Ixta. The La Arista del Sol route climbs steep terrain to gain the Rodillas (knees) and then traverses several false summits to the top of North America’s seventh highest peak. The Glacier de Ayoloco route climbs directly up the glacier from the Ayoloco hut, passing several crevassed areas and small ice cliffs en route to the summit. The exhilaration of reaching the top of Ixta is a tremendously satisfying reward. After soaking in the spectacular view of the Mexican landscape, we will descend to the trailhead and drive to Amecameca for a rewarding dinner and a great nights sleep in a local hacienda.


Day 6

Elevation: 7,000 feet / 2134 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. We spend the night in the colorful town of Puebla (7,000'), where you can purchase additional supplies or souvenirs and enjoy some fabulous local cuisine.

 

Day 7

Elevation: 13,972 feet / 4259 meters

From Puebla we drive to Tlachichuca. We then travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles up the flanks of Orizaba to the hut at Piedra Grande (13,972'). We will go to bed soon after an early dinner to rest up for the next morning’s summit push.


Day 8

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 below a rock band, then reach the crater rim. A brief trek around 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.


Day 9

Return to Mexico City in the morning. Depart from Mexico Citys International Airport and return to your hometown. Note: when making flight reservations we ask that you do not depart earlier than 4 p.m. Hasta Leugo, Amigo!

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