Organized tour / English speaking guide
Regions visited : Andes
Activities to do:
AHigh Mountain in Mexico – Turism and Discovery
Level 
Difficult
High Mountain Expedition climbing the highest peaks of Mexico while discovering the main cultural highlights of this region of the country.
During the first few days, you will climb Nevado de Toluca, one of the highest peaks in Mexico. This is a one-day ascent of moderate difficulty that a regular climber with average skills can achieve.
The next two volcanoes, Iztaccíhuatl (Izta) and Pico de Orizaba, are more demanding and challenging.
Izta is the third-highest peak in Mexico, a beautiful mountain which, with its ups and downs, forms the silhouette of a sleeping woman; above 4,800 m you will find snow and two glaciers, making the use of crampons and an ice axe necessary. Although it is not a technical climb, but rather a long ascent to reach 5,220 m (the climb will begin at 2:00 a.m.), this 14 to 17-hour ascent is achievable for regular climbers in good physical condition.
There are no words to adequately describe the beauty of this mountain. At dawn, we will pass the refuge located halfway up the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the rugged ridges leading to the summit and, behind us, a magnificent panorama of the Popocatépetl volcano (the second-highest volcano in Mexico, which is not climbed due to its activity) with its fumaroles.
Our ascent of Pico de Orizaba a few days later will be completely different: a classic volcanic cone at 5,640 m. This peak is the highest in Mexico, the third in North America, and one of the seven highest volcanic summits in the world.
This ascent is not technical, but crampons and an ice axe will also be required; it will likewise begin at 2:00 a.m. and take between 12 and 15 hours in total. It is a mountain that requires the same level of fitness and skill as Izta, but the effort is well rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view.
Itinerary :
Day 1
Guided visit of the historic center of Mexico City, overnight at a hotel in CDMX.
The Historic Center is a UNESCO-listed site; we will visit the Cathedral, the Templo Mayor, and the National Palace.
Day 2
Visit to the Cosmovitral stained glass garden in Toluca and the archaeological site of Calixtlahuaca. Overnight at the Toluca refuge.
The Cosmovitral is a botanical garden with stained glass panels representing the different ecosystems of Mexico. The archaeological site of Calixtlahuaca is famous for the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
Day 3
Ascent of Nevado de Toluca (4,680 m). Return to CDMX. Overnight at a hotel in Mexico City.
Nevado de Toluca – 4th highest peak, 2h30 from CDMX
B, C (snack), L
Nevado de Toluca
Elevation: 4,680 m
Distance: 7.5 km
Elevation gain: 500 m
Time: between 7 and 9 hours
Day 4
Visit to the famous pyramids of Teotihuacán and transfer to the Iztaccíhuatl refuge.
Teotihuacán is the most important archaeological site in Mexico (UNESCO).
B, C
Day 5
Ascent of Izta (5,220 m) and overnight at the Izta refuge.
Iztaccíhuatl – 3rd highest peak, 2h30 from CDMX
B, L, C, D
Iztaccíhuatl
Elevation: 5,220 m
Distance: 14 km
Elevation gain: 1,150 m
Time: between 11 and 14 hours
Day 6
Visit to Cholula. Transfer and overnight in Tlachichuca (village near Pico de Orizaba).
Cholula: historic town with a large pyramid.
B, C
Day 7
Rest day and 4×4 transfer to the Pico de Orizaba refuge.
B, C, D
Day 8
Ascent of Pico de Orizaba (5,640 m). Return to hotel in CDMX.
Pico de Orizaba – highest peak in Mexico, 4h from CDMX
B, L, C
Pico de Orizaba
Elevation: 5,630 m
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: 1,400 m
Time: between 9 and 12 hours
First-day airport transfer, mountain guide,
Accommodation: refuges and hotels
Transport, meals as mentioned
Entrance fees
Drinks outside of meal times,
Personal mountain equipment*,
*Some climbing equipment may be provided at no extra cost with prior notice.
Daily departures
Departures are guaranteed from 2 participants
High Mountain Expedition climbing the highest peaks of Mexico while discovering the main cultural highlights of this region of the country.
During the first few days, you will climb Nevado de Toluca, one of the highest peaks in Mexico. This is a one-day ascent of moderate difficulty that a regular climber with average skills can achieve.
The next two volcanoes, Iztaccíhuatl (Izta) and Pico de Orizaba, are more demanding and challenging.
Izta is the third-highest peak in Mexico, a beautiful mountain which, with its ups and downs, forms the silhouette of a sleeping woman; above 4,800 m you will find snow and two glaciers, making the use of crampons and an ice axe necessary. Although it is not a technical climb, but rather a long ascent to reach 5,220 m (the climb will begin at 2:00 a.m.), this 14 to 17-hour ascent is achievable for regular climbers in good physical condition.
There are no words to adequately describe the beauty of this mountain. At dawn, we will pass the refuge located halfway up the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the rugged ridges leading to the summit and, behind us, a magnificent view of the Popocatépetl volcano (the second-highest volcano in Mexico, which is not climbed due to its activity) with its fumaroles.
Our ascent of Pico de Orizaba a few days later will be completely different: a classic volcanic cone at 5,640 m. This peak is the highest in Mexico, the third in North America, and one of the seven highest volcanic summits in the world.
This ascent is not technical, but crampons and an ice axe will also be required; it will likewise begin at 2:00 a.m. and take between 12 and 15 hours in total. It is a mountain that requires the same level of fitness and skill as Izta, but the effort is well rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view.
Trip available all year round
Technical difficulty
Moderate (requires basic mountaineering knowledge)
Physical difficulty
High (good physical endurance required)
Minimum age: From 14 years old
