Orizaba Express

Summit Mexico’s Pico de Orizaba, the third-highest peak in North America. This trip is a great introduction to high altitude mountaineering and includes breathtaking views of the Mexican high country.

Our Orizaba Express climb first acclimatizes on La Malinche, Mexico’s sixth-highest peak (also known as Matlalcueye) which stands at 4,461 meters or 14,646 feet high and is located near the colonial city of Tlaxcala. The mountain’s position offers amazing views of Iztaccihuatl, Popocatepetl and Pico de Orizaba. On our way to Malinche, we visit the Teotihuacan pyramids and the beautiful city of Tlaxcala. We overnight at the historic Hacienda Soltepec near the base of Malinche, offering fine dining and comfortable accommodations. After summiting La Malinche we head to Pico de Orizaba, locally known as Citlaltepetl, to continue our acclimatization and ascend North America’s third highest peak. From Tlachichuca (Zoapan) we travel by 4×4 jeep up the mountain to the Piedra Grande Hut at 14,010 feet. Our express climb may use a high camp at 15,200 feet to shorten summit day. After an alpine start, our guide leads the group by headlamp through the rocky Labyrinth to the toe of the Jamapa Glacier above 16,000 feet. We rope up and ascend 35-degree slopes to Orizaba’s final summit crater at 18,491 feet / 5,396 meters.

Related climbs: Mexico Volcanoes, or combine our Orizaba Express and Iztaccihuatl Express climbs and summit four of Mexico’s highest volcanoes (12 days in Mexico).

The ascent of Pico de Orizaba is considered non-technical. Although not required, some previous experience at altitude is beneficial. You will need basic mountaineering skills, including strength, endurance, and good physical conditioning to be successful on North America’s third highest summit. Mountain Gurus offers two distinct itineraries depending on your goals and time commitment.

Our seven-day Orizaba Express itinerary first acclimatizes on La Malinche, a non-technical high altitude hike and then heads straight to Pico de Orizaba for the final acclimatization hike and summit ascent. The alternate nine-day Mexico Volcanoes climb allows more time for acclimatization and recovery between climbing Mexico’s two most prominent mountaineering peaks: Iztaccihuatl and Pico de Orizaba.

As with any popular high altitude peak, there are many guide services to choose from, but summiting can be largely dependent on the experience of your guides. Our team of professional guides has years of experience in the mountains, as well as numerous summits of Pico de Orizaba. We routinely have 100% success on Mexico’s highest volcanoes.

At Mountain Gurus, we strive to provide challenging, enjoyable, and safe climbing adventures. We pride ourselves on our high summit success rates and, more importantly, our strong safety record. Our in-depth knowledge of Orizaba and the surrounding region allows us to give all of our climbers a rich and rewarding experience. 

At Mountain Gurus, we plan our expeditions to optimize your climbing experience while respecting the people and environment of our host countries. We adhere to Leave No Trace principles to minimize the impacts of our adventures and ensure that the mountains remain pristine for future generations. To learn more about our services, history and philosophy, please visit: Why Choose Mountain Gurus.

Every high-altitude adventure involves risk. You can mitigate some of these risks through proper physical and logistical preparation. Our professional guide staff will work diligently to minimize risks you may encounter during the expedition. 

Any issues, physical- or altitude-related, are best dealt with early to ensure a safe and successful trip. All Mountain Gurus staff are well-versed in wilderness first aid and have extensive experience working at altitude. Our staff is trained to give you a safe and enjoyable experience. 

“Mountain Gurus delivered again. This was my second trip with them and it proved to be a trip of a lifetime. It is a perfect blend of culture and exercise while acclimating as efficiently as possible. Terray and our Mexican guides were all professional and knowledgeable and led us safely to the top of Mexico! While there, we were lucky enough to have a crystal clear morning to see Popocatepetl have a small eruption from 90 miles away! Would definitely recommend.” ~ Patrick D, March 2020