Trip Length: 7 days • 6 nights
Activity Levels: Beginner Mountaineering
Hotels: Premium Hotels, Tented Camp
Elevation Reached
• 18,491 ft
• 18,491 ft
From $3,500/person
Dates & Prices »
Dates & Prices »
Season: Autumn, Winter
The gleaming crown jewel of Mexico’s volcanoes
North America’s highest volcano
Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltépetl) is an iconic volcano that looms over the Mexican highlands. At 18,491 ft (5,396 m), it demands respect, but the climb is non-technical. With the right acclimatization and support, it offers a rewarding introduction to high-altitude mountaineering. Our 7-day program combines cultural immersion, acclimatization on La Malinche, and a guided ascent of Orizaba, giving you a well-rounded mountaineering adventure in Mexico.
Mexico • Start Mexico City • End Mexico City Travel & Airport details »
Tour Highlights
- Co-led by an American and Mexican mountain guide
- Tours of Teotihuacan and Tlaxcala
- 2 nights hotel in Mexico City
- 2 nights Hacienda Soltepec
- 2 nights tented camp on Orizaba
- Ascents of La Malinche and Pico de Orizaba
- Welcome Dinner and meals while climbing in the mountains
- All land transportation
- Friendly MG office staff will help you prepare for your adventure
“Fantastic guiding company. I recently summitted Pico de Orizaba with Mountain Gurus. The trip itinerary was well thought out with attention to altitude acclimation, nutrition, active rest, training climbs as well as some fun sprinkled in to make it the perfect trip. Will definitely be doing another trip!” ~ Eugene S., 2025
DAY 1
Arrive Mexico City
Arrive at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and transfer to a comfortable hotel near the airport. Get rested and ready for the adventure ahead.
Hotel Camino Real (1 night)
DAY 2-3
Teotihuacan and hike to the summit of La Malinche
We head east to explore the ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan. Then we visit the colonial city of Tlaxcala for lunch before driving to Hacienda Soltepec, a historic estate at the base of La Malinche. Enjoy a welcome dinner and settle in for the night.
We rise early for our ascent of La Malinche, a non-technical but high-altitude climb that helps our bodies adjust to thinner air. After summiting, we return to Hacienda Soltepec for the night.
Hacienda Soltepec (2 nights)
Activity Moderate Hiking
DAY 4-5
Base Camp on Pico de Orizaba
After breakfast, we drive to the mountain town of San Miguel Zoapan. We organize our gear, have lunch, then ride in 4×4 jeeps up to our base camp for the Orizaba climb.
Day five is all about acclimatization: we climb to the base of the “Labyrinth”, a rocky section near the glacier, then return to camp. We also review essential mountaineering skills like ice-axe and crampon techniques and roped glacier travel. This is crucial prep for summit night.
Tented Camp (2 nights)
Activity Moderate Hiking
DAY 6
Summit Pico de Orizaba
We start early (pre-dawn) from camp. Moving by headlamp, we ascend through the Labyrinth to the Jamapa Glacier, rope up, and climb moderate snow slopes to the summit crater. After reaching the top and taking in the stunning views of the Mexican highlands, we descend, take the 4×4 shuttle back to Zoapan for a delicious celebratory meal, then return to Mexico City in the evening for our final night.
Or extend your trip by continuing to a summit attempt of Iztaccihuatl.
Hotel Camino Real (1 night)
Activity Beginner Mountaineering
DAY 7
Departure (If not continuing to Iztaccihuatl)
Today we depart Mexico City International Airport (MEX) on our flights home.
DAY 6-10
Extend your stay with a climb of Iztaccihuatl
After climbing Orizaba, we drive to Puebla for the night. We spend a rest day and additional night here before we drive through the Paso de Cortes to Iztaccihuatl and hike to our high camp. We rise early again for our alpine start and summit attempt. We climb to the summit of Izta via La Arista del Sol route passing several short bands of rock and false summits. We descend to the trailhead return to Mexico City to celebrate and enjoy our final night in Mexico. The next day we depart Mexico City International Airport (MEX) on our flights home.
Accommodations in Puebla (2 nights)
Hotel Tented Camp on Iztaccihuatl (1 night)
Hotel Camino Real (1 night)
Activity Beginner Mountaineering
Premium Hotels, Tented Camp
Our hand-selected hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.*
NIGHTS 1, 6
Hotel Camino Real
You begin and end your trip at the Hotel Camino Real, a comfortable hotel just outside Mexico City International Airport (MEX). This allows for easy arrival and departure, as well as a chance to rest and recover before and after the climb.
NIGHTS 2-3
Hacienda Soltepec
After sightseeing and cultural visits, we transfer to Hacienda Soltepec, a historic estate at the base of La Malinche. This traditional hacienda gives you a relaxed, welcoming place to stay while adjusting to altitude and preparing for the climb.
Following the La Malinche acclimatization climb, we return to Hacienda Soltepec for a second night to refuel and rest before heading to Orizaba base camp.
NIGHTS 4-5
Tented Camp on Orizaba
From San Miguel Zoapan, we ride in 4×4s up to our functional high-altitude base camp. This is where we organize gear, finalize preparations, and spend the night before our acclimatization climb on Orizaba. Here, you’ll stay in high-quality mountaineering tents, sharing space with fellow climbers. Cook staff and a dining tent are also provided. This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and focus on the climb ahead.
*Hotels may vary based on departure.
At Mountain Gurus, we strive to provide 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.
Mexico
• Start Mexico City • End Mexico City
International Destinations
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in-country in the destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Entry/Visa
A valid passport is required for American citizens to enter Mexico. American citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 30 days for tourism.
Meals
All meals are provided as per meal schedule.
Gear
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure information packet upon booking. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list. Request a detailed itinerary.
Things you should know about this trip
How much will my pack weigh?
During acclimatization hikes and summit ascents you will be responsible for carrying only your own personal gear, including food and water, warm clothing layers, and your personal climbing equipment. You can expect to carry 20-25 pounds.
When is the best season to climb?
Mexico’s main climbing season coincides with the dry season from November through March.
How long is summit day?
Typically 8–12 hours round trip depending on conditions and team pace.
Do I need prior mountaineering experience?
It’s not required, but you should be very fit and comfortable with long days at altitude. Any previous experience with crampons, ice axe, or glacier travel is beneficial.
What is the guide to climber ratio?
We strive to maintain a 2:1 climber to guide ratio on summit days. Additional assistant local guides or American guides will be present for larger groups.
Learn more about this tour? Request a detailed itinerary.
Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, gear list, and more. Let us help you plan your adventure.
