Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba

Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba Expedition – Mexico

November 29–December 7, 2008

Cost: $2,250
(land costs, including all meals)

Difficulty Level: Introductory
No technical climbing or altitude experience is necessary. It is imperative, however, that you are in good physical shape, and able to hike in rugged terrain for long days. We are happy to detail physical and technical training programs as needed to get you ready for our introductory expeditions.

The Mexican Volcanos Program is perfect for those who want to climb high altitude glaciated peaks, but just can’t take 2-3 weeks off to travel to South America or the Himlaya. Mexico is one of the only places in the world where we can summit peaks and gain skills in just one week. For the aspiring climber with no glacier experience, the Mexican volcanos offer moderate glaciated routes at altitudes which can be attainable with only a few days of acclimitization. But this expedition is also for the experienced climber. Regardless of where you have climbed in the world, this one week whirlwind climbing trip will satisfy your need to get to the big mountains again, and will increase your technical skills and experience. It is an excellent refresher course, and a way to sneak some mountaineering into a busy life schedule!

We will attempt two peaks during this expedition. After a quick exploration of Mexico City and the surrounding highlands, we head to Iztaccihuatl. At 17,154 feet, Ixta (as it is locally known) is Mexico’s third highest peak. It is the perfect mountain to acclimitize on, and is a beautiful route and summit. The view from the summit takes in all of the volcanoes of Mexico, including nearby Popo, which is currently erupting! And the climbing, while not highly technical, will provide an ideal opportunity to get used to traveling on rope teams and in crampons. This trip, like all Alpenglow expeditions, is educationally focused. We set aside time on Ixta to bring your mountain skills up to speed. Our goal is that you are an active part of the climbing and decision-making team.

We then spend a day of rest and recovery in the traditional highland town of Puebla. The day will pass quickly exploring the local’s market, buying souvenirs, and eating the excellent Mexican cuisine.

From Puebla, we head to our second objective, Orizaba. Orizaba is Mexico’s tallest peak and the third highest in North America. Its summit sits at 18,410 feet and is heavily glaciated. We will be well-acclimitized and rested for our summit push, which is comparable to summit days on many of the World’s biggest peaks. The climb of over 4,000 vertical feet on crevassed glacier and steep slopes will test all of the training you put in as well as the technical skills we have practiced throughout the week. A summit of Orizaba is excellent preparation for expeditions to mountains like Denali, Aconcagua, or Huascaran, as well as an achievement in its own right.

In 2008, our Mexico Expeditions will be guided by one or more of Alpenglow Expeditions’ AMGA certified lead guides. AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) certification is the highest possible training available to guides, and only the most experienced and dedicated attain it. Our guides have also traveled and climbed extensively in North and South America. Their knowledge of the mountains, combined with their passion for teaching others to become competent mountaineers, guarantees that your experience will be one to remember! In contrast to many guide services working in Mexico, we climb with only small teams, ensuring a maximum climber to guide ratio of 4:1. This helps to ensure that you stay healthy and strong and are able to enjoy each component of your experience.