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 Volcanoes 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 volcanoes offer moderate glaciated
routes at altitudes which can be attainable with only a few days of
acclimatization. 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 acclimatize 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-acclimatized 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 2009, 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 3:1. This helps to ensure that you stay healthy and strong and are able to
enjoy each component of your experience.
