Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Mexico City at 7,300 feet (2250m). Transportation airport to hotel is provided.
Day 2 - Pick up at hotel by the guides. Drive to Cholula in the State of Puebla where we will eat lunch and spend some time exploring the town and do any final shopping needed. We'll leave Cholula and drive to San Miguel Zoapan for an overnight in our beautiful partner lodge at 10,000 feet (3000m). The lodge has home-cooked authentic foods and hot water showers in the bunk-style guest rooms.
Day 3 - Acclimatization day. After breakfast we'll travel by 4x4 to Piedra Grande at 12,500' (3800m) to the geodesic domes of Pico de Orizaba Base Camp. After settling in we'll spend the rest of the day hiking to 15,000' (4550m) before returning to base camp for the evening where we'll enjoy dinner "mountain style".
Hiking lunch & snacks provided.
Day 4 - ALPINE START. Pico de Orizaba summit attempt day via Glacier de Jamapa. After the summit, we'll return to the San Miguel Zoapan lodge for a well deserved hot shower and delicious dinner.
Day 5 - After breakfast we'll set out for Paso de Cortez, named for Conquistador Henan Cortez who crossed the pass in 1519 into the valley of Mexico to confront the Aztecs and their emperor Moctezuma in the city of Tenochtitlan. We'll reach the refugio where we will stretch our legs and enjoy the views at nearly 13,000 feet. This is base camp, where we will spend the night in a warm climber's lodge bunk style.
Sleeping pads provided but bring your own sleeping bag.
Zero to 10 degree sleeping bag recommended.
Prepare for the next day's hike.
Day 6 - ALPINE START. Iztaccihuatl summit attempt day via the “Refugios” route. It's an alpine start so get a good night of sleep. After the summit we will leave base camp and go to the charming nearby town of Amecameca to have dinner and spend the evening in a hotel with clean private rooms and hot water showers.
Day 7 – The guides will drive us back to Mexico City and check us into the hotel. We'll have the rest of the day to relax, shop and explore the city.
Day 8 – Fly back to the US. Transportation from hotel to airport is provided.
**Guides provide potable water throughout expedition.
**Guides w/provide hiking snacks and a sandwiches for climbing days but if you want something specific please feel free to bring your own hiking food.
** We'll send you a packing list.
** Does not include guide tips. Guides accept US Dollars. If you tip in US currency, please make sure they are crisp new bills.
** Dollars to Pesos. Mexico City airport tends to have better exchange rates and fees than US airports. Or you can use your ATM card in Mexico, some prefer this choice.
** Expect to spend $50 a day for transportation and food in Mexico City if you venture out to explore on your own.
** Sightseeing tours in Mexico City vary in price and are not included
