de
Adventures menu Adventures menu

Pico de Orizaba

Reach Mexico’s highest volcano and experience one of America’s greatest climbs.

Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, is the highest mountain in Mexico and the third-highest peak in North America, rising to 5,636 meters.

Its snow-covered summit, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, and challenging ascent make it one of the continent’s most iconic mountaineering objectives.

This six-day expedition combines a carefully planned acclimatization program with the support of certified mountain guides, maximizing your chances of reaching the summit safely. Beginning in the colonial city of Puebla, the journey includes an acclimatization climb on La Malinche (4,421 m) before the final ascent of Pico de Orizaba. With all logistics, transportation, accommodation, camping equipment, and mountain meals taken care of, you can focus on what truly matters—experiencing the thrill of standing on the highest point in Mexico.

Adventure Factor couregeous
Experience / Emotion thrilling
Fitness / Struggle workout
Risk feel free to tell your partner about it
Comfort sophisticated

Highlights:

  • Summit the highest peak in Mexico
  • 3 nights in a single room hotel in Puebla
  • Acclimatization on La Malinche
  • All required permits
  • Fully supported high-altitude logistics
  • Continuous support from our English-speaking & certified mountain guide

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Because of the complex logistics , changes to the planned itinerary may need to be made during the trip. The exact plan will also depend on weather and snow conditions. In addition, we will be in a very remote and politically highly sensitive area where regulatory or environmental restrictions can be expected at any time.

The following schedule is planned:

Days 1–6: Arrival in Mexico City, acclimatization ascent, and summit climb of Pico de Orizaba.

Day 1  Arrival in Mexico: Arrival in Mexico City in the morning. Transfer to Puebla (2,250 m), a comfortable and well-located base for the start of the expedition. Hotel check-in and rest.

Day 2  Acclimatization: Transfer to La Malinche cabins (3,300 m). Acclimatization hikes and preparation at altitude in a scenic mountain environment designed to help the body adapt progressively.

Day 3 Summit La Malinche (4,421 m): Summit ascent of La Malinche, an important acclimatization peak that offers a rewarding high-altitude challenge. Return transfer to Puebla for recovery and overnight stay.

Day 4 Base Camp Transfer: Transfer to Pico de Orizaba base camp (4,250 m). Short acclimatization hikes and expedition preparation at the foot of Mexico’s highest mountain, with time to review gear and strategy for summit day.

Day 5 Summit Day: Summit attempt of Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m), the highest peak in Mexico and one of the most iconic climbs in North America. Descent and return to Puebla after the expedition.

Day 6 Return: Transfer back to Mexico City and connection to your international flight to Mendoza or your next destination.

Discover one of America’s most legendary alpine challenges on this six-day expedition to Pico de Orizaba, known locally as Citlaltépetl. At 5,636 meters, it stands as the highest mountain in Mexico and the third-highest peak on the continent, offering an unforgettable combination of altitude, volcanic scenery, and true mountaineering adventure.

The program is designed to support a safe and progressive ascent, starting in Puebla and continuing with an acclimatization climb on La Malinche (4,421 m) before the final summit attempt on Pico de Orizaba. Throughout the journey, all essential logistics are organized for you, including transportation, accommodation, camping gear, and mountain meals, so you can focus entirely on the climb and the experience of reaching Mexico’s highest point.

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • Planning and organization of the whole trip
  • Local, certified, English-speaking Mountain guide
  • 3 nights in a single room in a hotel in Puebla with breakfast
  • Base Camp service. (Tents, stove, gas, food)
  • Full board in the camps
  • Permits
  • Transfers according to program + Airport transfer
  • First aid equipment
  • Weather Reports
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  Not included:

  • Personal insurance
  • Intl. flights
  • Personal medication
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bag
  • Personal snacks during the expedition (energy bars, gels, chocolate)
  • Fees for satellite phone, emails
  • Additional nights in Mexico City
  • Meals at the hotel in Puebla (except breakfast)
  • Meals at the hotel in Mexico City
  • Meals and drinks not listed
  • All personal expenses outside the program
  • Costs in case of early departure from the expedition

info  General Infos

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

Even despite modern equipment and altitude tactics, an expedition to great heights still poses a major challenge. In addition to the conditional requirements, the altitude itself is the greatest difficulty. We attach great importance to a prudent, slow acclimatization.
Weather and mountain conditions can lead to program or route changes.

Participation in the expedition is solely at your own responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures is not liable for accidents, damages or losses.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance). For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

l

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Mexico:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months.

Visa-free entry is possible for tourist purposes for up to 90 days.  Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

You will need your own mountain equipment and a down sleeping bag with a comfort range from -20 degrees. After booking, we will send you a detailed equipment list. We are happy to advise you personally in the selection or purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what is best to avoid.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The ascent lies in the individual responsibility of the members under the supervision of an expedition leader. Members must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and independently create rope teams when necessary. Showing cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for everyone. The members are obliged to follow the instructions and accept the decisions made by the expedition leader. Each member must know his/her own physical boundaries in order to be able to make the decision to turn back if need be.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is a good physical condition and stamina. Work out in the months prior to the expedition! Several hours of climbing with a heavy backpack over 1000 vertical meters in altitude per day should not be a problem for you. We are happy to advise you personally on how you can best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital Health

We recommend each member to undergo a medical check-up prior to embarking on the expedition. Sound health is a prerequisite for taking part in an expedition. Of particular importance is a trip to the dentist, because previously unnoticed dental problems can suddenly become acute due to altered pressure conditions resulting from higher altitudes.

how_to_reg  Experience

We know very well the excitement and attraction of high mountains! But we also want you to climb a mountain safely and come back healthy and having been able to enjoy the expedition while it was taking place and not only afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in a expedition, you should have already gained considerable alpine mountaineering experience. When booking, please mention which altitudes you have already reached or which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newbie, we can offer a tailor-made training and development program for your desired destination.
All necessary skills and techniques that will be needed on an expedition can be learned or refreshed in the Alps during a special introductory weekend. Get in touch.

payment Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 30 days prior to departure…………………………. 30%
29 – 20 days prior to departure………………………….. 40%
19 -10 days prior to departure……………………………. 70%
9 – 4 days prior to departure……………………………… 80%
from the 3rd day prior to departure (72 hours)……100%
on the day of departure……………………………………. 100% of the tour fee.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.

Copyright 2026 Furtenbach Adventures. All Rights Reserved.