Trek and High Peaks of Mexico

Over the rainforest, the glacial peaks of the volcanoes in Mexico extend far beyond 16,000 feet... On the menu, four of the most famous climbs of these 10,000 natural pyramids, overlooking Popocatépetl, currently in eruption; the opportunity also to discover the remains of the Aztec civilization and Spanish colonial architecture. A real exotic mountaineering program!

• Day 1/  Arrival in Mexico
• Day 2/  Teotihuacan (Aztec site) - Mexico
• Day 3/  Mexico - ascent of Nevado de Toluca (15,390 feet) - Huamantla.
• Day 4/  La Malinche (14,636 feet) - Puebla
• Day 5/  Puebla - Cholula
• Day 6/  Iztaccíhuatl (Las Rodillas, 16,404 feet)
• Day 7/  Puebla - Tlachichuca - Piedra Grande
• Day 8/  Pico de Orizaba (ou Citlaltépetl, 18,409 feet or more depending on which map you are referring to)!
• Day 9/  Tlachichuca - Oaxaca. Flight to Mexico
• Day 10/  Depart from Mexico.

When in November 1519, Hernan Cortes entered the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan (now Ciudad de México), welcomed by the reigning monarch, Moctezuma, he was dazzled by the beauty and majesty of the site.
When you arrive at the Mexico City airport, after flying over the city, you are totally surprised! This largest city in the world (22 million) is somewhat astonishing. City excesses, in a country where everything seems excessive, in the profound contrasts found within it!  
As for climbing pyramids... we are dedicated primarily to four of the highest ones: Toluca Nevado, the Malinche, and especially the majestic Citlaltépetl and Iztaccihuatl, with Ixtaccihuatl being the culmination point of the country (also known as Pico de Orizaba ). These summits will provide us with unique views on the Popocatépetl, currently in eruption and whose ascent has been banned for several years.
We then change worlds....we depart for the state of Oaxaca, visit its capital, one of the most beautiful colonial Mexican cities, declared a World Heritage Site of Humanity by UNESCO, as well as being the general site of Monte Alban, the cradle of the Zapoteque civilization. We are deep in Mexico country where the remnants of this ancient culture play a very important role in the lifestyle of the Zapoteque descendants.

Day 1/  Arrival in Mexico
Upon your arrival at the Mexico City airport, reception by the guide and transfer by taxi towards the hotel. Presentation of the course of stay and visit of Mexico City (depending on planned arrival time of participants). Hotel (2 nights), 5 stars, Emporio Reforma (or similar).

Day 2/  Teotihuacan (Aztec site) - Mexico
In the morning, walking tour of the extraordinary Teotihuacan Aztec site and ascent of its famous pyramids. Back to Mexico City, visiting the colonial downtown around the "Zócalo" (central plaza). Built in the sixteenth century, on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital, Mexico has many colonial buildings and ruins of Aztec temples. Mexico, in addition to its immense interest from the cultural point of view, serves as an altitude acclimatization base (we are at more than 6,500 feet above sea level). Hotel.

Day 3/  Mexico - Ascent of  Nevado de Toluca (15,390 feet) - Huamantla
Early morning rise and transfer 50 miles west to our first (extinct) volcano, Nevado de Toluca, overlooking the city of the same name. The road climbs the slopes of the mountain up to the crater, which is occupied by two lakes, the Laguna del Sol and the Laguna de la Luna (the Lake of the Sun and the Lake of the Moon). From the end of the road at about 13,123 feet, the highest point, Pico del Fraile, is not very far. Ascent on boulders and large blocks.
Descent and transfer to Huamantla(4 H), a picturesque little town classified as an historical monument, located between the large volcanoes. Meal and overnight stay at the hotel.
4 to 5 H walk. Altitude gain: 1,640 feet - Descent: 1,640 feet.

Day 4/  La Malinche (14,636 feet) - Puebla
Short transfer to the Malintzin, hiking starting point. Ascent of La Malinche, eroded volcano with a rocky summit, superb view point on the "Popo", which got its name from a beautiful Indian interpreter who then became a Cortés mistress. The altitude acclimatization continues. Bus transfer to Puebla. Hotel del Portal (or similar), 4 stars.
6 to 7 H walk - Ascent/Descent : 3,937 feet.

Day 5/  Puebla - Cholula
Visit of Puebla's colonial center (the "City of Angels"), one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Mexico, classed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco: a lively zócalo (center of town in Spanish), more than 60 churches, and many old buildings with beautiful facades combining pottery and red bricks. Then transfer to Cholula. The afternoon is devoted to rest, to visit the small, picturesque town, home to the largest pyramid in Mexico (covered with vegetation and topped by a church), other beautiful churches and a lovely central square with arcades. Hotel del Portal (or similar), 4 stars.

Day 6/  Iztaccíhuatl (Las Rodillas, 16,404 feet)
Vehicle ride up to La Joya, at more than 13,123 feet. From there, 6 hours of walking slowly to reach Las Rodillas (16,404 feet), one of the Iztaccihuatl summits, via a magnificent ridge with a view over the Popocatepetl. 3 hours descent to the parking lot. Back to Hotel del Portal (or similar), 4 stars. There is a beautiful legend on the Izta and Popo: in the past, these two volcanoes were happy lovers who were turned into mountains by the gods to which they had been ungrateful. The young woman died, the young man, meanwhile, survived, and in his endless agony, sobs and sighs, shaking the earth causing eruptions.... rashes...
8 to 9 H walk - Ascent/Descent : 3,300 feet.

Day 7/  Puebla - Tlachichuca - Piedra Grande
Transfer by car to Tlachichuca, at the foot of Citlaltépetl (also known as Pico de Orizaba). Here, we load our bags in a big 4WD vehicle.We begin this journey in our pick up truck and finish, as we climb on foot (vehicle will continue to carry our luggage to refuge). Night at the refuge (basic) at an altitude of 13,780 feet.

Day 8/  Pico de Orizaba (or Citlaltépetl, 18,409 feet or more depending on which map you are referring to!)
Ascent via the "normal route" on the Janapa glacier (north side), rather long but beautiful, takes about 6 to 7 hours; descent, 3 to 4 hours. Glacier slope angle: between 30 and 35 degrees. The name "Citlaltépetl", given by the Mayans, means "starry mountain". We are on the third summit of North America, following Denali (20,318 feet) in Alaska and Mount Logan (19,849 feet) in the Yukon (Canada). Back to the vehicle to the village of Tlachichuca. Overnight in lodging.
10 to 11 H walk - Ascent /Descent : 4,593 feet

Day 9/ Tlachichuca - Oaxaca - Mexico
Transfer to the very beautiful colonial city of Oaxaca (classified Historical Monument by UNESCO). Visit the wonderful archaeological site of Mount Alban, sacred site of the Zapoteques Indians, which played an essential role in the classical pre Hispanic period. Meal in a typical Mexican Fonda (restaurant). Visit of the historic center (zocalo, cathedral...). Depending on the time, transfer to Oaxaca airport and flight to Mexico. Night at the hotel, 5 stars, Emporio Reforma (or similar).

Day 10/  Depart from Mexico
Tranfer to the airport for flight home.

The ascents require a minimal technical use of crampons (a few short passages at 35/40 °). Both glacial peaks are technically easier than the "normal route" of Mount Blanc (France), but with a higher altitude and relatively large vertical drops (4,900 feet for Pico de Orizaba). The altitude acclimation occurs during the day hikes.
Possibility to rent the equipment on site (crampons, ice axe and harnesses) for the ascent of Orizaba. Price: around $ 15/20 per item per day.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

During trekking each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, snacks, etc).
The remainder of the collective and individual equipment is transported by vehicles (including to the hut sites).

The guide
- an English speaking Mexican or American resident in Mexico, professional Mountain World Travel guide
- our tour leader guide is also assisted by Mexican Mountain guides for the glacier ascents (one guide for 3 participants on the Pica de Orizaba).
The local team
- bus driver.

- Domestic Flight with Aeromexico or Mexicana
- Ground transportation on deluxe private bus with chauffeur.

In cities, good to very good quality hotels: 4 to 5 stars, based on double occupancy
During Pico de Orizaba climb: hut (basic comfort).
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Meals:
- The days of climbing or hiking: picnic lunch prepared from local produce.
- During transfers, in towns and villages: restaurant meals.
Beverages: Bottled water provided throughout the trip.
The Mexican food: delicious, varied and original. Guacamole, their national sauce (avocados, tomatoes, onions and cilantro), enhance a large number of meat dishes which are eaten in tacos. The meat and sauce are wrapped in a tortilla, which is made from cornbread.
Tacos can be prepared in many ways. Among the most popular are tacos "al pastor" which are prepared with spicy sheep meat. There are also enchiladas, tamales, quesadillas and sincronizadas (wheat flower quesadillas). In Mexico, there are many tropical fruits (mangoes, papayas, pineapples, sapotes (fruit from the citrus family), figs, etc.) In the markets, you can taste exotic fruit juices prepared in front of you.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Mexico
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and driver
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included"

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to Mexico for up to 90 days.
US citizens, please check with the US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Mexican embassy in your country.

No vaccine is obligatory.
We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.

Health hazards
- Heat: protect your eyes and your skin against the sun, as it is more intense with altitude.
- Cold: plan on packing protective clothing against the cold (jackets, fleece, gloves, hat), especially in relevance to the activity.
- Dehydration: drink and nourish yourself sufficiently and correctly throughout the effort.
- Small wounds: blisters, tendonitis...bring along band aids, an antiseptic and another cream for muscle aches. They will take up a bit of room, but well worth the space.

Altitude sickness
Can be felt at around 8,000 feet and above and can come on quickly (after just one night spent in altitude). Hard to predict and varies completely from one person to another. Good hydration is necessary, progressive altitude acclimatization and Aspirin can all help in preventing the unpleasant side effects of altitude sickness.
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

Malaria
A treatment against Malaria is not necessary in our opinion.
For more information visit the website of the US Department of Health. 

LEVEL 5
At least 3 months prior:  Hike 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds OR if you are regularly committed to another intense sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 3 to 4 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, (short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Mountaineering shoes with rigid soles compatible for crampons.
- Thermal Socks
- Waterproof/breathable Over-pants (Gore-Tex)
- A pair of gaiters
- A head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles
- A pair of crampons with "antibottes" (rubber plates preventing snow from balling up underfoot).
- An ice axe.
- An adjustable, light and compact harness, adapted for walking.
- A locking carabiner, for rope maneuvers.

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 11 to 14 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).

- If you wish to rent mountaineering shoes, ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, please inform us at the time of your booking. As Mountain World Travel does not itself rent out this kind of material, we will direct you to our partner store at location (you will be offered a discount).  The confirmation that you receive after booking will specify directions to the rental shop.