The Highest Peak In Mexico Is Pico De Orizaba
Mount Everest is one of the most popular mountains to climb, but what is another? Pico de Orizaba in Mexico, also known as Citlaltepetl, which is Aztec for Star Mountain, is the highest mountain peak in Mexico. It tops out at 18,490 feet above sea level. Pico de Orizaba rests on the border between Veracruz and Puebla states. It is a now dormant volcano, that last erupted in 1687. It has long been thought the 2nd most prominent volcanic peak, the first being Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Experienced mountaineers enjoy climbing El Pico de Orizaba for many reasons. Logistically, traveling to Orizaba is convenient because of the popularity the mountain and the area enjoy. Due to this popularity, there are many accommodations, facilities for climbers, guides and equipment rentals ready and waiting for those who arrive wanting to climb the mountain. You can arrive in a number of ways, either leave from Mexico City on any of a myriad of flights, or even choose first class lodging and shopping and dining in Mexico City itself. A small airport is located in the town of Puebla, and boasts lodging and facilities geared toward the serious mountaineer.
If you would like to submerse yourself in the area and acclimate yourself quickly to the mountain environment on Pico de Orizaba you can stay in Tlachichuca, a small town resting at the base of the mountain. While you won't find five star lodgings you will find complete facilities for climbers and visitors alike, including adequate beds, showers and toilets. Staying in Tlachichuca garners the added benefit of meeting other climbers and finding local guides. You can take any number of buses that shuttle between Mexico City and Puebla. Be prepared to get a ride on, or rent a four-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the harsh roads. It is quite likely that transportation will be included in your climbing package. If you would like a rustic experience, rent horses or donkeys to help transport your gear.
There is a specific climbing season for each mountain and the optimal time to climb Pico de Orizaba is between November and March. During this time, the dry season, the moisture and ice recede just enough to make climbing safer for all who attempt it. Piedra Grande Hut, the main base camp can easily accommodate 40-60 people. For more privacy, bring your own tent. Your basic requirements such as food, water and fuel are not provided, so you will need to bring that with you. If you don't pack enough water up the mountain, you can melt the snow and ice, boil it for safety and then you have perfectly acceptable drinking water.
A team in peak physical shape can make the climb from base camp to summit and back in 6 to 10 hours. The return trip should take about half the time the climb up took, as you will be traveling quicker downhill. You must reach base camp before early afternoon to avoid the dangers that the afternoon sun cause on the mountain. Melting ice, raises the risk of injury to climbers on the return trip. As you reach the summit, make certain to be careful walking around the crater's rim. In the past, unsuspecting climbers have fallen into the crater, rescue on the summit of a mountain is not an easy prospect.
With the right equipment and gear, and experienced and helpful Orizaba mountain guide and lots of sunblock and you should scale your way up Pico de Orizaba with no problems.