Climbing Mexico's Volcanoes

Day 1 - Nov 23rd

Flew from Denver International Airport to Puebla airport (DEN to IAH to PBC). Then rode a bus approximately 2 hours to Amecameca.

Day 2 - Nov 24th

We got our climbing permit for Iztaccihuatl (Izta) in Amecameca. Then needed to find fuel for our cook stoves before getting a cab to Pass of Cortez (11,100’) and on to La Joya (13,200’). Our plan was to hike up and camp above 14,000’. But we managed to make it to the refugio (15,000’).

Day 3 - Nov 25th

We encountered rodent problems at the refuge, prompting us to wake up early for an alpine start. As we ascended the ridge of Izta, we were treated to breathtaking morning views of Popocatépetl looming in the background. By midday with clear weather we made the summit of Iztaccihuatl (17,160’)! Then a long decent back down to La Joya where we had told our cab driver from the day before to meet us at 2pm. We didn’t want to miss the cab so we hustled the last mile or two, then got our ride back down to the town of Amecameca where we got cheap lodging for the night.

Day 4 - Nov 26th

Travel day today as we had to get all the way over to Tlachichuca near the base of Orizaba. We caught a bus out of Amecameca that dropped us off on the side of the highway, then another bus came along that picked us up to take us east up and over the mountains to Puebla. From there we took another bus almost 2 hours east to the town of Tlachichuca. Once we got into town we walked to Servimont, an old soap factory turned mountaineering lodge, and Mr. Reyes had dinner ready for us.

Day 5 - Nov 27th

Mr. Reyes provided mountain transportation to the Piedra Grande Hut (14,000’) on Orizaba. After arriving at the hut, we backpacked up to 15,600’, just underneath the labyrinth, and set our high camp for the night.

Day 6 - Nov 28th

Alpine start for summit day, with headlamps, crampons and ice axes we began our climb. Made the summit of Pico de Orizaba (18,450’) late in the morning. We descended back to the Piedra Grande Hut and rode down to Tlachichuca to again stay at Servimont with Mr. Reyes.

Day 7 - Nov 29th

Left Tlacchichuca in the morning on a bus and headed back to Puebla. We got a hotel in Puebla for one of the group to stash gear since they were flying out the next morning. Spent the day exploring Puebla, eating amazing mole and touring some markets. Then we got on a bus and headed to Mexico City to meet up with some friends.

Day 8 - Nov 30th

Toured around Mexico City, including the ruins of Teotihuacan. Ended the day traveling back to Puebla for our last night in Mexico.

Day 9 - Dec 1st

Flew out early morning from Puebla back to Colorado.