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IZTACCIHUATL and ORIZABA
The Mexico Volcanoes
Iztaccihuatl - 17,154 ft. (5239m), Orizaba 18,404 ft. (5612m) |
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Itinerary| General Info |
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“WOW! Another unforgettable trip! Well done!
When I met our guide Hector Ponce de Leon, I was taken
by his warmth and hospitality. By the end of the trip,
there was no doubt in my mind that Hector is one of the
most accomplished knowledgeable guides in the business.
It would be very difficult to surpass this amazing experience.
I recommend this trip with Hector and Mountain Madness
to everyone.”
— Manny Montero |
2008 Dates : (9 days)
November 15 - 23, 2008
December 13 - 21, 2008
2009 Dates:
January 24 - February 1, 2009
Extended 2009 Dates:
To Be Announced
Land Cost: $2,375.00
Client to Guide Ratio: 4:1
Climbing Grade: Advanced Beginner
Read November 8, 2003 & Nov 22, 2003 trip
reports.
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In the heart of Mexico lies a group of volcanoes that have captured the attention of humans throughout history. For over three hundred years the great Aztec Empire dominated the region around our first objective, 17,154 foot Iztaccihuatl. Also known as “Ixta” this is Mexico’s third highest peak. Depending on the climber’s ability, we will choose one of two routes: the beautiful ridge named the Arista Del Sol Route or the more technical Ayoloco Route. From the summit you will have an amazing close-up view of the highly active Popocatepetl. We take a leisurely rest day in the beautiful and historical city of Puebla before we tackle Mexico’s highest peak. Snow capped Orizaba (18,404 feet) is the third highest peak in North America. The Mexico Volcanoes offer an excellent international high altitude adventure that’s still close to home.
 Cost includes:
• Hotel accommodations in all cities 
• Ground transportation while in Mexico
• All scheduled city meals and meals while camping
• Tents and group camping equipment
• Mountain Madness guides and staff
Cost does not include:
• International airfare to Mexico City
• Personal gear
• Staff/guide gratuities
• Departure airport transportation
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General Information on Mexico Volcanoes
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QUALIFICATIONS: We suggest that you have some basic mountaineering experience prior to joining us for the Mexico Volcanoes Expedition. Climbers are expected to know basic mountaineering skills such as the use of ice axe and crampons. Completion of Mountain Madness’ Glacier Mountaineering or Introduction to Mountaineering Course is an excellent way to prepare for this trip. The climbing on this trip is rated as strenuous and we therefore cannot over-emphasize the importance of physical conditioning.
TRAINING PROGRAM: We suggest you begin your training program at least two months prior to departure. Walking up hills and stair climbing are both excellent ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take a long hike (4-6 hours) several times with a weighted pack. The best training for mountaineering is to carry a weighted pack (30-50 lbs.) up and down hills or on small mountains. Supplement this activity with running, cycling, swimming, racquet sports, and other aerobic activities.
WEATHER: Like all big mountains, the peaks of central Mexico generate and attract their own weather, making conditions impossible to predict. October through January typically have the best weather, but be prepared for a wide range of temperatures, from freezing nights, to snowy and windy conditions, to bright sunshine intensified by high altitude. The wide fluctuation in temperature and conditions makes it important to bring everything on the equipment list.
 FOOD: Mountain Madness is renowned for providing gourmet mountain cuisine. All of the meals from the trailhead and back will be provided, including pastas, rice, soups, dehydrated and fresh foods. Be sure to bring along your favorite snack foods, energy bars, and after dinner treats. Trip members will help with meal preparation and clean-up in order to become comfortable with expedition cooking.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses, and emergency assistance. An insurance application is provided with all trip confirmations.
GENERAL INFORMATION: This trip is subject to the booking information on the Mountain Madness Trip Application. We urge you to read this information carefully and to call us if you have any questions.
HOW DO I SIGN UP? Please call our office if you do not already have an application, or you can download it here. We require an application and a $500 deposit for international trips. Please mail your application in or fax it to 206-937-1772 to reserve your spot.
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Itinerary for Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba
 Day 1: Your guides will meet you at the Mexico City International Airport and transport you to our three star hotel, conveniently located in the center of the city's historic district. We can spend the remainder of the day sightseeing and beginning the acclimatization process. (7,341') d
Day 2: Leaving Mexico City behind, we drive through gorgeous high-elevation terrain to the slopes of Popocatepetl and Ixta. We can explore a fantastic market in Amecameca or make last minute purchases. Our drive continues towards Popo-Ixta National Park and to the Paso de Cortez, named after Cortez crossed the pass in 1529 en route to the city of Tenochtitlan. We will spend the night in the lodge at Paso de Cortez. (11,703') b,l,d
Day 3: From the Paso de Cortez we head a short distance north to La Joya, a road head camp at 13,124'. We will stay at this camp for the next 24 hours to further our acclimatization. We can take acclimatization hikes in the forest around Tlamacas or relax and enjoy the great view of the volcanoes and the surrounding pine forest. b,l,d
 Day 4: We use either the La Arista del Sol (Ridge of the Sun) route or the Glacier de Ayoloco route to climb Ixta, depending on weather conditions and the strength of the group. Today the group will move camp to a hut higher on the mountain, around 15,500', depending upon the ascent route. In Aztec mythology, Ixta is known as the “Sleeping Lady” and with a little imagination, you can see the head, breast, belly, and knees along the skyline! b,l,d
Day 5: After a pre-dawn wake-up, we will make our summit attempt on Ixta. The La Arista del Sol route climbs steep terrain to gain the Rodillas (knees) and then traverses several false summits to the top of North America’s seventh highest peak. The Glacier de Ayoloco route climbs directly up the glacier from the Ayoloco hut, passing several crevassed areas and small ice cliffs en route to the summit. The exhilaration of reaching the top of Ixta is a tremendously satisfying reward. After soaking in the spectacular view of the Mexican landscape, we will descend to the trailhead and drive to Amecameca for a rewarding dinner and a great night’s sleep in a local hacienda. b,l,d
Day 6: Today we will drive through Mexico’s scenic countryside, taking advantage of fantastic photo opportunities and experiencing the interesting culture and hospitality of local people. We spend the night in the colorful town of Puebla (7,000'), where you can purchase additional supplies or souvenirs and enjoy some fabulous local cuisine. b,l,d
 Day 7: From Puebla we drive to Tlachichuca. We then travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles up the flanks of Orizaba to the hut at Piedra Grande (13,972'). We will go to bed soon after an early dinner to rest up for the next morning’s summit push. b,l,d
Day 8: After a pre-dawn start, we head for the summit of Orizaba via the Glacier de Jamapa. We will ascend the moderate snow slopes of the Jamapa Glacier, traverse below a rock band, then reach the crater rim. A brief trek around the crater rim leads us to the cross marking the summit of Orizaba, 18,410'! After enjoying the views of the rural Mexican landscape, we head down to Tlachichuca for a shower and a well-deserved celebration. b,l,d
Day 9: Return to Mexico City in the morning. Depart from Mexico City’s International Airport and return to your hometown. Hasta Leugo, Amigo! b
NOTE ON ITINERARY: As conditions on the Mexico volcanoes are highly variable from season to season, there is a chance that our scheduled route(s) may be in an unfavorable state. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, the very nature of climbing in the high mountain environment requires flexibility. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
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