2010 Dates (10 days) :
March 3-12, 2010, November 19-28, 2010, February 25-March 6, 2011

Land Cost: $2,450

This comprehensive course is similar to our popular 8-day Alpine Climbing Course in the North Cascades and provides training in snow, rock, and beginner ice climbing skills. Set against a backdrop of rich Mexican culture and the opportunity to climb North America’s third highest peak, this trip offers participants a chance to gain skills and high altitude experience in one of our favorite countries.

This course differs from our other international trips as it has a rock climbing component, which encompasses not only time busting out the moves on the rock, but also learning skills that apply to the alpine environment; such as rappelling, belaying techniques, basic rescue skills, and more. Motivated beginning climbers will get intensive hands on experience necessary to move competently and efficiently over a wide diversity of climbing terrain.

And did we mention mole, that sweet Mexican sauce that originated in Pueblo, which we visit on our way to Orizaba! Great eats, glimpses into Aztec culture, and the vibrant modern culture all await participants.

Included in the cost of your trip are scheduled group restaurant meals. Meals provided are listed as B, L, and D . You will be responsible for those meals not listed while in towns and cities. Mountain meals will be provided.

Day 1: Your guides meet you at the Mexico City International Airport and transport you to our three star hotel, which is conveniently located in the center of the city's historic district. We spend the remainder of the day sightseeing and beginning the acclimatization process. D (7,341')

Day 2: Today we visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan. After exploring Pyramide del Sol and Pyramide de La Luna, we drive to El Chico National Park near the city of Pachuca in Hidalgo state. Here we will spend the afternoon climbing and learning skills at the rock climbing area known as Las Ventanas. We spend the next two nights in the climbers’ lodge next to the crags. B,L, D (~10,000’)

Day 3: Today we will continue the course with skills focused on rock climbing, belaying, rappelling, anchors, and using ascenders on fixed ropes. Overnight in the climbers’ lodge. B, L, D (~10,000’)

Day 4: Today we will drive to Malinche National Park and check into the cabins at Campamento IMSS La Malintzin on the north slopes of Malinche peak to continue acclimatizing. B, L, D (10,115’)

Day 5: Today we will climb to the summit of Malinche (14,640’) and return to the cabins for the night. 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. From Tlachichuca we travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles to the hut at Piedra Grande (13,972') on Pico de Orizaba. B, L, D

Day 7: We hike up to 15,500 for acclimatization and snow skills. We will focus on proper use of ice axes, crampons and techniques for roped team travel on glaciers. B,L,D

Day 8: Today we will hike up to between 15,500’ and 17,000’ to establish a high camp and review skills.

Day 9: 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 a rock band, and then reach the crater rim. Climbing along the edge of 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 10: Leaving Orizaba behind, we will drive back to Mexico City. Plan on an afternoon or evening departure from Mexico City’s International Airport. Please do not schedule flight departures earlier than 4 p.m. B

NOTE ON ITINERARY
Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.

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Questions: Call our office at 1-800-328-5925 or email us if you have more specific questions about the trip.

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