PICO DE ORIZABA 5,636 m (18,471 ft.) - Citlaltepetl -
INFORMATION TO CLIMB
Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltepetl)
The Citlaltepetl (Hill or Mount of the Star) or Poyautecatl better known as Pico de Orizaba is the highest volcano in Mexico, it is “High Mountain” with approximately 5,636 meters above sea level, it is conical in shape so it has important slopes, special climate at different heights.
Note about altitude: Depending on where we take the reference, it is the height that they indicate, for example, the INEGI estimates it at 5,610 meters above sea level while other books or manuals position it up to 5,754 meters above sea level. This is because altimeters that work with barometric pressure were previously used. , currently the GPS gives us more precise references (GPS 5,636 masl. or 18,471 ft.)
Where is it located?
Can it be the first high mountain to climb?
Although it is possible to climb with a professional mountain guide or instructor, it is best to first climb another mountain before attempting Pico de Orizaba so that you know your reaction to the height and practice the use of equipment such as crampons and ice axes. I recommend you have climbed the Nevado de Toluca, Malinche, the Iztaccihuatl and finally the Pico de Orizaba before, (That is the ideal order, if not at least the Iztaccihuatl)
Citlaltepetl mountain
Climbing alone at Pico de Orizaba?
Although some mountaineers or professional instructors sometimes climb alone, the truth is that I do not recommend it because a simple sprain in the ankle (which is not uncommon) complicates everything up.
If it is one of your first occasions you have to go with someone trained as a high mountain guide or Instructor and it must be at least one for every 3 people. (I recommend hgmexico.com they are over 40 years old and the only ones without accidents).
What is the best itinerary to climb the Pico de Orizaba?
To climb the Orizaba peak you must first acclimatize because it is a high mountain. This is possible with different itineraries depending on your time and your Acclimatization capacity.
1. The most recommended program is the so-called Trio Pico de Orizaba, which consists of climbing 3 mountains, for 7 days. This will give you very good acclimatization, first the snow-capped peak of Toluca with 4680 m, followed by Iztaccíhuatl with 5215 m and finally the peak from Orizaba on the southern route
You can see it in the following link.
2. Another highly recommended program is 2 mountains in 5 days, the Iztaccíhuatl of 5215 m and the peak of Orizaba of 5636 m, it is recommended because you can acclimatize in Iztaccihuatl and climb any of its peaks, rest for a day and attempt the peak of Orizaba.
You can visit the program at the link
IZTACCIHUATL AND PICO DE ORIZABA
3, If you have little time to climb Orizaba, another option is to climb Orizaba 5,636 m, acclimatizing in the Sierra Negra 4,580 m, this can be done in only 3 days.
4. The shortest program is the fast Pico de Orizaba. This program can be done in only two days and is for those people who have good acclimatization and high mountain technique.
You can visit the program at the link
PICO DE ORIZABA QUICKLY
We recommend you ask about the dates of each program and the availability. These trips are made throughout the year because Mexico has a very stable climate. For example, Mexico does not have a Monsoon or very cold winters. In general, you can climb throughout the year.
Who can take me for climb Citlaltepetl?
As described in the previous article and other specialized magazines, picoorizaba.com is the one who can take you and has what it takes to organize your logistics and experience in 40 years.
Send whatsapp
+52 55 64413823
or write
oamexico@hotmail.com,oamexico@yahoo.com.mx
What temperature to expect up on the mountain?
It usually ranges from -5 to 15°C, but when there is heavy snowfall or strong winds it can drop to -20°C.
What physical condition should I have to climb Iztaccihuatl?
Having a good physical condition helps, but even more important is your adaptation to the altitude and that does not depend on your physical condition but on other factors, there are high-performance athletes who cannot climb due to “mountain sickness” and there are people with regular physical condition that climb without any problem.
What training do you recommend before I go?
Inclined walks are recommended, for example climbing hills or stairs because the effort in the mountains is different from walking or running on the flat.
What equipment need for climb Citlaltepetl?
What you need to bring for a 2-day ascent can be summed up as:
-Boots (not cap) preferably water repellent and semi-rigid sole with good traction sole
-Comfortable trekking or hiking pants (not denim) and thermal lycra (for the coldest).
-Dry fit shirt (like the ones used by soccer players)
-Sweatshirt or thermal jacket (Fleece or Polartec)
-Grim Reaper (Waterproof jacket) or Windbreaker
-Gloves (preferably two pairs)
-Synthetic hat (polartec or fleece)
-Sleeping bag
-Camping mat
Personal technical team:
-Crampons
-Ice Axe
-Helmet
What’s more
-Canes (optional)
-Medium backpack
-Front lamp (the one that goes on the head) with spare batteries
-Personal first aid kit (with at least 10 cm gauzes, 1 bandage of 15 cm and 1 of 10 cm, latex gloves, waterproof adhesive cloth, scissors, band-aids, tongue depressors, light bulb, drops for irritated eyes, ointment for bumps
-Solar filter (remember to apply it several times a day)
-Cell phone with balance and full battery charge
– Battery to recharge the phone (power bank)
For base camp:
-Eating utensils (No disposable dishes)
-High mountain tent (3 or 4 seasons)
-Toilet paper.
What about food for hike Pico de Orizaba?
Foods :
Unlike camping in the high mountains, it is important not to eat things that irritate the stomach, or that are heavy to carry, that is why mountaineers do not barbecue upstairs, nor do they take a kilo of tortillas, or cans, or chili peppers, or sauces etc
Food in the high mountains is individual, everyone will carry their own food on the march, a very common mistake is that someone feels bad and has to go down and was the one who carried part of the food.
For example:
fruit or dried fruit
Sandwich (salty or sweet)
chocolates that-
Contact for Climb Pico de Orizaba
oamexico@yahoo.com.mx