The Pico de Orizaba, or Citlaltépetl as it is affectionately known by the locals, lies 200 km east of Mexico City. It rises majestically in the heart of Mexico, capturing the admiration and curiosity of all who set eyes on it. Its eastern slope slopes down to the coastal plain of Veracruz, offering spectacular views and influencing the regional climate.
As the highest point in Mexico, and the third highest mountain in North America, this inactive stratovolcano rises to around 5,636 metres above sea level.
Its snow-capped summit, visible from miles around, inspires adventurers and dreamers, calling for discovery and exploration.
A volcano on the border between the states of Puebla and Veracruz
The Pico de Orizaba is not just a high-altitude geographical giant; it is also deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Mexican people and has a shared history with other peaks such as Malinche.
For the indigenous peoples who inhabited this region before the arrival of the Spanish, the peak was more than just a natural landmark. It was sacred, shrouded in myth and legend, and regarded as the abode of the gods, a bridge between earth and sky, often compared in this respect to the Pic de Malinche, another unforgettable peak in Mexico.
Over the centuries, the Pico de Orizaba, located near Puebla, has continued to play a key role in Mexican life. It has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, expeditions and even poems and songs, testifying to its pervasive influence in the hearts and minds of the Mexican people.
Its imposing presence has also been a determining factor in local economic activities, notably agriculture and tourism, thanks to its rich and varied ecosystem that benefits from the surrounding fertile climate and soils.
Piedra Grande: base camp for North America’s highest peak
Nestled in the imposing shadow of the Pico de Orizaba lies Piedra Grande, which is much more than just a base camp for ambitious hikers and mountaineers.
This refuge, located at an impressive altitude of around 4,200 metres, serves as a gateway to the heavens for those seeking to conquer Mexico’s highest mountain with local guides.
Piedra Grande is not just a place to rest and prepare, it’s a sanctuary where adventurers gather, sharing stories, advice and encouragement before embarking on the final ascent.
Piedra Grande’s functionality as a base camp is crucial for hikers planning the 2-day trek to the summit. It offers essential shelter from the elements, allowing hikers to rest, acclimatize to the altitude and prepare for the forthcoming ascent of Mexico’s Pico de Orizaba.
The importance of this acclimatization cannot be underestimated, as it can greatly influence the success or failure of the climb. Hikers often spend several days here, adapting to the rarefied air and carefully planning their ascent to maximize their chances of success.
But Piedra Grande is more than just a stopover, it’s a place imbued with the spirit of mountain community. Here, boundaries are blurred and people from all walks of life come together with a common goal: to reach the summit. The experiences shared at Piedra Grande create indissoluble bonds, woven through tales of past journeys and dreams for the future. It’s a place where new hikers can glean wisdom from veterans, where strategies are devised and excitement is palpable in the fresh mountain air, especially when preparing to climb Pico de Orizaba.
Preparing to climb Pico de Orizaba, cousin of Nevado de Toluca
A successful ascent of the Pic d’Orizaba depends largely on meticulous preparation. Make sure you’re equipped to cope with the extreme cold, strong winds and sometimes technical terrain. We recommend that you take low-temperature gear, sunglasses and mountaineering equipment for ice passages.
Take the time to acclimatize to the altitude to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness.
What’s the best time of year to plan your ascent of Mexico’s Pico de Orizaba?
November to March are considered the ideal season, offering more stable weather conditions and less precipitation, making the climb both safer and more enjoyable. During this period, the skies tend to be clearer, offering spectacular views from the summit, including of the surrounding glaciers.
It’s important to note that even during the optimum season, mountain weather can be unpredictable. Hikers should always be prepared for changing weather conditions, and keep abreast of local forecasts before setting out.
Hiking on the highest volcano overlooking the Malinche: a unique ecosystem
Climbing the Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest volcano, is also an invitation to discover a rich and varied mountain ecosystem.
As you ascend, the vegetation changes radically, from dense pine and oak forests to alpine zones where the flora becomes rarer, but surprisingly resilient. This unique biodiversity offers a fascinating natural spectacle for hikers.
Guardians of history: the heritage of the Mexican people
More than a natural wonder, the Pico de Orizaba is a pillar of Mexican heritage and identity, a silent witness to the eras that have succeeded one another on its slopes, just like the pyramids of Teotihuacan.
For pre-Columbian civilizations, notably the Aztecs and Tlachichilcas, this mountain was sacred, perceived as the home of the gods and a point of connection between the earth and the cosmos. It was revered and feared, wrapped in a cloak of myths and legends that endure to this day.
The stories surrounding the Pico de Orizaba often tell of courage, challenge and unity, reflecting the deep values of the Mexican people.
The very name “Citlaltépetl” – meaning “Mountain of the Star” in Nahuatl – evokes images of grandeur and hope, suggesting the guiding role the peak has played for climbers, travellers and explorers.
Today, Pic d’Orizaba continues to fascinate, not only as a destination for mountaineers from all over the world, but also as a symbol of the perseverance and resilience of the Mexican people.
Pico de Orizaba remains an anchor for the local Veracruz communities who live alongside it, linking the past to the present and inspiring those who dream of climbing it.
Would you like to climb these peaks? Contact us to plan your hike with our concierge.
