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- Pico de Orizaba
18,491 ft · Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico
Pico de Orizaba
Pico de Orizaba is an 18,491 ft peak in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico. The standard route is the Jamapa Glacier: 5 mi, 4,593 ft of gain, Class 2.
Pico de Orizaba at a glance
- Elevation18,491 ft5,636 m
- RouteJamapa GlacierClass 2
- Distance5 mi4,593 ft gain
- Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonNov – Mar (dry season)
- RangeTrans-Mexican Volcanic BeltMexico
Climbing the Jamapa Glacier
From Mexico City, drive about 4 hours to Tlachichuca and arrange transport (4WD required) to the Piedra Grande hut at about 14,000 feet. The Jamapa Glacier on the north face is the standard route. High altitude with crevasse hazards and steep snow/ice slopes. Conditions vary significantly year to year as the glacier recedes. Acclimatize at the hut or in towns like Tlachichuca before attempting. Strong winds are common near the summit. Crampons and ice axe required. The highest peak in Mexico and third highest in North America. Best climbed November through March during the dry season.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
GPS Device
Power Bank
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 15°F)
Sleeping Pad
What to watch for
- Crevasses
- Glacier travel
- High altitude
- Rockfall
- Icy summit conditions
- Avalanches
- Altitude sickness
- Extreme cold
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- High winds
Quests with Pico de Orizaba
Volcanoes of the WorldFrequently asked questions
How tall is Pico de Orizaba?
Pico de Orizaba is 18,491 feet (5,636 m) tall. It is in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico. It is also known as Citlaltépetl.
How hard is it to climb Pico de Orizaba?
The Jamapa Glacier is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 5 miles with 4,593 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Pico de Orizaba?
Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the Jamapa Glacier, covering 5 miles with 4,593 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Pico de Orizaba dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Pico de Orizaba?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Jamapa Glacier, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Pico de Orizaba?
Yes. At 18,491 feet, Pico de Orizaba is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Pico de Orizaba?
The usual climbing window is November to March (dry season). Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Pico de Orizaba?
The Jamapa Glacier starts at about 11,330 feet, roughly 7,161 feet below the summit.
Climb Pico de Orizaba with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list