Pico de Orizaba 3-Day Jamapa Glacier Expedition¶

Three-day guided ascent of North America's third-highest peak via the Jamapa Glacier, staying at the iconic Piedra Grande stone hut.

Overview¶

Pico de Orizaba (5,636m) is the highest volcano in Mexico and the third-highest peak in North America. The standard Jamapa Glacier route follows a 4WD road from Tlachichuca town to the Piedra Grande hut at 4,260m, from where a midnight glacier ascent leads to the summit crater. The route is non-technical by high-altitude standards but requires crampons, ice axe, and basic glacier travel skills. A licensed guide and park permit from the local climbing cooperative are mandatory.

Day 1: Tlachichuca to Piedra Grande Hut¶

4WD vehicle transfer from Tlachichuca up a rough mountain road to the road end, followed by a short hike to the Piedra Grande stone refuge at 4,260m. Rest the afternoon to acclimatize before the midnight summit start.

Day 2: Piedra Grande to Summit and Return¶

Midnight departure with crampons up the Jamapa Glacier, following the left margin to avoid the worst crevasse zones, to the summit crater at 5,636m. Return to Piedra Grande by midday before afternoon cloud builds.

Day 3: Piedra Grande to Tlachichuca¶

Short hike down to the road end for 4WD pickup and return to Tlachichuca. Most climbers are back in town by late morning for a celebratory meal.