| You've probably heard of the majestic Pico de | | | | There is also the possibility that crevasses (deep |
| Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico. It stands | | | | fissures in the glacier) may be opened, making the |
| approximately 18,500 feet and towers over the | | | | trip to the summit even more dangerous. |
| little town of Tlachichuca. Pico de Orizaba draws | | | | Another timing consideration is during the day of |
| mountaineers, both beginners and experts, to its | | | | your climb. Most experienced mountaineers (those |
| summit from all over the world. Not only is the | | | | that have glacier trekking experience and are |
| glacial ascent great training, but the lack of | | | | physically fit) can handle the trek to the summit in |
| required permits and fees make Orizaba a popular | | | | 6 to 10 hours and back to their hut in half that |
| destination for novice and expert climbers. The | | | | time. This is exceptional timing and is usually |
| presence of facilities for lodging and dining are also | | | | planned to begin as early as pre-dawn, or what |
| sufficient. There are also available guides to help | | | | mountaineers call the "alpine start". Though |
| you on your trek. | | | | beginners may find the timing a bit inconvenient if |
| Mountain climbing in Pico de Orizaba is not the | | | | you're not used to being up so early. The reason |
| same as going on vacation and hitting the beaches | | | | for heading out so early is simple: when the sun |
| as soon as you get off the plane. Climbing the | | | | comes out, it heats up the ice and snow on the |
| mountain and successfully reaching the summit | | | | mountain and causes some rocks, ice and snow |
| needs a lot of preparation; you need to take the | | | | to fall on unsuspecting climbers. The objective is |
| time to plan your trip, get your equipment ready, | | | | also to make good time when climbing the |
| and book your accommodations. The first thing | | | | mountain so that the team can come back down |
| you need to do is to be aware of the best time | | | | before nightfall. |
| for climbing Pico de Orizaba, especially if you're | | | | The bottom line is this: climbing Pico de Orizaba |
| traveling from across the globe. | | | | depends on your capacity and your goals. If the |
| Experienced travelers and expert mountain | | | | point of climbing Pico de Orizaba is for further |
| climbers profess to say that the best time to | | | | training, possibly in strength and endurance against |
| climb Pico de Orizaba is between the months of | | | | harsh weather conditions, then climbing it even in |
| November and March. This is Mexico's dry season | | | | the wet season is possible as long as you take |
| and the earlier you climb the mountain, the better | | | | the necessary precautions. During the peak |
| your chances for reaching the summit. Many | | | | season however, even beginners can take |
| mountaineers flock to Pico de Orizaba during this | | | | advantage of the skills of their guides and even |
| time so that they can practice high altitude glacier | | | | learn from the experience of other experienced |
| travel, in order to get better at their craft. In | | | | climbers as they associate with them at base |
| fact, Orizaba is a popular training ground for | | | | camp or even in the city. It's a good idea to climb |
| climbers training for Mt. Everest. If you climb | | | | the mountain with other mountaineers as the |
| Orizaba out of season, the weather becomes | | | | shared experience will leave a lasting impression |
| quite unpredictable, bringing cold, strong winds. | | | | and create unforgettable memories. |