Mexico: Malinche, Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba
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- Mexico: Malinche, Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba
Mountain tour on the highest volcano in North America with cultural highlights in the land of the Aztecs
This varied mountain tour inspires with an enormous variety of scenic and cultural impressions. You will not only climb some of the most beautiful and highest peaks in the country, but you will also get numerous and authentic insights into the interesting history of Mexico and stay several nights in a mystical 17th century hacienda.
With our company expedition leadership on the highest volcano in North America
The basis for your summit success on the “Mountain of Stars” are the day tours to adjust the altitude to the Malinche and Iztaccihuatl. Enjoy fantastic views of volcanoes, some of which are still active, such as the famous Popocatepetl. As the grand finale, you climb from the fixed mountain hut via the Jampa Glacier to the highest volcano in North America, the Pico de Orizaba (5640 m).
Immerse yourself in the colorful and vibrant culture of Mexico
In addition to spectacular volcanic peaks, you will take a traditional boat trip in Xochimilco and have the opportunity to get to know the manufacturing process of Mezcal agave schnapps and to taste the different varieties. Explore the impressive temple complexes of Teotihuacán (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Monte Alban with an expert guide and embark on an exciting journey of discovery into a long-forgotten world.
- 14 Days/ 13 Nights
- January to December
- Moderate


Travel Program
Day 1: Getting there – Mexico City 1×A
Individual arrival in Mexico City. If you booked your flights through DIAMIR, you will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city center. In the evening welcome dinner with all participants. Overnight at hotel. (Sleeping altitude approx. 2100 m, travel time approx. 1 hour).
Colorful boats at the Xochimilco Floating Gardens
Overnight
Hotel
Flight
Arrival to Mexico.
Driving
1 hour aprox.
Hiking
1 hour aprox
Meals
-/-/-
Day 2: Floating Gardens of Xochimilco - Hacienda Santa Barbara 1×(B/L/D)
Today you will visit the district of Xochimilco with its floating gardens, UNESCO World Heritage Site and also called “the Venice of America”. The inhabitants still move along the Aztec canals according to the old tradition with boats and poles. In the afternoon continue towards Tlaxcala to the foot of the Malinche. Overnight stay in an old hacienda, a country estate from the 17th century (sleeping altitude approx. 2700 m).
Ascent to the acclimatization peak Malinche
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 3: Summit day Malinche (4461 m) 1×(B/L (LB)/A)
At 4461 m, the Malinche is an ideal mountain for altitude adjustment and preparation for the Iztaccihuatl and the Pico de Orizaba. You start early in the morning with the vehicle and drive to the starting point of the hike at approx. 3100 m, from where you can reach the summit in approx. 4 hours. The climb is technically easy. In the afternoon you can relax at the hacienda and make preparations for the next day. Overnight stay as the day before. (walking time approx. 7 hours, 1350 m↑↓).
The active volcano Popocatepetl with ash cloud in the evening light
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Climbing
6 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 4: Cholula – Iztaccihuatl Base Camp (3970 m) 1×(B/D)
After breakfast drive to Cholula and visit the remains of the world’s largest pyramid by volume, hidden under an inconspicuous mound of earth and dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl. You can then stroll through the alleys of the colorful town. In the afternoon, continue up the pass between Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl to La Joya base camp at the foot of Iztaccihuatl. Overnight in tent. (sleeping altitude approx. 3970 m).
Altitude adjustment hike at Iztaccihuatl
Overnight
Camping
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 5: Altitude adjustment hike 1×(B/L (LB)/D)
To adjust the altitude, you climb today on the Iztaccihuatl up to approx. 4400 m. You always have wonderful views of the peak massif of the mountain and its neighbor, the active volcano Popocatepetl. Overnight stay as the day before. (walking time approx. 4 hours).
Ascent over the glacier at Iztaccihuatl
Overnight
Camping
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 6: Summit day Iztaccihuatl (5286 m) – Cholula 1×(B/L (LB))
Summit day at Iztaccihuatl. You start the ascent to the first 5000m peak of your journey very early. The third highest mountain in Mexico is also called “the sleeping woman” because of its distinctive shape. The path meanders up both sides of the ridge through rocks and boulders. After about 3-4 hours you will reach the Grupo de los Cien hut. You continue to climb the long ridge and cross the remains of the glacier. After about 7-8 hours you finally reach the highest point of the mountain, “El Pecho” (the breast) at 5286 m. You are directly opposite the active Popocatepetl and can enjoy a fantastic view. The descent follows the same route (about 5 hours). Drive to Cholula and overnight in hotel. (walking time approx. 12-13h, 1200 m↑↓).
Santo Domingo Monastery, Mexico
Overnight
Camping
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Climbing
8 hours approx
Meals
B/L/D
Day 7: Oaxaca 1×B
Drive to Oaxaca. You can explore the old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on your own or optionally visit the Santo Domingo Museum and Monastery, which houses the unique treasures of Monte Alban, among other things. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Weaver at work in Teotitlan del Valle
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/-/-
Day 8: Teotitlan del Valle 1×(B/L)
After breakfast, drive to Teotitlan del Valle, the city of Mexican carpets, where carpets and rugs are made by hand using a unique technique. On the way you will visit the production site of the world-famous agave brandy Mezcal, which owes its fame to the worm in the bottle. For lunch there are typical delicacies from the region around Oaxaca. Return and overnight stay as on the previous day.
Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/-/-
Day 9: Monte Alban-Miguel Hidalgo 1×(B/L/D)
Today you will visit the imposing ruins of Monte Alban, the former cultural center of the Zapotecs and one of the greatest pyramid complexes in Mexico. From the high plateau you can enjoy a fascinating view over the complex. Then drive towards Pico de Orizaba to the small town of Miguel Hidalgo. You move into a cozy mountaineer’s accommodation and enjoy a fantastic view of your upcoming summit destination. Overnight stay in the guest house.
Hike to Altitude Adjustment at Orizaba
Overnight
Camping
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 10: Base camp Pico de Orizaba (4250 m) – acclimatization day 1×(B/L (LB)/D)
After breakfast, load the 4×4 vehicles and drive up to the Piedra Grande base camp. While you are trekking for altitude adjustment, our team is already setting up the tent camp near the mountain hut. Back at camp, start preparing for the summit day. Overnight in tent. (sleeping altitude approx. 4250 m).
Only a few meters to the summit of the Pico de Orizaba
Overnight
Hotel
Hiking
5 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D
Day 11: Summit day Pico de Orizaba (5640 m) 1×(B/L (LB))
Summit day at the highest volcano in North America – the Pico de Orizaba, or Citlaltépetl (in English: mountain of stars), as the locals call it. Already shortly after midnight you start the ascent. After about 2-3 hours, the crampons have to be put on and the route continues on the Jampa Glacier over firn and ice. The gradient of the slope reaches about 35° up to the edge of the crater. After about 9-10 hours you are at 5640 m, the highest volcanic peak in Mexico and all of North America. The huge crater opens up directly in front of you and in the distance you can see other volcanoes, some of which are active. After a rest at the summit and an obligatory summit photo, it’s the same way back down to the base camp (approx. 4-5 hours). In the evening drive to Tlaxcala. Overnight at hotel. (walking time approx. 13-14h, 1390 m↑↓).
Bullring in the historic center of Tlaxcala
Overnight
Hotel
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Climbing
9 Hours approx.
Meals
B/L/-
Day 12: Tlaxcala 1×(B/D)
After the strenuous mountain tour, today is a free day in Tlaxcala. Relax in the hotel or explore the colonial old town with its famous murals, old city walls and Bull Square. Many beautiful alleys, magnificent buildings and colorful markets invite you to stroll and buy souvenirs. In the evening you will enjoy a typical Mexican dinner together. Overnight stay as the day before.
Experience pure culture in the temple city of Teotihuacan
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
1 hour aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/-/D
Day 13: Teotihuacan (UNESCO) 1×(B/L)
In the morning you drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacán, one of the most impressive ruins in the world. The pyramid complex was built by an unknown people before the time of the Aztecs and has only been partially uncovered during the previous excavations. You will embark on a sightseeing tour exploring some of the most important buildings such as the 63m high Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of the Toltec god Quetzalcoatl. In the afternoon drive back to Mexico City. Along the way, you’ll also have a chance to taste the “drink of the gods”: pulque, an alcoholic drink made from fermented agave. In the evening you can celebrate your summit successes in a typical mariachi bar in Plaza Garibaldi. Overnight at hotel.
Mexico City Cathedral – the oldest cathedral in America
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 14: Mexico City – Departure 1×B
After breakfast you have the opportunity to visit the Anthropological Museum and the central square in the heart of the capital on your own. Here you will find the impressive cathedral and the remains of the Templo Mayor, which lie hidden just below today’s metropolis Mexico City. In the afternoon transfer to the airport and individual journey home or extension.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
1 hour aprox.
Hiking
1 hour aprox
Flight
Go back home by plane.
Meals
B/-/-
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
What's Included
Services included in the prices:
- Peru Expeditions Tours Mountain Guide Certified professional by: IVBV – UIAGM – IFMGA
- Additional English-speaking local mountain guides (one mountain guide for every 4 participants)
- All trips in private vehicles
- Local cooking team in the mountain huts
- All entrance fees and fees according to the program
- 7 nights : Hotel in a double room
- 3 nights : tent
- 2 nights : Hacienda in a double room
- 1 night : guest house in the MBZ (shared bathroom)
- Meals: 13× F , 4× M , 5× M (LB) , 8× A
Not included:
- International flights to Mexico / round trip
- Transportation of the bicycle extra weight or payment flights
- Transfer from the airport for bookings of individual flights with different times of arrival / departure
- Departure tax at the airport in Lima
- Travel Accident and health insurance (*Be required to have accident insurance)
- Individual trips and visits outside the program is not mentioned in our program
- Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
- Meals and alcoholic drinks in restaurants on the cities
- Personal equipment (mountain bike staff, special shoe bike, helmet, jackets, sleeping bag, mattress, Goretex, etc.)
- Tips
What to Bring
What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition
This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, mountaineering or mountaineering is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
Hiking backpack for hiking 30 to 40 liters
Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)
Medium weight socks
Sleeping bag (-10º to 15ºC)
Small daypack for one day hiking 20 liters
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes
Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
Rain poncho (or rain gear)
Long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
Lightweight pants
Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Water bottle for hiking or trekking
Strong waterproof duffel bag
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit
Regular and long underwear
Knife or multi-tool
Light cap and wool hat
Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips
The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike
Grooming and personal hygiene kit
One Hiking Buff per person
Technical Equipment for High Altitude Expedition Mountains
3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person
We recommend 2 ice screws for each client
1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person
2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company
1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains
2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)
Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters
Harness, we recommended GRIVEL company
Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress
Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company
Walking sticks (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company
Down Jacket for expedition
Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification
First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients
Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things
Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair
Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.
In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.
Prices & Dates
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» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays
Prices (per person):
1 PAX | 2 PAX | 4 PAX | 6 PAX | 8 PAX | 10 PAX | 12 PAX | 14 PAX |
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Deposit for reservations: — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: *Available
Trip-code: Number ►MEX-
Duration: 14 days
Participants: Minimal: 4 Maximal: 12
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Mexico
Mountain Guide: Eric Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2023
Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions
- WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
- E-Mail: [email protected]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.
Suggested FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.
Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.
Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.
For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.
Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.
Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.
If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.
If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.
We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide
In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Can I join a group?
We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.
Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.
In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .
For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What happens in the event of bad weather?
About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066