Season 2026 · October to January
Pico de Orizaba · Summit Quest
Two days to reach the 5,636-meter summit of Mexico’s highest mountain and watch the sunrise from the top. Departing from Mexico City, with one guide for every two participants.
Summit Quest
Not a tour. An expedition.
Pico de Orizaba is the highest mountain in Mexico and the highest volcano in North America. In Nahuatl it is called Citlaltépetl, “the mountain of the star.”
It is the next step for those who already know high altitude: we ride a 4×4 up to the surroundings of the Piedra Grande hut, camp in an area with 24-hour security, start the ascent at midnight and aim for the summit at sunrise.
The hybrid experience
Making the unconscious conscious
At Odyssey we see the mountain as a living territory. For centuries, Citlaltépetl has marked the horizon for those living between the central highlands and the Gulf coast. The experience is physical and cultural: you live first-hand how the relationship between people and their environment shapes traditions.
Citlaltépetl, the mountain of the star
Its snowy summit can be seen from far away, from the highlands to the Gulf coast. For centuries it guided travelers and sailors, and it still defines the horizon of Puebla and Veracruz.
Mountain villages
Before the climb we have breakfast in a mountain village, and on the way back we share dinner. That is part of the expedition too: meeting the people who live in the shadow of the volcano.
The shadow of the volcano
At sunrise, Pico de Orizaba casts its triangular shadow over the clouds. Few images explain the scale of the mountain better.
Altitude
5,636 m
Summit of Pico de Orizaba
Duration
2 days
1 night camping near the Piedra Grande hut
Group
2 to 8 people
1 guide for every 2 participants
Level
Advanced
Previous experience on Iztaccíhuatl or La Malinche and regular physical activity
Season 2026
Dates & availability
Choose your departure. The calendar shows live availability for our Iztaccíhuatl and Pico de Orizaba expeditions.
- Available
- Few spots left
- Sold out
- Coming soon
Loading…
Availability updates automatically every time a booking is confirmed.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1 · Mexico City – Piedra Grande hut
- 5:30 am · Departure from our meeting point near Viaducto metro station, Mexico City.
- Breakfast in a mountain village (not included, approx. MXN $140 per person).
- 4×4 ride up to the surroundings of the Piedra Grande hut. We set up camp in an area with 24-hour security.
- Mountain dinner included. Early to bed: the night will be short.
Day 2 · Summit and return
- 12:00 am · Bread and coffee, and off we go: the ascent begins.
- Sunrise · Summit of Pico de Orizaba, 5,636 m.
- Around 4:00 pm · Back at camp.
- Farewell dinner in a mountain village (not included; steak dinner approx. MXN $200 per person).
- Around 9:00 pm · Arrival in Mexico City.
Times are approximate and may change depending on mountain and group conditions.
What’s included
- Round-trip transportation from Mexico City
- 4×4 vehicle up to the hut
- Specialized guides: 1 for every 2 participants
- Certified safety equipment: helmet, harness, crampons and ice axe
- National park entrance fees
- Mountain dinner at camp
- Bread and coffee before heading to the summit
- Water to refill your bottles and hot water for coffee or tea
- Remote Concierge: WhatsApp support before, during and after the expedition
Not included
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Available for rent: sleeping pad MXN $100, sleeping bag MXN $150, two-person tent MXN $350
- Day 1 breakfast (approx. MXN $140 per person) and return dinner (approx. MXN $200 per person)
- Medical insurance. We recommend a policy that covers mountain activities
- VAT (IVA). If you need a Mexican tax invoice, VAT is added to the price
What to bring
Required personal gear:
- 30 L mountaineering backpack
- Category 3–4 sunglasses with UV protection
- Layered clothing system
- Fleece gloves, at minimum
- Long-sleeve synthetic base layer
- Semi-rigid mountaineering boots
Avoid cotton: it holds moisture and chills the body.
Price & booking
Reserve your spot
Price per person
$7,400 MXN
VAT (IVA) not included. If you need a Mexican tax invoice (factura), VAT is added.
Deposit to reserve your spot
$1,000 MXN
Deducted from the total price. The balance is paid one day before the expedition, or in cash on the day, at boarding.
- The deposit is non-refundable. You can reschedule with at least 7 days’ notice; with less notice or if you do not show up, the full amount paid is lost. You can transfer your spot to another person at no cost.
- The balance is paid one day before the expedition, or in cash on the day, at boarding.
- If the weather does not allow a safe ascent, we offer to reschedule.
- If you do not reach the summit because of your own condition or decision, there is no refund. We may offer a discount for a future attempt.
- Requirement: previous experience on Iztaccíhuatl or La Malinche.
- Minimum age: 18. Minimum group: 2 people; maximum: 8. If the minimum is not reached, you can reschedule, take a 1-year credit or receive a full refund.
- Once your spot is confirmed, we send you the registration form, to be completed by each participant.
- Read our full Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Secure payment with Mercado Pago: credit or debit card (interest-free monthly installments available on eligible Mexican cards), cash at convenience stores or SPEI transfer. If you prefer, an advisor can assist you on WhatsApp, and we also accept direct bank transfers with no fees.
Who leads you
Your expedition leader
César is a historian, the founder of Odyssey Adventure MX and a guide with nearly 8 years of experience across Mexico. He leads most of our departures and, along the way, shares the history and meaning of the mountain.
He is joined by experienced guides trained in backcountry rescue, with one guide for every two participants.
Remote Concierge included
From the moment you reserve until you are back home, a real person from our team is one WhatsApp message away to help you before, during and after the expedition. Learn more about Remote Concierge.
Your high-altitude path
One summit prepares the next
Our expeditions follow a sequence: first Iztaccíhuatl, then Pico de Orizaba and, for those who want to go further, the volcanoes of Guatemala.
Step 1
Iztaccíhuatl · 5,230 m
Your first great summit: a two-day high-altitude expedition from Mexico City.
Step 2
Pico de Orizaba · 5,636 m
Mexico’s highest mountain, for climbers who already know altitude.
You are here
Step 3
Fuego y Raíz · Guatemala
Eight days between Volcán de Fuego, Acatenango, Lake Atitlán and living Maya culture. January 2027.
Your questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Why do you require experience on Iztaccíhuatl or La Malinche?
Because Pico de Orizaba rises above 5,600 meters. Having been at high altitude before tells us how your body responds. If you do not have that experience yet, start with our Iztaccíhuatl expedition.
Where is the meeting point?
Near Viaducto metro station in Mexico City. We share the exact location on WhatsApp once your spot is confirmed.
Where do we sleep?
In tents, at a camp near the Piedra Grande hut with 24-hour security. If you do not have gear, you can rent a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Do I need to bring crampons, an ice axe or a helmet?
No. Certified safety equipment (helmet, harness, crampons and ice axe) is included.
What if the weather does not allow the climb?
We offer to reschedule your departure.
Is insurance included?
No. We recommend a medical insurance policy that covers mountain activities.
Can you issue an invoice?
Yes. Prices do not include VAT; if you need a Mexican tax invoice (factura), VAT is added.
Every expedition starts with a conversation
Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose a date, prepare your gear and arrive ready for the mountain.