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The Mexico 3 Peaks Challenge

Tackle three spectacular summits in the Trans-Mexico Volcanic Belt, topping out on the highest volcano summit in North America

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Trip Ref #10602

The Mexico 3 Peaks Challenge

Tackle three spectacular summits in the Trans-Mexico Volcanic Belt, topping out on the highest volcano summit in North America

DURATION

11 nights

LOCATION

Mexico

ANNUAL LEAVE

2 weeks off work

SEASON

Oct-Mar

GROUP SIZE

Up to 14 people

MEETING POINT

Mexico City Airport

ACCOMMODATION

Classic

Hotel · Cabin · Campsite

OVERALL RATING

0.0

This trip is brand new
DIFFICULTY

Challenging

Whilst the high-altitude summit treks are non-technical, some trekking experience is advisable and a good level of fitness is essential

Scale La Malinche (4421m) and Iztaccihuatl (5230m), learning mountaineering skills as you go

Conquer the glacier-clad stratovolcano of Pico de Orizaba (5636m) – Mexico's tallest peak

Acclimatise in Mexico City, explore the magnificent pyramids at Teotihuacan and tuck into tasty food in Puebla

Day 1

Arrive in Mexico City

Welcome to Mexico, one of the world's most colourful, vibrant and diverse countries! Touchdown in the capital city, where your host will have arranged a private transfer to take you to the hotel in the historic central neighbourhood. Enjoy a good night's rest after your flight.

Day 2

Acclimatisation day in Mexico City

Today is a relaxed day, designed for you to acclimatise to the altitude (Mexico City is situated at 2250m above sea level) before climbing higher in the days ahead. Meet up with your guide and group for a gear check in the morning, and ensure everyone is prepared for the mountains. You are free to explore Mexico City at your own pace, with advice and help on hand from your host should you wish to see or do anything in particular. Soak up the sights and sounds of one of the world's biggest cities whilst walking around the centro historico and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Day 3

The pyramids of Teotihuacan

Leave the city behind and drive eastwards towards the first of your three summits – La Malinche. Along the route, you'll stop for a walk around the vast archaeological site of Teotihuacan. Featuring the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon and Avenue of The Dead, the unknown origins of Teotihuacan (once one of the largest cities in the Americas) make it all the more captivating. Come evening, you'll bed down for the night at a cabin in the basecamp area of Malinche National Park.

Day 4

Acclimatise in La Malinche National Park

Hiking

1-2 hrs · 2-3km · 300m up · 300m down

La Malinche is the sixth-highest peak in Mexico, with its summit located on the border between the states of Tlaxcala and Puebla. At 3104m, the basecamp provides an ideal alpine acclimatisation location from which to build the foundation that will help you in the days ahead. To fully acclimatise in line with recommended guidelines, today's trek will be a short up-and-down hike on the forested alpine slopes of the dormant volcano. Should you wish to extend your walking today on trails around La Malinche basecamp, then your guide will be able to provide suggestions.

Day 5

Summit La Malinche (4421m)

Hiking

7 hrs · 14km · 1317m up · 1317m down

Although the lowest of the three peaks that you'll summit, La Malinche is still a great hike through forested and exposed terrain. There's a section of high elevation gain to reach the top after approximately four hours of trekking, and a short scramble to finish. There isn't usually snow covering at the summit – however, it is a possibility, depending on weather conditions – and you are rewarded with a classic 360° volcano view. You can also gaze upon the next two volcanoes that you'll be climbing, in the distance. Descend, then transfer to the small and friendly town of Cholula.

Day 6

To Iztaccihuatl basecamp

Spend a leisurely morning exploring the streets of Cholula, home to the very special church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, which sits before an impressive backdrop of the active Popocatepetl Volcano. Transfer by vehicle to reach the Iztaccihuatl base camp, situated at 3940m. The journey will be taken slowly as the elevation increases, with a number of stops along the way. Known as the mujer dormida (sleeping woman) thanks to its distinct profile, the huge presence of Iztaccihuatl looms over the Valley of Mexico.

Day 7

Hike on Iztaccihuatl, the Sleeping Lady

Hiking

1-2 hrs · 2-3km · 400m up · 400m down

Today it's time for another exploratory hike to get adjusted to the higher altitude, this time on the slopes of Iztaccihuatl, where your guide will advise on how far you should push today. Typically, you can expect to gain approx 400m on a morning acclimatisation hike before returning to the basecamp and getting an early night in preparation for tomorrow's summit attempt, which involves a very early rise.

Day 8

Summit Iztaccihuatl (5230m)

Hiking

12 hrs · 11km · 1317m up · 1317m down

Set out from camp in the early hours on a challenging trek towards the summit, with the lights of Mexico City and Puebla visible on either side of the mountain. Partway along the route you'll traverse a flat glacier before navigating past seven large craters, which makes for a tricky final section of ridges. Reach the summit of Iztaccihuatl (5230m), Mexico's third-highest peak, shortly after sunrise and enjoy spectacular views, including the neighbouring Popocatepetl Volcano, which is still active and sometimes emits plumes of smoke. After a long and steady descent, you'll transfer by vehicle to the city of Puebla (2135m).

Day 9

Explore Puebla

Enjoy exploring Puebla on this rest and acclimatisation day, in preparation for the final challenge that begins tomorrow. Puebla's historic centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is known for its exemplary gastronomy, the perfect place for food lovers. Try the local speciality mole poblano, which adds a chocolatey twist to savoury dishes. Your host is based in Puebla and will be on hand to help out with anything that you may need today, including suggested walking routes to best explore the city on foot.

Day 10

Orizaba basecamp

Hiking

1-2 hrs · 2-3km · 400m up · 400m down

Transfer by road to the Orizaba basecamp, situated at an altitude of 4250m. Your body will already be acclimatised to this altitude by now. El Pico de Orizaba (also known as Citlaltepetl or 'Star Mountain') is located on the border of Veracruz and Puebla states, and forms part of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. As the tallest volcanic summit in North America, Orizaba is one of the global 'Volcanic Seven Summits'. Your guide will tailor today's hike to best suit the group, typically involving a short up-and-down trek to gain approximately 400m in preparation for tomorrow. Get an early night ready for another very early start.

Day 11

Summit Pico de Orizaba (5636m)

Hiking

12 hrs · 11km · 1386m up · 1386m down

Today's the big one! Complete the three peaks challenge by summiting Pico de Orizaba (5636m), Mexico's highest peak. A short but steep trek involves the ascent of a glacier that begins just below 5000m and stretches to the summit. The group will rope up, and a large portion of your ascent will involve using crampons and ice axes. Depending on the weather conditions, there may be a covering of snow on the glacier too. Reach the Pico de Orizaba summit crater at sunrise and savour the most spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico, before descending and returning to Puebla for a well-earned celebration!

Day 12

Challenge completed

The adventure ends this morning, with a group transfer back to Mexico City Airport (approximately 2 hours). You can get dropped off in Mexico City should you prefer, to continue your travels independently.

Included

Guides

Expert, local, English-speaking guides

Accommodation

6 nights in hotels, 2 nights in cabins, 3 nights camping

Meals

All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Equipment

All your technical trekking equipment

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Some meals as described

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Cabin · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Cabin · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Campsite · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Campsite · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Campsite · Solo tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 11

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 12

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Mexico is a food lover's paradise! Many Mexican dishes have become famous internationally, but you're sure to discover new and exciting foods during your visit. Street vendors in Mexico City and Puebla serve delicious sweetcorn esquites and those with a sweet tooth will love trying authentic churros. Expect to eat a lot of corn, beans, rice, grilled meats, avocado, tortillas and the ever-present chilli peppers. During the trekking days, your guide and support team will cook up nourishing meals and make sure you have enough snacks to give you the carbs and calories needed to reach the summits.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Mexico City, Cholula and Puebla

When staying in the urban settings of Mexico City, Cholula and Puebla you'll stay in comfortable mid-range hotels, well-located for exploring the historic city centres on foot. You'll stay in Hotel Principal (or similar) in the capital, Milagro Hotel in Puebla and Hotel Casa Calli in Cholula. Rooms will be twin-share with en-suite bathroom facilities.

La Malinche

Your basecamp for hiking La Malinche is Las Cabañas de Malinche. Depending on the size of the group, we'll use either one or two self-contained cabins. The cabins have shared facilities with bunk beds, hot showers and a log burner with a chimney.

Iztaccihuatl and Pico de Orizaba

On Iztaccihuatl and Pico de Orizaba, you'll be camping in permitted areas. You can choose to have a private tent for no additional charge. There are no permanent facilities, but you'll have a camp assistant working with the group to prepare food and look after the equipment, etc.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked at the hotels for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Mexico City Airport

Any time on Day 1

Ends

Mexico City Airport

Morning of Day 12

Transfers

Upon arrival in Mexico City, your host will arrange for a private taxi transfer to take you to the hotel, regardless of which flight you arrive on. At the end of the trip, there is one group transfer from Puebla to Mexico City. Departing after breakfast, this takes approximately 2 hours.

Arrival and departure transfers are only included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 12. If you would like a private transfer outside of these times, this can be arranged with your host for an extra cost - please see optional extras for the price.

Travel options

There are direct flights to Mexico City from most major airports in Europe and North America.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

Technical equipment for summit days:

  • Rope
  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Crampons
  • Ice axe
  • Trekking poles
  • Head torch
  • First aid kit

Camping equipment:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping mat
  • Cooking utensils

What's available to hire?

  • Sleeping bag (4-season) See Optional Extras
  • The host can also rent mountaineering boots and other specialist clothing such as jackets or gloves. You can enquire with them directly after booking.

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Softshell duffel bag or rucksack (main luggage)
  • Daypack for trekking in (approx 30-40 litres) – you need to be able to attach an ice axe to the outside
  • Waterproof liner for kitbag/rucksack or drybags

CLOTHES

  • Mountain boots (stiff sole, crampon compatible - needed for Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba summits)
  • Regular hiking boots for La Malinche (flexible but waterproof with a good sole)
  • Down jacket mid-layer
  • Waterproof, breathable jacket (with a hood big enough to wear over a helmet)
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Breathable wicking base layers, top and bottom
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Thermals (merino best)
  • Warm hat (thin to allow helmet on top)
  • Warm insulated waterproof Gloves
  • Glove liners
  • Waterproof gaiters
  • Buff for neck
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
  • T-shirts
  • Trekking socks
  • Underwear
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses (Category 4 recommended)
  • Sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Sandals

SLEEPING

  • Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
  • Sleeping bag (4-season, comfortable down to 0 to -5°C)
  • Travel pillow or pillowcase (optional)

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Small camera
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • High factor suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Torch
  • 2 x reusable water bottles (1 litre each)
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks

Sleeping Bag Hire (4 season)

Payable Before Departure

Sleeping Bag Hire (4 season)

Single/Double/Twin Room in Puebla

Payable Before Departure

Single/Double/Twin Room in Puebla

Per Night

Single/Double/Twin Room in Mexico City

Payable Before Departure

Single/Double/Twin Room in Mexico City

Per Night

Private Room Upgrade (Hotel nights only)

Payable Before Departure

Private Room Upgrade (Hotel nights only)

Per Person

Taxi Mexico City Airport (max 2 people)

Payable Before Departure

Taxi Mexico City Airport (max 2 people)

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 242kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

No technical mountaineering experience is required to complete the trip, however, some multi-day trekking and summiting experience are advisable. You should be healthy and have a strong level of fitness to participate. High altitude is a significant factor (see FAQ on altitude, below) which makes this a challenging itinerary. The trip has been designed to gradually and safely acclimatise participants to high altitudes, in a manner that is in keeping with industry-recognised best practices for reducing the probability of suffering from altitude sickness.

The summit treks represent three challenges that grow in intensity and physical challenge. There is a glacier crossing involved in the ascent of Iztaccihuatl which is mostly flat, followed by a short section of scrambling to reach the summit. Pico de Orizaba is a great mountain for people who are fairly new to mountaineering as it is a non-technical climb, but requires the use of crampons and an ice axe. It is by far the toughest climb of the three, and involves roping up as a group to scale a steep glacier that clings to the mountain all the way up to the summit. The glacier is angled at 30 degrees and you should be comfortable using crampons and an ice axe.

To summit Pico de Orizaba your mountaineering guide will lead you on the 'north route' which scales Jamapa Glacier. Several hours of the ascent, and then the descent, will be spent walking slowly on this steep glacier. No climbing is involved and it is considered a non-technical trek as it can be completed by fit and acclimatised individuals without prior mountaineering experience or technical expertise. Equipment-wise, your host will have provided strap-on crampons (suitable for any stiff-sole mountain boot), a helmet, an ice axe, a harness and rope. You will be under the guidance of experienced and qualified guides throughout who will ensure that everyone is comfortable and confident. Depending on conditions, the guides may decide that for some parts of the trek it is necessary to use short ropes for added security. The techniques and approach will be fully explained by the guides during the prior acclimatisation walks, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Mexico City is situated at 2250 metres above sea level. This means that simply arriving here involves a sudden increase in altitude for travellers flying in from low-lying countries, such as the United Kingdom. Dehydration and tiredness from a long-haul flight can heighten susceptibility to illnesses associated with altitude sickness, although most people would typically not experience them until reaching a few hundred metres higher.

In order to maximise the probability of being able to complete the summit treks later in the itinerary, it is vital for travellers to acclimatise fully to the comparatively lower altitudes at the beginning of the trip in Mexico City (2250m) and at the Malinche Cabins Basecamp (3104m). For this reason, there is a slow and measured start to the trip, standing participants in good stead to safely complete the rest of the itinerary at a moderate pace.

The trekking ascent on this trip does not follow a traditional expedition-style profile, as it's necessary to travel to the three standalone summits by vehicle. There is more of an abrupt up-and-down nature to the altitude profile, with acclimatisation and rest days included where advisable. The largest altitude gain comes on Day 6 when transferring by vehicle from Cholula to Iztaccihuatl basecamp, a journey that will be taken slowly with regular stops.

Sleeping and maximum altitudes:

Day 1 – 2250m

Day 2 – 2250m

Day 3 – 3104m

Day 4 – 3104m / approx. 3504m

Day 5 – 2150m / 4421m

Day 6 – 3940m

Day 7 – 3940m / approx. 4340m

Day 8 – 2135m / 5230m

Day 9 – 2135m

Day 10 – 4250m / approx. 4650m

Day 11 – 2135m / 5636m

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips for guides are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. A representative from the host's team joins the group throughout, and in addition, you'll have qualified mountaineering guides leading the trekking activities on each mountain. These are likely to be different guides, and their number depends on the group size. As a guideline, we suggest approx. 8-10 USD (or equivalent in Mexican Pesos) per person, for each day that a guide is working with the group. When dining in restaurants, it is typical to tip between 10-20% of the total bill.

You will have to carry your own drinking water (typically two litres), and your guide team will ensure that you have access to clean drinking water. Should you want to use a water filter, then you may wish to read our guide to water filters here.

The most common time to climb Pico de Orizaba is the winter season from December to March, when the weather is typically clear and dry. During this period, the snow is solid and afternoon storms are less frequent. Iztaccihuatl and La Maliche have the same seasonality. Snow coverage varies depending on the season. Mexico's dry winter season runs from November to April and the wetter summer season from May to October. Temperatures in the Mexico City and Puebla regions of Mexico in the cool and clear winter months typically average a mild 15-20°C in the daytime, dropping at night time and will be significantly lower when on the volcanos at higher altitudes.

You won't be able to leave any excess luggage in Mexico City, as the itinerary only returns to the airport. You will, however, be able to leave items in Puebla should you wish to between Day 8 and Day 11.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

No, your luggage will be transported for you between each night's accommodation. As the acclimatisation and summit treks are up and down from the same basecamps, you'll only ever have to carry a small day pack whilst trekking.

Weather conditions could impact the ability of the host to run the itinerary in the intended format. Storms can prevent groups from being on the mountains on certain days, with weather conditions at the summits naturally being very changeable. If and when a change has to be made, it will be made with traveller safety in mind, whilst trying to ensure an acceptable replacement activity. A buffer day is built into the itinerary (Day 9 in Puebla), which gives some room to adapt the itinerary if required.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.

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