The Mexico 3 Peaks Challenge

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 always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.