The Mexico 3 Peaks Challenge

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

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

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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
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