Mexico’s Orizaba Express Expedition
Climb the third highest peak in North America and enjoy historic haciendas and incredible food
With its summit resting at 18,491 feet / 5,636 meters, Pico de Orizaba is the highest point in all of México. Summiting this volcano is a considerable challenge, one that will give you perspective into your own capabilities and will build confidence to reach higher summits.
To get yourself ready for Orizaba your itinerary includes a walk-up ascent of 3,600 meter San Miguel just outside of Mexico City in the Desierto de los Leones National Park, followed by an ascent of the 4,500 meter La Malinche.
Along the way, savor the delights of our carefully curated dining experiences that make this an eating expedition like no other. Indulge in mouthwatering local flavors while staying in thoughtfully selected accommodations, ensuring your comfort and Mexican ambience as you prepare for each exhilarating climb.
If you have a couple extra days to spare, consider the Mexico Volcanoes Expedition and climb the 7th highest peak in North America too!
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Trip Perks
Along with all the other carefully selected eats, sheets, and treats is your rest-day at the Hacienda Santa Barbara (or Casa Malinche). This historic destination was restored by one of the direct descendants of the original owners and offers a great place to relax after an ascent of La Malinche. The historic fortress showcases modern rooms with traditional Mexican décor and a view of the mountain right outside your window. The owner prepares all the meals herself, serving local favorites like mole, quesadilla con queso Oaxaca, along with many other local favorites. With family style meals and limited accommodations, the owner makes you feel like one of the family.
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Description
This itinerary is aimed at reaching Mexico’s highest summit, 5636 meters / 18,491 feet, Pico de Orizaba. You’ll acclimatize on nearby La Malinche, while including some very beautiful sightseeing of the colonial town of Tlaxcala. As an added bonus you’ll enjoy the incredible Hacienda Santa Barbara between these climbs and enjoy some authentic Mexican food and hospitality.
La Malinche stands at 4448 meters / 14,646 feet high and is located 19 miles from the city of Tlaxcala. It allows for a nice acclimatization ascent before your climb of Pico de Orizaba. The location also offers amazing views of Iztaccihuatl, Popocatépetl and Pico de Orizaba.
While this program is designed for people with a basic knowledge of mountaineering who wish to gain more experience on alpine terrain at high altitude, it’s a great getaway for more seasoned climbers looking for a quick mountain getaway.
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Orizaba Express
from $3,200 – 8 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum 2 participants
1 participant $3,750
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Single Supplement (I want my own room) – $325
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Price Includes
- Guide(s) and staff
- One scheduled hotel night in Mexico City (double occupancy)
- Scheduled restaurant meals
- All food while on the climb
- All group climbing gear, tents and cooking gear
- All expedition staff including porters and pack animals
- Ground transportation and airport transfers
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Price Does Not Include
- International airfare
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- Meals Day 1
- Lunch and dinner Day 7
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
- Guide/Staff gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Orizaba Express 2024
- Oct 19, 2024 — Oct 26, 2024
- Nov 16, 2024 — Nov 23, 2024
- Dec 27, 2024 — Jan 4, 2025
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Orizaba Express 2025
- Jan 11, 2025 — Jan 18, 2025
- Feb 15, 2025 — Feb 22, 2025
- Oct 18, 2025 — Oct 25, 2025
- Nov 15, 2025 — Nov 22, 2025
- Dec 27, 2025 — Jan 4, 2026
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with a departure date from the U.S. and include the day you arrive home. For this trip you will need to arrive in Mexico City, Mexico on Day 1. You will be met at the airport by a Mountain Madness representative and transferred to your hotel. For return flight home you will depart no earlier than 5 pm on the last day.
Orizaba Express Day by Day
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Day 1
Mexico City
Elevation: 7,342 ft / 2238 m
Fly to Mexico City. You will be picked up at the airport. Dinner in Mexico city for those that arrive before 4 pm in the vibrant Coyoacán neighborhood, known for its colorful buildings, inviting parks, cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and of course perhaps most importantly, its food. Overnight in the city.
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Day 2
Mexico City ‑San Miguel
Elevation: 7,342 ft / 2238 m
Early breakfast and depart to nearby Desierto de los Leones National Park, a beautiful forested area just outside Mexico City reminiscent of California’s High Sierra forests. We will spend the morning hiking up San Miguel (3,600 meters) From the top we will have great views of the city and other volcanoes. Overnight in Mexico City.
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Day 3
Malinche
Elevation: 8,858 ft / 2700 m
Transfer to Hacienda Santa Barbara. Our first stop is at the pyramids of Teotihuacan where we will have lunch and explore the ancient, mysterious ruins. We then travel two hours to Hacienda Santa Barbara at the base La Malinche where we will spend the next two nights. There will be time to explore the more than 500-year-old Hacienda Santa Barbara where you’ll find a traditional temazcal sweat house, a narrow spiral staircase that climbs to the rooftop of the ancient cathedral, and much more.
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Day 4
Climb La Malinche
Elevation: 8,858 ft / 2700 m
An early wake-up call for the transfer to the trailhead and the 4 – 6 hour ascent to the summit of La Malinche (14,646 ft / 4464 m). We will descend for about 3 hours and return to Hacienda Santa Barbara for the night.
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Day 5
Piedra Grande
Elevation: 8,858 ft / 2700 m
After a leisurely breakfast we travel to the town of Zoapan. Once there we hop on a 4×4 for the drive to the Piedra Grande Hut at 13,878 feet / 4,230 meters. To assist in acclimatization, we will then take a short afternoon hike. We will spend the night in tents.
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Day 6
High Camp
Elevation: 8,858 ft / 4600 m
Today we will walk for 2 – 3 hours to high camp at 15,748 feet / 4,600 meters. Early dinner and it’s time for rest/sleep in tents.
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Day 7
Summit Day & Puebla
Elevation: 18,491 ft / 5675 m
3 am start for the summit of “Pico de Orizaba,” which will take approximately 4 – 6 hours. We then descend to camp, pack up, and walk down to the Piedra Grande Hut (about 4 hours after breaking down camp). Drive one hour back to Zoapan. From here we drive for about an hour and a half to the beautiful town of Puebla. Dinner and Hotel Colonial.
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Day 8
Fly Home
Elevation: 7,342 ft / 2238 m
We will spend the morning sightseeing in Puebla. At noon we will leave for Mexico City airport . Schedule your flight for some time after 5 pm.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Mexico's Orizaba Express Expedition
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Carrying Gear
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Summit pack (40-50L)
Lightweight as possible with a volume between 2,500-3,500 cubic inches (40-50 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
Osprey Mutant 38, Black Diamond Speed 40
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Large capacity climbing pack (70-85L)
Lightweight as possible with a volume of 4,000 – 5,000 cubic inches (70 - 85 liters)
Examples:
Osprey Aether 70
Osprey Aether 85
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Large duffel bag (150L)
One at least 7,000 cubic inch capacity (150 liters). Must be durable and waterproof
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small duffel bag
Large enough to hold everything you’re not taking on the mountain. Will be stored at hotel, to be used after trip
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
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Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
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Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
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Sleeping Gear
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (-10-0F)
One down or synthetic bag rated from -10 - 0°F /-18 to -23°C
Examples:
Feathered Friends Snowbunting, Marmot Never Summer
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Sleeping pad (inflatable or closed cell foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental pad is recommended. This can be an inflatable or closed cell foam pad. Make sure to purchase a pad rated for cold conditions.
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir & Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
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Climbing Gear
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Alpine climbing harness
Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing
Examples:
Black Diamond Couloir, Petzl Altitude, Petzl Hirundos
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Locking carabiners (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Crampons w/ anti-balling plate
Steel 12-pont. Must be fit to climbing boots prior to trip, new-matic/hybrid type
Examples:
Black Diamond Sabretooth, Petzl Vasak
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Mountaineering ice axe
under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”-6’2” use 60 or 65cm, over 6’2” use 70cm
Examples:
Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Balaclava or Buff
A thin balaclava will add significant warmth on that cold summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research, Marmot
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Glacier glasses
100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case
Examples:
Julbo
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Ski goggles
To fit over glacier glasses in high wind. Rose or amber lenses
Examples:
Smith, Oakley
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Hands
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Liner gloves
Two pairs thin fleece or synthetic
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Warm gloves
One pair fleece or wool with water resistant shell
Examples:
Outdoor Research Arete
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Expedition mitts
One pair Gore-Tex or equivalent, with textured palms and taped seams. Synthetic or down filled. Warm, heavy duty for cold temperatures
Examples:
Outdoor Research Altimitt
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Feet
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Thin socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
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Thick socks (3 pair)
Three pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
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Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodiles
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Technical mountaineering boots
Heavyweight and crampon compatible. Plastic boots are an option
Examples:
Scarpa Mt Blanc, Scarpa Phantom Tech, La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX, Salewa Vulture Vertical GTX
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Light hiking boots or trail shoes
For acclimatization hikes
Examples:
Salomon X-Ultra 3 Mid, Merrell Moab, La Sportiva Boulder Ex
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Water bottles with insulators
Two one-liter wide-mouthed plastic bottles
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Small stainless-steel thermos (optional)
For hot beverages on summit day
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Water purification
Steri Pen, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine. Purifies drinking water while on the trip.
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Spare bottle for a pee bottle, and a pee funnel (Lady J or Freshette) for women
It can be a cold walk to the toilet at night
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Book Trip
Orizaba Express
from $3,200
8 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum 2 participants
1 participant $3,750
- - per person
Elevation
Pico de Orizaba 18,491 ft / 5636 m
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Climbers should have basic snow and ice-climbing skills and should be comfortable with glacier travel, which includes moving in a rope team, self arrest, and basic crevasse rescue. Basic knowledge and experience would be required for objectives with some rock climbing.
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