Mexico

 

Mountaineering School (continued)

Citlaltepetl (18,405’)

Iztaccihuatl (17,126’)

Xinantecatl (15,390’)

 

 

Itinerary

Day 8 — Alpine wake-up; Iztaccihuatl summit; return trek to La Joya; transfer to Amecameca.  This morning we climb to Las Rodillas, and then traverse along the Glaciar de las Rodillas. Negotiating crevasses on the upper reaches of the Glaciar de Ayoloco, we’ll eventually make our way along the route’s namesake, the aptly named La Arista del Sol, The Ridge of the Sun, and in short time the summit. We descend and return La Joya by late afternoon for a rendezvous with our drivers and the trip to Amecameca, where hot showers, great food, and comfortable beds await.

Day 9 — Casual wake-up; transfer to Tlachichuca; transfer to Piedra Grande Hut.  After breakfast we load into vans for the drive to Tlachichuca, making a lunch stop in the colonial Mexican town of Puebla (7,000’). Arriving in Tlachichuca (8,530’) we load into 4x4s for the rough drive to our overnight destination at the Piedra Grande huts (13,943’) on the flanks of Citlaltepetl. After dinner we prepare for tomorrow’s move to high camp. Subjects covered this day include: High Altitude Physiology, First Aid, and Self-rescue.

Day 10 — Early wake-up; climb to Citlaltepetl high camp.  Today’s destination is high camp at the base of the Glaciar de Jamapa at 16,076 feet. On arrival at camp we set up our tents, and then scout the trail along the snout of the glacier. We spend the remainder of the day taking photos and resting in preparation for tomorrow’s summit push. While some teams go for the summit from the hut, establishing a high camp allows us to acclimatize slowly, thus avoiding altitude related illnesses and giving us a better chance to get everyone to the top. Subjects covered this day include: Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue.

Day 11 — Early wake-up; mountaineering instruction; return to high camp.  Today will be used for instruction and hands-on application around our high camp. Subjects covered this day include: Snow Science, Avalanche Evaluation, Avalanche Rescue, and Mountain Geology & Glaciology.

Day 12 — Alpine wake-up; Citlaltepetl summit; return to Piedra Grande; transfer to Tlachichuca.  This morning we climb straight up the Glaciar de Jamapa, negotiating some steep sections on the glacier, traversing along rock bands higher up, arriving at the crater rim, and eventually the summit. We descend to high camp to pack up, and then return to Piedra Grande where we meet our drivers for the trip back to Tlachichuca for hot showers, hearty food, and a comfortable place to sleep.

Day 13 — Optional day.  This day can be used at any time during the expedition, and is built in to the itinerary to allow for illness or injury; to be used for additional rest and acclimatization; or as an additional summit day to allow for unfavorable weather or route conditions, or to climb a secondary objective.

Day 14 — Casual wake-up; transfer to Mexico City.  After breakfast we load into vans for the drive back to Mexico City, arriving in the late afternoon. After hotel check-in we inventory gear and pack for travel. This evening, join your teammates for a celebration dinner and expedition debriefing.

Day 15 — Casual wake-up; transfer to airport; return flights home.

 

Note on Itinerary

Although our guides take reasonable measures to adhere to the itinerary, it is subject to change due to variables including, but not limited to, weather and route conditions, the condition and ability of the team, local and US government restrictions, airline changes or cancellations, other variables outside the control of Expedition-Logistics, blah, blah, blah.

 

Land Cost

Land Cost Includes
Professional U.S. and local guides, basecamp cook/manager, porters and pack animals, in-country ground and air transportation, all overnight accommodations, all scheduled meals, permits, group climbing equipment (ropes, rock, snow and ice protection, etc.), group camping equipment (tents, stoves, fuel, cooking pots, first aid kits, etc.), and oxygen where necessary.

Land Cost Does Not Include
International roundtrip airfare, personal climbing and camping equipment (see Personal Equipment Checklist for more information), trip cancellation insurance, medical or evacuation insurance, excess baggage fees or airport taxes, expenses incurred as a result of inclement weather or other conditions of nature, government action, illness, flight delays, or any other delays beyond the control of Expedition-Logistics, including unscheduled hotel nights and meals, incidental personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, etc.), alcoholic beverages, or gratuities to guides, porters and staff.

 

Additional Information

See our Terms & Conditions for more. If you have questions regarding this expedition or your suitability for it, contact us at climb@expedition-logistics.com; please include your telephone number and the best time to call.