Pico de Orizaba Planning
El Pico de Orizaba (18,491FT / 5,636M) - Sierra Negra (15,354FT / 4,680M) - La Malinche (14,636FT / 4,461M) | MexicoPaperwork
Please return the requested paperwork as soon as possible.
- Application
- Flight itinerary
- Passport copy
Trip Insurance & Evacuation Coverage
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Even with the best planning, unexpected circumstances — such as an injury or family emergency — may prevent you from joining your trip.
Trip Insurance Info (opens in new tab)Visa & Entry Requirements
To enter Mexico you must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months past the end date of your journey. US citizens do not require a visa. Visa rules vary for citizens of other nationalities, including for citizens of some European countries. If you will be arriving using a passport other than US, please let us know as soon as possible
Climbers are responsible to determine and satisfy entry requirements for your passport/nationality. Alpine Ascents is happy to help in this process. US citizens can consult the US State department.
Health Requirements
There are currently no health requirements for entering Mexico. Travelers should consider inoculations for disease prevention purposes. The most common considerations are Hepatitis A and updating Polio and Tetanus.
We encourage you to review the latest health advisories for travel to Mexico at the Center for Disease Control website.
Meet Times & Transport
Flight reservations for your expedition should be made as soon as possible. Please forward a copy of your flight itinerary before final purchase so we can review departure and arrival dates.
Alpine Ascents can make hotel arrangements to meet individual itineraries.
Flying to Mexico City, Mexico
Arrival: This trip requires that you arrive in Mexico City on Day 1 of your expedition. Early afternoon arrival is preferred. Please arrive no later than 5:00 p.m.
The airport in Mexico City is challenging for pickups due to its size and the unpredictable length of time to clear customs. Please take a taxi to your hotel.
Departure: You may fly out any time on the last day of your itinerary.
Early Arrival/Late Departure: For those arriving early or departing after the scheduled itinerary, we can make hotel and transport arrangements at an additional cost. Please contact our office in advance if you would like us to make additional reservations.
Missed Flights: If you miss your flight or if your flight is significantly delayed, please contact Gordon Janow by calling our Seattle office (206) 378-1927 and follow the prompt for 24-hour contact.
Hotels
For climbers who prefer single room accommodations, these arrangements can be made for an additional fee. Be aware that private rooms are available at hotels during our trip, but not on the mountain.
For climbers choosing double room accommodations every effort will be made to pair you with another climber. A Single Room Supplement Fee will apply if a match cannot be made or there is a last minute cancellation. This will help keep our overall program pricing down since unlike other companies we do not charge more for smaller groups.
In Mexico City
Four Points by Sheraton
Mexico City Col. Roma
Álvaro Obregón 38, Col. Roma, Del. Cuauhtémoc
México, DF
Phone: +525510859500
Four Points by Sheraton Mexico City, Colonia Roma
Gear List
Please refer to your Gear List:
Pico de Orizaba Gear List (opens in new tab)
You are required to bring every item on this list as described, so be as precise as possible when packing. We are happy to work closely with you on finding the proper gear.
If you plan to rent gear, your rental form must be submitted at least a month prior to expedition start date. Please call our office or email [email protected] with any questions.
Gear Lexicon
If you’re confused by items and/or language on the Gear List, we encourage you to refer to our Gear Guide for explanations on layering systems, differences between boots, etc.
Gear Guide (opens in new tab)
Other Resources
Below are articles written by senior Alpine Ascents guides that you may find helpful in preparing and packing for your expedition.
Medications & Prescriptions for Mountain Climbing
Not on the Gear List, but in our Backpacks
Packing Tips
People generally take too much “stuff” rather than too little. Study each item before you pack it. Eliminate redundant items, extra changes of clothing, and excessive “nice to have” luxuries. You will benefit from traveling light because of the costs of excess baggage and because of the frequent loading and unloading of bags. Remember to review your airline’s weight limits and pack accordingly. Traveling light may be your key to summit success. Take everything on the required equipment list and little else.
Expenses
We recommend using a combination of cash and credit cards for purchases and extra expenses in Mexico. When exchanging money, request the change in small denominations as change for larger notes is scarce outside big cities. We recommend bringing between $500 and $700 in cash.
Alcoholic drinks and bottled drinks (bottled water) are not included in your meals.
Early Departure/Evacuation
If you need to leave the expedition early, you are responsible for all incurred expenses (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc). A comprehensive trip insurance plan is recommended, which can cover these costs in the event that they occur.
Tipping
Our guides make every effort to ensure your climb is risk aware, successful, and as enjoyable as possible. Please consider the information below to be a general recommendation.
7-10% of the total trip cost is a standard guideline for the whole guide team. Any contribution to the guides’ tip pool can be given directly to your lead guide and will be appreciated by the entire team. We recommend a tip of $75 for your local tour guide/transportation specialist in Mexico City.
On the Mountain
Food & Water
We are aware of the potential monotony of expedition food and Alpine Ascents makes every effort to make meals a positive part of the climb. We take great care in our meal preparation, understanding the importance staying healthy, fueling effectively, and enjoying your food. Whenever possible, we use fresh ingredients from local markets in our pre-planned meals.
Tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. While in the city, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. While climbing, Alpine Ascents guides will sterilize all water and climbers will fill water bottles at breakfast and dinner.
Health Tips
You may want to consult your physician for advice on treatments for gastrointestinal upsets that you may encounter on your trip. In the past, climbers have relied on antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin. Your doctor may recommend medications such as Lomotil or Imodium to stop diarrhea, and Compazine to prevent nausea.
Leave No Trace
Alpine Ascents International practices Leave No Trace principles on all expeditions. As guides, we spend time teaching the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principles and practices. There is nothing more rewarding than working hard to get high into the mountains, reaching a pristine campsite, witnessing incredible views, and having the feeling that no one has been there before. Please read the seven LNT principles, and call the office if you have any questions about what you can do to plan ahead.
