Join DASH Adventures as we climb 2 of Mexico's volcanos! These climbs offer a great option for high-elevation experience without the long-haul flights, time zone changes, and 10+ days that are required for most other 17,000+ non-technical peaks available around the world. These are prefect for climbers new to this elevation, and for those new to glacier travel or looking to gain more expertise.

Vulcan Iztaccihuatl is a non-technical climb rising to 17,103 feet. It's the 7th highest peak in North America and 3rd highest in Mexico. Now an extinct volcano, the "sleeping lady" will serve as our acclimatization climb. We'll make a primitive camp here and summit in the early morning hours. Located in the Izataccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park, the mountain has a great diversity of habitats such as mixed forest of pine, evergreen oak and alnus, as well as high mountain prairies. Alpine habitats are found at the highest altitudes, a great rarity in Mexico as the country in located in the subtropical zone.

Pico de Orizaba (which translates to "Star Mountain") rises to 18,491 feet, the highest point in Mexico and 3rd highest in all of North America. It towers over the town of Tlachichuca in the form of a beautiful white cone. The upper aspects of the mountain are glaciated, but without the hazards of large crevasses and seracs that are found on peaks like Rainier. Orizaba is an excellent first high elevation glacier climb, and ideal training for peaks such as Kilimanjaro; Ecuador's Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo; or America's Rainer and Denali. If fortunate with a clear morning, Orizaba creates an early morning shadow over the valley below reminiscent of what climbers see when approaching the summit of Mount Everest. We have the option of making our own camp again on Orizaba or using a rustic wooden refuge for base camp.

On this trip we work with a local guide company taking care of our ground transportation, lodging, rental gear,, and some meals. On the mountain we'll have an English speaking certified IMGA climbing guide, so you don't have to worry about critical information getting lost in translation. And you'll be climbing with Shelley and Dave, getting tips they have learned from climbing mountains around the world!

Mexico Climbing Itinerary

4-10 February 2026

Day 1 / 4 Feb: Arrival in Mexico City

-       Arrival fight into Mexico City, elevation 7,300 feet

-       Shuttle to hotel, complimentary 24/7, provided by hotel, Call +52 55 2598 5700. Drive time 10 minutes

-       Lodging: City Express by Marriott Ciudad de Mexico Aeropuerto

-       Meals: Not Included

Day 2 / 5 Feb: Drive to La Joyita, Set Up Base Camp; Acclimatization Hike

-       Breakfast at hotel

-       Private transportation from hotel to La Joyita, stopping for lunch on the way. Drive time 3 hours

-       Set up base camp, elevation 12,800 feet

-       Short acclimatization hike

-       Early dinner

-       Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 3 / 6 Feb: Summit attempt on Iztaccihuatl, 17,103 feet

-       Up early for a midnight departure from base camp! No formal breakfast; pack snacks

-       Summit around 8am

-       Return to camp, pack up

-       Drive to Zoapan (5,000 feet), stopping for lunch on the way. Drive time 4 hours

-       Dinner at Zoapan hotel

-       Meals: Dinner included

Day 4 / 7 Feb: Rest day with optional hike

-       Multiple, short, optional hike options

-       Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Zoapan hotel

-       Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 5 / 8 Feb: Drive to Piedra Grande Refuge, acclimatization hike, gear review

-       Breakfast at Zoapan hotel

-       4x4 drive to Piedra Grande Refuge. 2 hour drive time. Approximately 14,000 feet. Bring a face cover (buff, mask, etc.) and sunglasses for the dusty road on this drive!

-       Short acclimatization hike

-       Gear review

-       High elevation glacier travel training

-       Early dinner at refuge

-       Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

Day 6 / 9 Feb: Summit attempt on Orizaba 18,491 feet

-       Depart at 1 am for summit via Jamapa Glacier

-       Summit between 8-10 am

-       Return to camp, pack up

-       4x4 drive to Zoapan. Drive time approximately 2 hours

-       Lunch at Zoapan hotel

-       Drive to Mexico City. Drive time 3 hours 30 minutes

-       Lodging: City Express by Marriott Ciudad de Mexico Aeropuerto

-       Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Day 7/10 Feb: Depart Mexico City

-       Breakfast at hotel

-       Shuttle to airport, complimentary, coordinate with front desk. Drive time 10 minutes

-       Departure flight for home

-       Meals: Breakfast included