
IMG Mexico Itinerary (Orizaba and Ixtaccihuatl)
2023 Date | Day | Itinerary |
Friday, November 3 | Day 01 | Arrive in Mexico City (elevation about 7,300') and transfer to the Hotel Maria Christina. We'll have a group meeting in the lobby at 7:00 pm followed by dinner at a local restaurant. |
Saturday, November 4 | Day 02 | Morning departure for our first objective, Ixtaccihuatl. We'll take our first acclimatization hike and then spend the night at a hotel in Amecameca (8,100') at the foot of the mountain. |
Sunday, November 5 | Day 03 | Drive up to Cortez Pass (11,100') for a second acclimatization hike, taking in the amazing views of Popocatepetl (sometimes still smoking). Overnight near the Pass in hut or tents. |
Monday, November 6 | Day 04 | A third day of acclimatization hiking to nearly 14,000 feet, then back to the Pass for the afternoon to rest and prepare for an "alpine start" (in the dark!) the following day. |
Tuesday, November 7 | Day 05 | Summit day on Ixtaccihuatl (17,338') and descend back to the Pass. Then, load up and drive to the city of Puebla (6,900'). It's a long but rewarding day. |
Wednesday, November 8 | Day 06 | Drive to Tlachichuca (9,500'). Afternoon in Tlachichuca to rest and prepare for Orizaba. |
Thursday, November 9 | Day 07 | Morning drive up a rugged 4x4 road with our local jeep drivers to Piedre Grande (14,000') at the base of Orizaba, where we stay in hut or tents. Prepare for an "alpine start" the next morning. |
Friday, November 10 | Day 08 | Summit day on Orizaba and descend to Piedre Grande. The jeeps will meet us in the late afternoon and take us back down to Tlachichuca for our dinner celebration and overnight. |
Saturday, November 11 | Day 09 | We will return to Mexico City and will drop you at the international airport by noon for your flights back home. |