Orizaba Nov 22-26 // partner or advice

Hello, I was loosely planning to go for Orizaba while traveling in the region. I have the window next week but no partner.

I’m assessing the logistics of doing the peak solo. It seems transport to the trailhead or starting point may be easiest with a guided group, though I would prefer to do this on my own schedule.

If anyone has experience doing this, please send me a note. 

In the 90's we just got a cab from Amecameca to a high point, then walked the rest of the way. I think you could get driven to the hut, but I recommend you walk to acclimatize.

Steve McGeewrote:

In the 90's we just got a cab from Amecameca to a high point, then walked the rest of the way. I think you could get driven to the hut, but I recommend you walk to acclimatize.

Amecameca is near Izta/Popocatepetl, so not really relevant for an Orizaba climb.

Around the same time (late 90's) I took a bus from Mexico City to Puebla, then another one to Tlachichuca. I just showed up at the local guide agency (Sr. Reyes at the time - I think it's now called Servimont) and booked a round trip to base camp for the following day. Most other people did the same. I would expect it's still the way it works, but might be worth contacting the agency before showing up to confirm.

Good luck, and let us know how it went!

Marc-Andre Giassonwrote:

Amecameca is near Izta/Popocatepetl, so not really relevant for an Orizaba climb.

Around the same time (late 90's) I took a bus from Mexico City to Puebla, then another one to Tlachichuca. I just showed up at the local guide agency (Sr. Reyes at the time - I think it's now called Servimont) and booked a round trip to base camp for the following day. Most other people did the same. I would expect it's still the way it works, but might be worth contacting the agency before showing up to confirm.

Good luck, and let us know how it went!

You're right. I've only been to Amecameca twice, but for some reason the name stuck.

This is Tlachichuca:

This is on route walking from Tlachichuca:

• First time, we walked all the way, carrying boots and skis, to the hut. Partner got AMS (he'd quit smoking for the trip).
• Second time we hired a cab and got out around 12,000 feet on one of the wider switchbacks, still down in the forest.
• Third time my large group got cab rides all the way to the turn at 14,000 feet where you could first see the hut, and walked the rest of the way.
• Fourth time, with another large group we got out around 12,000 feet and hiked the rest of the way

Each one of those times we stayed in Tlachichuca and left from there. The road goes through "Zoapan" and "Hildalgo y Costilla". 

We used the Secor guidebook. The name Senior Reyes rings a bell, but on my personal trips we just got a ride or walked. 

With the large group we had this guy give us a ride:

You don’t need a guide. Just go to the soap factory and use them for logistics. 

Worth considering:

https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201213923

Hey Nick,

I did Pico solo in December 2018. It’s not bad, although it can be icy, it’s essentially a hike. I arranged lodging and transport to and from the peak with Servimont climbers hostel. I highly recommend, they are awesome!

There is beautiful camping right before the snow field around 14k, good to acclimatize.

PM if you have any more detailed questions!

Thanks everyone, I had a great trip. Servimont is indeed a great logistics partner and the history of the operation/building/Sr Reyes is worth checking out. Email or WhatsApp them. 

For those needing full rental gear, there may be some outfitters with more modern gear but Servimont was able to get me set up.

It’s worth noting that the number of guides operating on the mountain have swelled in recent years. Last weekend there were as many as 400 people on the mountain. Week days and off season are apparently much quieter, but this time of year, expect a ton of guided parties on the weekends.

Thanks for the beta.

N Pintowrote:

Last weekend there were as many as 400 people on the mountain. 

I'm glad you made it!

It's hard to imagine that many people all at once. When I was there between Christmas and New Year in '97 there were about 20 at most, likely less.