In 2018 I returned to Mexico for more volcano climbs after my trip in 2017. Our group was different from the year before except for three of us who decided to come back. We used the same guide company, our friend David’s outing Nomada, for ease of logistics and travel.

This time we planned on Malinche, Itza and Citlaltépetl (Orizaba). I’ll go into detail about each of these in a detailed trip report! We traveled to stay at the Conchola house which is one of my favorite places along this journey! The family is so sweet and take such good care of their guests. I love going back to visit! It’s such a pleasure to have been able to meet Don Jaquin and his family. Bonus if you get a chance to watch him care for his birds, such a warming experience! Be sure to spend an extra day or night in Tlachechuca before or after Orizaba to explore the beautiful town.

We took the iconic jeeps up the 4WD road to the Piedra Grande Hut where we would stay the night before our summit bid. I have had the chance to ride in that infamous jeep on more than one occasion up the bumpy road to the hut. I’m surprised to see it still running as we even had it break down on the descent on our first trip!

The drive up is scenic and I love watching all the sheep farmers herding their flocks along the road as we pass through some really neat villages. The views higher on the road above the forest are gorgeous with Orizaba demanding attention behind the distant hut.

Once we arrived at the hut our guides took excellent care of us as always making our stay extra cozy and special. They always take care of the meals and snacks including sandwiches for summit day! 

After filling our bellies with fuel we were in our sleeping bags and off to bed early before our midnight alarm. Up and packed at proper alpine start we set off on our long approach to Jampa glacier where the real climbing begins.

We started our ascent up the steep headwall just as the sun was breaking revealing the iconic shadow of the mountain as we climbed higher. We passed another guided group who ended up turning around not long after as they were having significant altitude problems.

The views from the crater rim were stunning and the sunrise was breathtaking as we drank in all the sights and views from the summit. After a successful summit and plenty of time spent taking photos and enjoying our rewards we started the steep descent back down the glacier. That wouldn’t be the end of our long trek back as we would still need to make our way back through the labyrinth and down the long slog back to the hut.

Once back at the hut we packed up while celebrating and loading up the jeeps to continue back down to town. After our climb we enjoyed celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Mexico City which was worthy of a trip itself! I love Mexico, the culture and the food just as much as I love their mountains!