Pico de Orizaba is a snow-capped volcanic mountain in Mexico, rising to 18,491 feet. It is the country's highest peak and the third-highest mountain in North America, and its glaciated summit gives it a striking presence above the surrounding landscape.
What the visit offers
- Challenging climbing routes, best suited to experienced mountaineers
- Wide views that reach both the Gulf of Mexico and the central highlands
- Diverse ecosystems as the terrain changes with altitude
- A glaciated summit that sets it apart from the lower volcanoes nearby
Planning a trip
The mountain is a destination for adventure travellers rather than a casual sightseeing stop. Anyone considering an ascent should go with appropriate experience and preparation, given the altitude and the glacier. Those who come to enjoy the views and landscape without climbing should plan around the conditions and access routes that suit their own level of fitness and experience.
Visitors interested in the wider region can combine time on the mountain with exploring the central highlands of Mexico, which surround it and give the journey its varied scenery.