Pico de Orizaba

Our group of 6 used Andres Delgado and his assistant Luis as guides. His site is www.adventurego.com. After leaving Tlachichuca (great hospitality), we acclimated slowly by camping at 10,000 feet the first night and getting to the hut on the second day. The third day was the tough one as we carried all our camping gear up to high camp, across crystal ice in many places between 15,000 and 16,000. Like the days before it, summit day (day 4) was beautiful: full moon and no clouds. The entire route up the glacier had a defined path, and a soft crust for secure footing. The only "memorable" stretch was after the last switchback below the crater rim, where the steps appeared to be cut by someone eight feet tall. Incredible view from the top, and long hike back down to the hut, including some rapelling across the crystal ice below high camp.

Our guide Andres was very professional, and attentive to safety issues. The hospitality we received from him, his wife Chirstina, and Luis made the trip very comfortable. We left with wonderful memories and discussions of our next destination.