Orizaba Express
Difficulty Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Orizaba (Formally known as Pico de Orizaba) is North America’s third tallest peak and a classic climb. Situated in Mexico, it has it all: culture, high mountain huts, stunning views and the opportunity to get your crampons into plenty of snow and ice. This mountain is easily accessible to just about anyone willing to train and work hard on the climb.
- Climb Mexico’s tallest peak
- Build technical mountaineering skills
- Experience Mexico and its people
- Explore ancient Aztec culture and relics
- Eat the world’s best mole in Puebla
- See the sunrise over Popo and its plume of steam, an active volcano, whilst acclimatizing from the slopes of Mt Ixta
Conditions on Orizaba were tougher than normal but under Mike’s leadership and his attention to detail, our entire team summited. Everything was planned perfectly and lifelong friendships were formed‑Kent Stewart
Orizaba is a stratovolcano that sits in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and is just a short flight away from major hubs in the United States.
The beauty of our “Orizaba Express” climb is that it is a high-altitude gem which is very conveniently located and you can do it in just a week. It’s the perfect ascent for time poor people who have limited vacation or those who are preparing to climb Aconcagua or Himalayan peaks. To maximize the trip we have scheduled it so it is book-ended by the weekend.
The climbing consists of mostly moderate glaciated terrain with a few protected steeper sections that involve roped travel, solid cramping and general snow climbing skills. We also take some time to explore the region and meet the locals who are amazingly friendly and welcoming, their culture rich and fascinating not to mention their food is delicious! We have a very close relationship with our local outfitters and staff and consider them like family.
Our Mexican Volcanoes program is high altitude climbing from beginning to end. We fly into Mexico City at 7,382ft/2,250m, so right from the start your body will start adjusting to the rarefied air. Because of this it is paramount to use a slow progression, promote hydration and temperance and watch each other for symptoms of altitude illness.
“Orizaba Express” is one of our shorter expeditions and as such one of our most popular trips because it allows those who are time poor to still get into the mountains. We acclimatize for Orizaba on the neighboring flanks of Ixta (short for Iztaccihuatl) allowing us to see more of the region. However, please note, we don’t intend to summit Ixta, we use it primarily as acclimatization training. This keeps our expedition within that week-long schedule whilst still giving us variety. Ixta is also less glaciated and summit day is long and boring with more objective danger. Summiting Ixta only fatigues our climbers and detracts from the real objective, Orizaba. Orizaba is not only more scenic, it allows us to get into our crampons and cement our technical mountaineering skills.
We have led many trips to Mexico and have stood on the top of Orizaba each time and hope to maintain our 100% success rate for many years to come. You don’t get better odds than that!
This expedition will be organized by Mike Hamill, Owner of Climbing the Seven Summits. Mike has personally guided nearly well over 100 high altitude expeditions, 10 Mt. Everest expeditions, 23 X 8,000m expeditions, has 6 Everest summits, currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu, and has written the guide book to “Climbing the Seven Summits,” making him one of the most experienced guides in the world.
Mike has an impeccable safety record and an unmatched success rate due to his expertise and professionalism and holds all of the CTSS guides to the same high standards as he holds himself.
He knows that his choice of guides is the most important decision factor to continued success so CTSS only employs world-class leaders known for their coal face experience, focus on client care and attention to safety.
Orizaba is a serious undertaking and climbers should be prepared with adequate fitness. Our guides will work with you throughout the expedition to provide logistics, guidance, and information to best ensure your summit success & safety.
Welcome to “Climbing the Seven Summits” Orizaba Express Expedition!
Orizaba is a classic. It’s such a great peak because it offers excellent climbing that is just so accessible and quick being so close to the United States.
I have personally designed our Mexico expedition and it is guided by either myself or my pick of senior mountaineers who have a huge breadth of experience, not just on Orizaba but on all the Seven Summits.
I’m proud to say I’ve had a 100% success rate on climbs under my direct leadership so you can be assured by and have confidence in our CTSS experience, advice and safety standards.
On this trip, we acclimatize on the slopes of Ixta the neighbour of Orizaba. This allows us to take in more of the vast scenery Mexico has to offer, experience more of the Mexican flare, and to allow our climbers more time to acclimatize properly, thus increasing our chance of success.
We look forward to helping you achieve success on this expedition. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly regarding the expedition if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Lead Guide, Climbing the Seven Summits
Expedition Options (Schedule and Prices)
At CTSS we offer a variety of different climb options to customize your Orizaba experience to your climbing style and ability:
Orizaba Express Guided Climb
January 11th – January 19, 2024: $3,695 USD
This is our most popular option. This expedition is our traditional guided team climb which ascends the stunning Northern Route.
For a detailed overview of the trip from an objective source, have a read of this great article by mountaineer Laura Lisowski: https://www.releasetravel.com/blog/2019/1/25/climbing-orizaba-preparation-for-everest-with-los-authenticos
Provided are guidance, leadership, and expedition oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, local guides, logistics, team gear, food, and support for a summit attempt on Orizaba. All prices are in US Dollars. CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments once submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
On Mountain Porterage 2 Days – $750
Our Orizaba expeditions are self-carry and there are two days in particular, moving to high camp and descending from high camp that packweights can be heavy. If you would like additional support, we encourage you to do so and contribute to the local economy by employing a porter.
This includes up to 20kg | 44 pounds of weight carried on your behalf.
Mexico Volcanoes Private Climb:
1:1 Client to Guide Ratio, $11,950 usd
Having your own private guide climbing with you can be an indispensable advantage! A private guide allows you to dictate the schedule, amend it depending on how you’re feeling, customize a program, and a private guide can coach you throughout the expedition, give you valuable feedback, be available if there are any medical issues, and make your climbing experience more enjoyable overall. Although summits a obviously never guaranteed but this is a great way to stack the odds in your favor.
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments once submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
Orizaba Speed Ascent w/ Private Guide and Hypoxic Pre-acclimatization Chamber
(Please contact us directly for dates and prices)
CTSS offers select climbers our “Speed Ascent” option which employs state-of-the-art technology to allow you to summit in less time. If you are short on time and want to make the round trip safely but as quickly as possible, this is the ideal option. We use a time-tested training program in conjunction with the use of a portable hypoxic altitude chamber to pre-acclimate your body to the rarefied air found at altitude. This option is perfect for those who want to minimize time away from home while still stacking the odds in their favor for summit success.
If you think this option may be right for you please contact us directly and we will work with you on a personalized plan to allow our “Speed Ascent” Program to maximize results for you.
This expedition provides a Private guide at a 1:1 ratio, logistical oversight by expedition leader Mike Hamill, logistics, food, team gear, and support for a summit attempt on Orizaba. Whether you’re a less experienced climber or have climbed at altitude many times before, our speed ascent private climb with 1:1 Private Guide will give you the best chance at standing on top of Orizaba in less time than the normal expedition.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments once submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
Single rooming option: $500
We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations throughout the expedition for you. If you aren’t price sensitive, you snore or you are easily awakened by others that do snore this might be a great option.
We feel that having a single room helps climbers stay healthy and adds a bit of comfort and personal space that can go a long way. If you would like a single rooming option please let us know.
Please note that tent accommodations on the mountain are double-occupancy for safety and warmth.
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. For more information, please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy.
All payments, once submitted, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
- Pico de Orizaba is a stratovolcano and the tallest peak in Mexico standing at 18,880ft
- The volcano is currently dormant but not extinct, with the last eruption taking place during the 19th century
- Mexico City is built on the ruins of an Aztec city.
- Mexico has a population of 10 million
- Orizaba has also been called Citlaltépetl which means “Star Mountain”, “Cerro de San Andrés” and a third name, Poyauhtecatl, which means “the one that illuminates”
- It has so much prominence it can be seen from the Gulf of Mexico
Best expedition at a great value: CTSS believes in providing our clients with the highest quality service in the industry at a great value. Climbing and trekking is our passion, and our goal is to share these unique places and experiences with you. We want you to feel good about your experience because we believe word-of-mouth is the best advertising, and that begins with satisfied customers. There is a difference between our expeditions and those of our competitors, especially local cut-rate options. In choosing us, you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from many Kilimanjaro expeditions, well over 100 high altitude expeditions, and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value.
We are a modestly sized guide service with highly personalized service: We maintain a moderate size so that we can tailor our Orizaba climbing experience to you. Not all climbers are the same, which is why Mike Hamill will work with you directly to make sure you choose only the programs that are right for you.
The best route: CTSS climbs northern route on Orizaba. By using this route, we provide you with the highest chance of success and give you the best climbing experience available on the mountain. This is due to the more relaxed terrain and greater amount of time for acclimatization en route to the summit. This route offers a stunning glaciated ascent of the peak and some of the best mountain vistas in North America. We climb through a variety of different ecological zones and take in the local culture along the way. You will see when you’re on the mountain that there’s no better way to climb the peak.
Mexican culture: We take time on our first day in Mexico City to see some of the best cultural sites the country has to offer. If you’re a fan of Aztec history then this is a great experience for you. Beyond the sights in and around Mexico City we immerse ourselves in Mexico eating and staying and eating at some of the best and most quintessentially Mexican places in the region.
Leadership: As expedition leader, Mike’s almost unparalleled experience base at high altitude can make the difference between success and failure. Let Mike guide you through the many nuances of climbing Orizaba that will allow you to be successful. From start to finish, he will work with you to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to reach your goal of standing on top of Mexico. Often being able to trouble shoot problems before they occur can make the difference, and this is where Mike’s vast experience becomes crucial. See Mike’s success rate.
Best guides: The quality of an expedition is, in large part, dictated by the individual guide(s) leading the trip. CTSS hires only the finest guides operating at the highest standards for client care who are highly trained, well respected in the industry, and close friends that we trust. The have excellent personalities and are some of the most experienced professionals in the world. Mike and the rest of our guides are strong leaders who maintain high standards. Our guides make our company what it is and have extensive resumes of personal climbs, high altitude guiding, and certifications. All our lead guides maintain at least a Wilderness First Responder medical standard. Our local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles.
Safety: Our primary goal at CTSS is safety. We have an unparalleled safety record and our clientele’s wellbeing factors in to every decision we make while on expeditions. Although we like to stand on the top of mountains more than anyone, we believe that climbing is a round trip endeavor and getting you back to your loved ones safely is paramount. We take many safety precautions including bringing multiple communication devices, high altitude safety equipment, medical kits, and the highest quality gear to ensure a safe environment in which to climb.
Success: Success rates on expeditions under Mike’s leadership are among the best in the business. Mike has maintained a 100% expedition success rate for expeditions under his direct guidance on Orizaba. This is a testament to our quality of service and attention to detail. Mike and our team of guides are incredibly proud of their summit success and work hard to get their clients to the top. As Mike says, “You can’t buy a summit, but you can buy better odds.” With our expertise, experience and infrastructure, you can stack those odds in your favor. We offer a longer acclimatization progression for proper acclimatization to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. Many guide services race their clients up the mountain, especially local companies, to cut corners on costs. We are highly invested in our reputation for safety and success and are always striving to improve our programs to maintain our hard-earned status. Decision making in the mountains is supremely important, and our guides are the best in the business, have a hunger to summit whenever it’s safe to do so, and have a proven track record. All of our programs acclimatize conservatively to mitigate the risk of having altitude issues and to give them the highest chance of success.
You! Why choose us? Because of you! We consistently attract the best clients and believe this is because we offer the highest quality expedition at a great value. Our clientele takes the time to educate themselves about their options and choose us because of this. We feel that surrounding yourself with the right people will make you successful, and that goes for guide service owners, guides, and even those with whom you climb. Having a team with the right attitude and camaraderie is a key factor in making you successful.
Logistics: We have led countless high altitude expeditions and have perfected the logistics, allowing you to focus on climbing, safety and success. We eat well and live well on expedition. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while on your climb or safari to not be distracted from the task at hand. We feel that these creature-comforts go a long way to making your time in the backcountry enjoyable. We strive to work with the best local outfitters and provide the best local logistics hands down.
Updates: In today’s connected world people want to know how things are going on expedition. CTSS maintains regular updates on our blog to keep friends and families informed. This can relieve a lot of the stress loved ones have when you’re away on climbing. We want to make the climb as stress-free for both the climber and the folks back home.
Professional Business Practices: Running a professional guide service that you feel comfortable putting your trust in is important to us. We comply with all local, state, federal and international laws. We hope that this makes you feel more confident about choosing us and our programs.
Enjoyment: This is your vacation, and you’re here to have a good time. Our goal is to give you the experience of a lifetime, inspire you in the mountains, and to have a great time doing it. This, again, comes back to our guides; they all have great personalities, and their love for the mountain is contagious.
Low client to guide ratio: We operate all of our trips at a low client to guide ratio which offers you a better, safer, and more personalized experience.
“Again, thanks for an awesome adventure. It’s the people, the friendship and the camaraderie that make up for more than half of the experience. Thanks for being so great!! and getting me up and down that hill safely. I look forward to climbing with you again in the future.” Jason V
“Thank you again for the trip of a lifetime” -Rick B
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Climbing Orizaba requires solid fitness and an ability to perform well at altitude, but it is not beyond the abilities of many people who are willing to train for the climb and work hard on the trip. Prior use of crampons and an ice axe is preferred but not mandatory as we will do a brief snow school for those with experience to touch up their skills and for others to become familiar. If you want to join this expedition but feel unsure of your ability, chat to us as we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb as we take immense pride in helping people achieve their goals.
The following is a sample daily schedule of our Orizaba Express climb:
Day One – Arrive Mexico City and transfer to Tlachichuca
Day Two – Gear Checks/Guide briefing.
Day Three – Drive to Cortez Pass for our acclimatization climb,
Day Four – Move to hut at Cortez Pass and hike above Pass
Day Five – Drive to Hut on Orizaba, Short acclimatization hike
Day Six – Carry to high camp on Orizaba
Day Seven – Move to high camp on Orizaba
Day Eight – Summit and descend to Tlachicuca
Day Nine – Drive to Mexico city for afternoon flights
Check the gear list. Pack and repack to make sure you know your gear. The gear on the gear list is mandatory to allow you to have a safe, successful climb as well as your entire team. Any questions we’re here to help.
For a complete gear list with descriptions and links to actual recommended items please see our Bolivia gear list page at:
Travel Gear:
- Travel Wallet: It should sling over your shoulder and lay discreetly next to your body
- Passport, cash and travel documents: Make sure to have a print out of all travel documents, pen, plenty of csh for the trip, and your passport handy.
- Sneakers: Light weight sneakers for travel and at base camp
- 2 pairs light socks: For use with sneakers.
- Day pack: Light weight 30 liter pack doubles as a carry on and a trekking pack
- 2 Duffel Bags: Heavy PVC duffel bags hold up to abuse and pack well on donkeys and in jeeps.
- 1 small duffel: to leave city clothes in at the hotel. Please no rolling duffels. Your duffels will be carried by porters and donkeys and rolling duffels make this very difficult for them and are much heavier.
- 3 Locks for Duffel bags: It is best to not tempt anyone into going through your gear so one lock per duffel is smart. TSA-type locks that customs officials can access and re-lock are handy as are zipties that can be cut off and put back on easily. Duffel locks are good for locking bags stored at the hotel or while on the donkeys/porters while climbing.
- Passport photos (3)
You will need at least 1 for your Visas and it’s always good to have a few extra. - Casual Travel Clothes: Several days will be spent in transit, in Mexico City, driving to base camp and at base camp so it is nice to have some casual clothes to travel in.
- Hotel vouchers if laying over en route to Mexico: If you have extended layovers make sure to pre-book a hotel and print out the voucher. Our travel agent can help you with this.
Lower Body:
- Medium weight trekking boots: Comfortable boots with plenty of ankle support and warmth to trek to base camps and ascend to high camps.
- 4 pairs of climbing socks, synthetic or wool: 2 medium weight for lower altitudes, and 2 heavier weight for summit days. They must not be too tight when used with climbing boots.
- Double climbing boots: Warm plastic double boots such as the Scarpa Inverno, La Sportiva Spantik, and La Sportiva Baruntse are ideal. Triple Boots are overkill and will be too warm. Single leather boots are not enough for the summit days!
- Medium weight gaiters: Must fit your boots. They will be used trekking to base camp, higher camps, and on the summit days.
- Chemical foot warmers: Optional, if needed. Some people use foot warmers for high altitude climbing and swear by them, others don’t. If you get cold feet you should seriously consider purchasing a pair of boot warmers and fitting them to your boots. They could prevent you from needing to turn around on summit day with cold feet.
- Foot powder: Foot power keeps feet dry and warm and can really help on summit day.
- Down booties: These are great for walking around base camp and at the upper camps. Try to find something light weight with a sole.
- 2 pairs of long johns: 1 thin and 1 medium weight. They will be worn underneath climbing pants so make sure the climbing pants will fit over them.
- 6 pairs of underwear: 3 pairs of synthetic underwear for climbing, 3 pairs cotton underwear for off mountain use. Three pairs of each for travel and on the mountain should be sufficient.
- 2 pairs of synthetic climbing pants: 1 thin and 1 medium weight. They need to fit over the synthetic under layers. Scholler type pants or quick drying zip-off pants are both great options.
- Jeans: For travel and base camp
- 1 pair of Goretex type full-zippered shell pants
These must be full zipper and should be light weight. They need to fit over your synthetic under layer and climbing pant combination to layer for warmth. They must be waterproof and breathable.
Upper body:
- Casual shirts for travel and base camp
- 2 synthetic under layers: 1 light, 1 medium. These must fit underneath your mid weight layers. The light one will be for lower on the mountain and the medium weight for up higher. A zippered collar is a nice option to have.
- 2 medium weight layers: 1 synthetic pile jacket, 1 down or synthetic vest. These two layers must be able to be worn in unison over the synthetic under layer and underneath the Shell jacket and down jacket. They should be light and one should have a hood.
- 1 waterproof shell jacket: This need to fit over your medium weight pile layers and be light weight, waterproof, and breathable.
- 1 mid-weight down jacket: This is to be worn at base camp, higher camps, and on the summit days. It must be able to layer over your other layers and have a hood. It doesn’t need to be an 8,000m parka but should be the step just below.
Head and Hands:
- 2 buff neck gaiters: These can be worn on the dusty drives to base camp to avoid sickness and on the mountain to warm and humidify the air.
- 1 face mask: A full face mask that can cover all of the skin on your face when used in unison with goggles is a necessity for cold, windy days.
- 2 heavy weight winter hats
- 1 sun/baseball hat: A sun hat that protects the neck is a great addition to your gear for trekking and on the mountain.
- 1 light weight fleece/synthetic liner gloves: These may be used on their own or underneath the warmer glove and mitten layers
- 1 medium weight fleece/ski glove: These will be used on their own lower on the mountain
- 1 heavy weight pair of climbing gloves: These can be used on their own or with a lighter pair of fleece liners higher on the mountain when climbing in cold weather. They are required gear and should be warm enough to climb to the summit in. Gloves have more dexterity than mittens for manipulating gear so they should be warn as much as possible as long as your hands are warm.
- 1 heavy weight pair of down mitts: These are used as a back up pair if you were to drop a glove or if it is extremely cold and you need a layer warmer than heavy climbing gloves. They should fit over a lighter fleece liner glove.
- Hand warmers: Like foot warmers, some people use hand warmers, others don’t. If you get cold hands you should consider bringing them although they don’t burn very warm due to the low oxygen at higher altitudes needed for the chemical reaction to take place.
- 2 pairs of Glacier glasses (one spare): These must block out as much light as possible and be the darkest level of protection (Cat 4). Removable side shields are useful. Bring a spare pair in case one is lost or broken.
- 2 pairs of goggles: 1 clear lens and 1 dark lens. The light pair will be worn on summit night when it is dark if it is really cold and windy, and the dark pair the rest of the climb. They both should block UVA/UVB and fans are quite effective.
- Prescription eyewear: If you wear prescription eye wear make sure to figure out how you will deal with tis on the mountain when it is cold, dusty, and windy. Many people purchase prescription glacier glasses and goggles to use up high and use glasses and contacts down low.
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 or so is good with Zinc in it.
Personal Gear:
- Trekking Poles: These must be collapsible and fit in your duffel bags. A medium sized snow basket is recommend.
- 80L climbing pack: This pack will be used on the mountain. It must be lightweight and fit your back. Since we need to carry a load to high camp on Ixta and carry that same gear back down again we need a large pack.
- Pack cover: This is convenient for the trekking to base camp and upper camps. It must fit your pack.
- Umbrella: An umbrella is nice to have for the trip to base camps. Buy a large one with a long handle.
- 1 sleeping bag: 1 rated to 0F or -10F: The should be made of down and light weight.
- 2 sleeping pads: 1 closed cell foam, 1 inflatable. They will be used together at the mountain camps. They should be light weight and have a high R-value.
- 2 headlamps; 1 medium sized and 1 small sized as a backup both with extra batteries. The main headlamp must be bright but light weight and the other will be used as a back up. Bring extra batteries for both.
- Batteries: 8 AA batteries and 8 AAA batteries depending on what your electronics use. Make sure to have enough batteries for all your electronics and gadgets.
- 2 litre water bottles, wide mouth Nalgene-type.
- 2 water bottle covers (jackets): These must fit over your water bottles and be as insulating as possible.
- 1 litre thermos (optional): This will be used high on the mountain to make sure you always have unfrozen water. Make sure it insulates well and doesn’t leak. It is also nice for carrying hot tea on the route with you.
- Snack food: We will provide lunches (and of course breakfasts and dinners) but be sure to bring enough palatable personal snack food as you will need on the mountain. We recommend 2 pounds/1 kilograms. It needs to be palatable when you don’t want to eat at altitude. Specialty items such as “Gu”, “Nuun”, and shot blocks are excellent.
- Water purification (optional): Iodine tablets, filter or UV treatment. We will boil all the water you will need to drink while on the trip. However, since it is boiled it takes a while to cool. If you want cold water then bring personal water purification. You can buy bottles water while in town, but it is nice to not create more trash than necessary and save some money. Don’t pack bottled water in your bags because the extra weight gets expensive when hiring mules and bottles can break. We don’t recommend drinking un-purified water out of the tap in Mexico.
- Books: Bring one or two and we will be able to share them around to save weight.
- Camera: Lightweight is good for the mountain but you can bring a heavier one for the drive and in to base camps. Make sure to bring plenty of storage and your battery charger. Many people just bring their Iphones on climbs now.
- Multitool: Good for around camp but make sure not to cut yourself with the knife!
- Toilet paper (1 roll): Toilet Paper will be provided once we arrive at base camp. It’s nice to have one roll for the upper camps.
- Altitude watch: Knowing your altitude is important in the mountains. Everyone should have an altitude watch.
- Sun screen: SPF 30 or higher. Make sure to bring enough for the entire expedition.
- Hand Sanitizer: Bring several small bottles to keep in your pocket at all times and one or two medium bottles for use at camps.
- Tooth Brush and Toothpaste
- Nail trimmers
- Baby wipes: These are invaluable while at the mountain camps for cleaning up.
- Basic medical kit: Should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, bandaids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, diamox (acetezolomide, 125mg) for AMS, niphedepine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethazone (for cerebral edema, 4mg), antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, anti-diarrhoea, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastrointestinal such as Ciproflaxin), melatonin, Asthma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication,
Climbing Gear:
- Harness: This should be lightweight and have detachable leg loops.
- -1 locking carabiners and 2 non-locking carabiners
- Helmet: There are a few sections with rock fall and ice fall.
- Ice axe: Bring an alpine axe that is long enough for walking and has a leash.
- Crampons: 12 point crampons that MUST fit your boots perfectly. Once we get on the mountain there is no option to change crampons so a proper fit is crucial. We will double-check the fit during the gear checks.
Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!
To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.
Steps:
1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*
*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.
Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.
Included:
- Guides
- Hotels
- Transportation: All group transportation while on the expedition. If you depart early then the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation is your own responsibility.
- Food: While we’re on the mountain all of the food (dinners, breakfasts, snacks/lunch) will be provided but it’s best to supplement as usual with a few pounds of your favorite snack and climbing food. Make sure it’s palatable up high.
- All Group Gear: Four season tents, cooking gear, group duffels, stoves, etc.
- Satellite Phone: Available to clientele at $3/min
- 1 drink per meal
Not Included:
- Flights to and from Mexico
- Any extensions prior or post the specified itinerary (however we can help you plan these add ons)
- Personal gear: all personal climbing gear is the responsibility of the client
- In the event of a rescue, evacuation, or early departure from the group, any rescue expenses incurred or excess expenses above and beyond our normal trip costs including transport, hotels, evacuation, flight changes, and gear shipping are the responsibility of the client.
- Guide Tip (Customary but optional)
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
- Snack food: We will have some snacks/lunches for the team but we always recommend bringing about 3lbs of snack food that you know you like and will be bale to eat at altitude when you’re not hungry.
- Bar tabs
Mike Hamill oversees each Orizaba expedition and leads many of them personally.
Mike Hamill, lead guide and owner of CTSS, is universally regarded as one of the most experienced and respected high altitude mountaineers and expedition leaders in the world.
He has personally guided thousands of climbers on the Seven Summits and well over 150 climbers have stood atop 8000m peaks, including Everest with him. A guide for over 20 years, he boasts a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber summit success rate for all of his expeditions worldwide.
He has stood on top of Everest 6x and currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu. He’s also the author of the guidebook “Climbing the Seven Summits,”
To complement his leadership, Mike has hand-picked a selection of the finest mountaineering professionals from around the world to make up the international CTSS guiding team.
Our team are highly qualified and some of the most highly experienced climbers in the world. Chosen for their attention to detail, safety records along with their fun, genuine and caring personalities, we have no hesitation in saying they are the best. Mike holds the CTSS staff to the same high standards as he holds himself.
Who you choose for expedition organization and leadership is a big deal – it can be the difference between a great expedition and a miserable, potentially dangerous one and you only want the best in your corner. The fact that Mike and his guides have an unprecedented safety record should be a paramount consideration in who you choose to climb with.
Mike and the CTSS team’s love for the mountains and adventure continues in our corporate social responsibility policy. A portion of profits and fundraising climbs are organized every year in support of the “Tiger of the Snows Fund” a not-for-profit that provides grants to further education of mountain tourism workers and their families.
“Great leaders like Mike inspire and lead people to take on challenges and achieve great things.” -Tim Igo
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Mountaineer Laura Lisowski details her climb with CTSS on Orizaba:
“I’ve had the pleasure of climbing with Mike on several expeditions over the past 12 years from Antarctica to Alaska to Russia to Everest. Not only is he one of the most respected mountain guides in the world, he is as fine a person as you will ever meet. There is no one I would rather have on my team should something go wrong on a big mountain. I was fortunate to be on Mike’s first Climbing the Seven Summits expedition last month on Orizaba and it was flawless” -Kent Stewart
Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.