Orizaba Express Travel Guide
Expedition Meets in: Mexico City, Mexico
Continent: North America
Currency: Mexican Peso
Population: 127.5 million
Official Language: Spanish
Seasons to climb: December to March
Meeting Location: The first day of your itinerary is your arrival day, meaning you can arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX) at any time on that first day. Our hotel in Mexico City provides very comfortable accommodations. Connect with your guide as you arrive at the hotel. If you arrive late at night, please ask reception to leave a message for your guide that you have arrived.
You will formally meet your team in the evening on Day 1 for a team dinner. On Day 2, we will have our official team Gear Check and Guide Briefing over breakfast. During this time, your guides will go over all the specifics of your expedition and climbing schedules, how to pack for the upcoming week, and any updated logistics. If you have any questions, this is a great time to ask them.
Tourist Visas: Citizens of most countries, including the United States and Canada, can secure a visa on arrival in Mexico for stays lasting fewer than 180 days. It is your responsibility to research visa requirements for your passport’s issuing country.
Getting There: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX) is the starting point for our adventure. Flying into Mexico City is relatively straightforward as it is served by many major airlines with flights from Asia, North and South America, and Europe daily. We ask that you keep us informed of your travel details by forwarding us a copy of your flight itineraries, both inbound and outbound. A CTSS representative will pick you up at the airport, so please advise us well in advance of any changes to your arrival time and flight number. If you experience a delay in traveling, let us know immediately.
Domestic Transportation: Your domestic transportation within Mexico is included in your expedition.
Money: It is better to have more money than you need than not enough. Most things are covered on the trip once you land in Mexico. Bring cash to cover expenses for a potential early departure (not frequent, but sometimes this occurs), miscellaneous expenses like extra hotel nights, meals in town, if arriving early or departing late, shopping, alcohol, specialty coffees, bottled water or snacks, staff tips (customary, but optional), etc. In-town meals during the climb are at your own expense.
Generally, we recommend bringing $1,000 – $1,500 USD plus a credit card to cover all potential expenses, though it is unlikely that you will need all of this. Large denominations (20s, 50s, and 100s) are better, and you can change money at change houses when you arrive. There are also quite a few ATMs around town where you can use your card to take out local cash at a good rate. Please let your credit card company know you will be traveling so you can use your card without triggering a fraud alert.
Tipping: Tips are customary in Mexico. Tip between 10-15% for meals, round up taxi fares, hotel bellhops receive $1-$2 USD per bag, and housekeepers customarily get about $1 USD per day.
We recommend tipping $400-$600 USD for the guide team.
Electrical: The Mexican electrical grid runs at 127V and 60Hz. Check your device specification (especially in the Hertz specifications) and plan on bringing an adapter to ensure compatibility. Mexico has adopted the same plug configurations as the United States Type A and Type B.
Tap Water & Sanitation: It is recommended to opt for bottled water or treat your own tap water while traveling in Mexico, especially in the more rural regions surrounding our climbing routes.
Do your best to stay healthy before the expedition even begins. Use good sanitation practices throughout the trip. This includes using hand sanitizer regularly before eating, after using the bathroom, shaking hands, etc.
Language: The majority of Mexicans only speak Spanish, with English being somewhat common in high tourist areas. It may be difficult to find an English speaker if you are traveling away from the group.
Vaccinations: We strongly encourage all travelers to be properly vaccinated for common diseases, including COVID-19. You may need your vaccination certificate on file.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a list of recommended vaccines, which can be viewed on the CDC’s travel website.
Be careful around dogs in the city and on the trail, as they may carry rabies. The rabies vaccine is expensive, and most people don’t receive it as a standard vaccine. If you do a significant amount of adventure travel, you may want to look into receiving the rabies vaccine.
Accommodations: All hotels are double occupancy unless you have chosen the single rooming option and paid the add-on fee. If you want single rooming, please let us know, and we can add the fee to your balance to cover this added expense. Sometimes hotels are full during the climbing season and may not have enough space to accommodate single rooming, but we will do our best.
Gear Storage: You can store any items that you don’t need on the climb at the compound in Tlachichuca. It is best to lock this duffel to make sure people are not tempted to get into it, although we’ve never had issues with this.
Cell Phone Coverage: There is cell service during much of our trip in Mexico but roaming charges can be expensive, so please consult your carrier to determine data/calling rates prior to departure. Another option is to purchase a local SIM or rechargeable phone while in Mexico City. There may be a satellite phone with the team on the climb, but don’t expect to be able to use it on an unlimited basis as we typically reserve it for emergencies. We can make it available to the team at $3/minute.
There is WiFi in hotels before and after the climbs.
Orizaba On-Mountain Porter
On-Mountain Porter
2-Days of On-Mountain Porterage
Price: $1,000 USD
Our Orizaba expeditions are self-carrying, and there are two days in particular, moving to high camp and descending from high camp, on which pack weights 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 or 44 pounds of weight carried on your behalf.
Orizaba Single Rooming Option
Single Rooming Option
Price: $1,000 USD
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 who 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-room option, please let us know.
Please note that tent accommodations on the mountain are double occupancy for safety and warmth.
Orizaba Speed Ascent
Orizaba Speed Ascent with a Private Guide
Contact us directly for dates, prices, and itinerary planning.
CTSS offers select climbers our “Speed Ascent” option, which employs state-of-the-art technology to allow you to summit in less time. 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.
Having your own private guide climbing with you can be an indispensable advantage, and it allows you to customize your itinerary and program to fit your schedule. A personal guide will give you total autonomy and control over your trip, and they 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 are obviously never guaranteed, there is no better way to stack the odds in your favor than climbing with a private guide.
This expedition provides a private guide at a 1:1 ratio, logistical oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, logistics, food, team gear, and support for a summit attempt on Pico de Orizaba. Whether you’re a less experienced climber or have climbed at altitude many times before, our speed ascent private climb with a 1:1 private guide will give you the best chance at standing on top of Orizaba in less time than the normal expedition.
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.
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services/items of a personal nature, like flights, gear, and insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect.
Included in the Orizaba Speed Ascent
- Guides
- Team hotels and mountain huts and tents at double occupancy (excluding early arrivals or late departures)
- While on the mountain, breakfasts and dinners will be provided, but lunch is mountaineering style, which means a steady graze throughout the day to keep your energy levels high.
- All group transportation is provided while on the expedition. If you depart early, you are responsible for the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation.
- Group gear, including fuel, ropes, safety gear, and tents
Excluded from the Orizaba Speed Ascent
- Flights to and from Mexico City and associated travel expenses (e.g., hotels, excess baggage fees, visas, departure taxes, food) getting to and from Mexico
- All costs incurred by you prior to the start date of the trip and after the end date
- Mexican visa fees, if applicable
- In-town and off-mountain meals in Mexico (we will just split the bill at the end of each meal)
- Personal climbing gear and snacks
- Any additional meals and transportation outside the expedition
- Expenses while on the expedition that are above and beyond the normal scope of the trip, such as medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, rescues, snacks, flight changes, alcohol, gifts for friends and family, specialty coffees, and bottled water, among others
- Expenses incurred due to events outside CTSS's control, such as delays or interruptions, political events, natural events, or disasters. These may include additional expenses, such as extra hotel nights, resulting from delays.
- Trip insurance policy that includes personal climbing, medical, rescue, evacuation, trip interruption, and trip cancellation insurance
- Single-room accommodations, if desired and pre-booked
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
- Bar tabs, minibars, hotel internet bills, laundry, etc.
Orizaba Express Private Climb
Orizaba Express Private Climb
Private 1:1 Orizaba Express Climb
Option 1: Local Mexican Guide – $8,995 USD
Option 2: CTSS International Guide – $14,995 USD
Dates: Contact us directly.
Having your own private guide climbing with you can be an indispensable advantage, and it allows you to customize your itinerary and program to fit your schedule. A personal guide will give you total autonomy and control over your trip, and they 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 are obviously never guaranteed, there is no better way to stack the odds in your favor than climbing with a private guide.
CTSS provides guidance, leadership, and expedition oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, local guides, logistics, team gear, porters, food, and support for a summit attempt on Pico de Orizaba.
This expedition provides a private guide, logistical oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, logistics, food, team gear, and support for a summit attempt on Pico de Orizaba. This is our signature premiere expedition and suits climbers who want unparalleled safety and personal attention. Whether you’re a less experienced climber or have climbed at altitude many times before, our private climb with a 1:1 private guide will give you the best chance at standing on top of 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.
This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and conditions. This is adventure travel, meaning things rarely go as planned, and this schedule will likely change. Climbers need to be adaptable and positive.
We always recommend climbers arrive in Mexico City one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility.
- Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City and transfer to the hotel for gear checks, guide briefing, and a team dinner
- Day 2: Transfer to Tlachichuca, visit Teotihuacan along the way, and get settled into Tlachichuca
- Day 3: Acclimatization hike and skills refresher on the slopes of Orizaba
- Day 4: Acclimatization hike and skills refresher on the slopes of Orizaba
- Day 5: Move to the Piedra Grande Mountain Hut and take a short acclimatization hike
- Day 6: Summit Pico de Orizaba and descend to Tlachichuca for celebration and team dinner
- Day 7: Transfer to Mexico City and afternoon flights home or continue to Iztaccíhuatl add-o
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services/items of a personal nature, like flights, gear, and insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect.
Included in the Orizaba Private Expedition
- Guides
- Hotels and mountain huts and tents at single occupancy
- While on the mountain, dinners and breakfasts will be provided, but lunch is mountaineering style, which means a steady graze throughout the day to keep your energy levels high
- All transportation is provided while on the expedition. If you depart early, you are responsible for the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation.
- Group gear, including fuel, ropes, safety gear, and tents.
Excluded in the Orizaba Private Expedition
- Flights to and from Mexico City and associated travel expenses (e.g., hotels, excess baggage fees, visas, departure taxes, food) getting to and from Mexico
- All costs incurred by you prior to the start date of the trip and after the end date
- Mexican visa fees, if applicable
- In-town and off-mountain meals in Mexico (we will just split the bill at the end of each meal)
- Personal climbing gear and snacks
- Any additional meals and transportation outside the expedition
- Expenses while on the expedition that are above and beyond the normal scope of the trip, such as medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, rescues, snacks, flight changes, alcohol, gifts for friends and family, specialty coffees, and bottled water, among others
- Expenses incurred due to events outside CTSS's control, such as delays or interruptions, political events, natural events, or disasters. These may include additional expenses, such as extra hotel nights, resulting from delays.
- Trip insurance policy that includes personal climbing, medical, rescue, evacuation, trip interruption, and trip cancellation insurance
- Single-room accommodations, if desired and pre-booked
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
- Bar tabs, minibars, hotel internet bills, laundry, etc.
Iztaccíhuatl Add-On Climb
Iztaccíhuatl Add-On Climb
Iztaccíhuatl Add-On Team Climb: $795 USD
Date: January 15 – 17, 2026
On Izta, we will take advantage of our acclimatization by transferring to Paso de Cortés and climbing directly to high camp. Izta requires a very early start with breakfast at high camp before starting upwards. We traverse the mountain up high on the ridge to the summit, which gives incredible views of the surrounding landscape and Popocatépetl, an active volcano, often emitting a recognizable plume of steam from its summit.
The climb consists of true glacier travel with some steep snow, so it is necessary to be well acquainted with ice axe use, crampons, and roped team travel.
CTSS provides guidance, leadership, and expedition oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, local guides, logistics, team gear, porters, food, and support for a summit attempt on Iztaccíhuatl.
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.
This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and conditions. This is adventure travel, meaning things rarely go as planned, and this schedule will likely change. Climbers need to be adaptable and positive.
- Day 7: Transfer to Paso de Cortés and climb to Izta high camp
- Day 8: Summit Izta, descend to Paso de Cortés, and overnight in Amecameca/celebration dinner
- Day 9: Transfer to Mexico City for flights home
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services and items of a personal nature, like flights, gear, and insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect.
Included in the Iztaccíhuatl Add-On Climb
- Guides
- Team hotels and mountain huts and tents at double occupancy
- While on the mountain, breakfasts and dinners will be provided, but lunch is mountaineering style, which means a steady graze throughout the day to keep your energy levels high.
- All group transportation is provided while on the expedition. If you depart early, you are responsible for the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation.
- Group gear, including fuel, ropes, safety gear, and tents
Excluded from the Iztaccíhuatl Add-On Climb
- Flights to and from Mexico City and associated travel expenses (e.g., hotels, excess baggage fees, visas, departure taxes, food) getting to and from Mexico
- All costs incurred by you prior to the start date of the trip and after the end date
- Mexican visa fees, if applicable
- In-town and off-mountain meals in Mexico (we will just split the bill at the end of each meal)
- Personal climbing gear and snacks
- Any additional meals and transportation outside the expedition
- Expenses while on the expedition that are above and beyond the normal scope of the trip, such as medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, rescues, snacks, flight changes, alcohol, gifts for friends and family, specialty coffees, and bottled water, among others
- Expenses incurred due to events outside CTSS's control, such as delays or interruptions, political events, natural events, or disasters. These may include additional expenses, such as extra hotel nights, resulting from delays.
- Trip insurance policy that includes personal climbing, medical, rescue, evacuation, trip interruption, and trip cancellation insurance
- Single-room accommodations, if desired and pre-booked
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
- Bar tabs, minibars, hotel internet bills, laundry, etc.
Orizaba Express Team Climb
Orizaba Express Team Climb
Orizaba Express Team Departure: $3,395 USD
Date: January 9 – 15, 2026
This is our most popular option. On this expedition, we will make the most of our time by transferring over to Tlachichuca and acclimatizing on the slopes of Orizaba, getting familiar with the mountain while dialing in our skills. From there, we will move to the mountain hut for more acclimatization hikes before moving to high camp to prepare for our summit bid.
On summit day, we will wake up early and head for the summit. This climbing consists of mostly moderate glaciated terrain with a few protected steeper sections that involve roped travel, solid cramping, and general snow-climbing skills.
Once we summit, we’ll descend back down to Thlachichuca, celebrating our success as a team with dinner and relaxation. The next day, we will transfer back to Mexico City and fly home. For those staying to climb Iztaccíhuatl with us, you will transfer to Paso de Cortés this day.
- If these dates don’t work for you, or you would like a private trip and private guide, we also build custom itineraries for many of our climbers.
- You can climb Pico de Orizaba as a standalone expedition, or you can round out your experience in Mexico with an additional climb on Iztaccíhuatl.
This expedition is our traditional guided team climb, which ascends the stunning Northern Route (also known as the Jamapa Glacier Route or the Normal Route). CTSS provides guidance, leadership, and expedition oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, local guides, logistics, team gear, porters, food, and support for a summit attempt on Pico de 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.
This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and conditions. This is adventure travel, meaning things rarely go as planned, and this schedule will likely change. Climbers need to be adaptable and positive.
We always recommend climbers arrive in Mexico City one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility.
- Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City and transfer to the hotel for gear checks, guide briefing, and a team dinner
- Day 2: Transfer to Tlachichuca, visit Teotihuacan along the way, and get settled into Tlachichuca
- Day 3: Acclimatization hike and skills refresher on the slopes of Orizaba
- Day 4: Acclimatization hike and skills refresher on the slopes of Orizaba
- Day 5: Move to the Piedra Grande Mountain Hut and take a short acclimatization hike
- Day 6: Summit Pico de Orizaba and descend to Tlachichuca for celebration and team dinner
- Day 7: Transfer to Mexico City and afternoon flights home or continue to Iztaccíhuatl add-on
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services and items of a personal nature, like flights, gear, and insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect.
Included in the Orizaba Express Expedition
- Guides
- Team hotels, mountain hut, and tents at double occupancy
- While on the mountain, breakfasts and dinners will be provided, but lunch is mountaineering style, which means a steady graze throughout the day to keep your energy levels high.
- All group transportation is provided while on the expedition. If you depart early, you are responsible for the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation.
- Group gear, including fuel, ropes, safety gear, and tents
Excluded from the Orizaba Express Expedition
- Flights to and from Mexico City and associated travel expenses (e.g., hotels, excess baggage fees, visas, departure taxes, food) getting to and from Mexico
- All costs incurred by you prior to the start date of the trip and after the end date
- Mexican visa fees, if applicable
- In-town and off-mountain meals in Mexico (we will just split the bill at the end of each meal)
- Personal climbing gear and snacks
- Any additional meals and transportation outside the expedition
- Expenses while on the expedition that are above and beyond the normal scope of the trip, such as medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, rescues, snacks, flight changes, alcohol, gifts for friends and family, specialty coffees, and bottled water, among others
- Expenses incurred due to events outside CTSS's control, such as delays or interruptions, political events, natural events, or disasters. These may include additional expenses, such as extra hotel nights, resulting from delays.
- Trip insurance policy that includes personal climbing, medical, rescue, evacuation, trip interruption, and trip cancellation insurance
- Single-room accommodations, if desired and pre-booked
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
- Bar tabs, minibars, hotel internet bills, laundry, etc.
Orizaba Express (Mexico)
ORIZABA | North America
Price Range:
$3,395 USD
Elevation:
18,419 feet
Duration:
7 Days
Difficulty:
Advanced Beginner - Intermediate
Route:
Northern Route
Share Expedition
Pico de Orizaba (18,491ft/5,636m) is an iconic mountain and a classic climb.
It’s the tallest peak in Mexico, the tallest volcano in North America, and the third tallest mountain in all of North America. Situated along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, straddling the states of Puebla and Veracruz, this dormant volcano has been drawing in climbers from around the world for more than a century because this peak truly has it all—culture, high mountain huts, stunning views, and plenty of snow and ice for your crampons and ice axe.
As the second most prominent volcano in the world (after Kilimanjaro), the snow-capped peak of Citlaltépetl, which means Star Mountain in Nahuatl, can be seen from the Gulf of Mexico on a clear day. This peak projects its towering presence across the landscape with a glittering ice cap like a crown on the summit. A few of Orizaba’s most striking features include the expansive Jamapa glacier on its northern face, the largest glacier in Mexico, and the deep, rugged valleys that carve its lower flanks.
The climbing consists of mostly moderate glaciated terrain with a few protected steeper sections that involve roped travel, solid cramponing, and general snow climbing skills. Orizaba offers an exhilarating challenge, combining high-altitude trekking with technical glacier travel. The beauty and benefit of our custom-designed Orizaba Express expedition is that you can summit this North American high-altitude gem in just a week. It is the perfect ascent for those with a short timeline who might have limited vacation time or are preparing to climb Aconcagua or a Himalayan peak. To maximize the expedition timeline, we aim to bookend our departure by weekends, making it accessible to more climbers.
While in Mexico, we will take time to explore the region and meet the locals, who are amazingly friendly and welcoming. The rich culture and delicious foods of central Mexico are not to be missed. If you’re looking to spend a little extra time in Mexico, you can add an additional summit on Iztaccíhuatl, also known as Ixtaccíhuatl (17,159ft/5,230m) with a three-day add-on climb, taking advantage of your acclimatization from Pico de Orizaba. Like Orizaba, Izta or Ixta, as the locals call it, consists of mostly moderate glaciated terrain with a few protected steeper sections that involve roped travel, solid cramping, and general snow-climbing skills.
Highlights:
- Climb Mexico’s tallest peak, North America’s tallest volcano, and the third tallest mountain in all of North America in just one week.
- Build technical mountaineering skills on the slopes of Mexico’s largest glacier, Jamapa, as our team ascends the Northern Route on Orizaba.
- Experience the rich culture and life of Mexico through friendly locals, archeological sites, delicious foods, and regional exploration.
- Add on a summit climb of Iztaccíhuatl, called Izta by locals, to see the sunrise over Popocatépetl and its iconic plume of steam.
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At CTSS, we offer a variety of different climb options to customize your Pico de Orizaba experience to your climbing style and ability:
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Allowing you to customize your expedition to suit your needs is a huge priority for us.
As mountaineers ourselves, we understand that it’s the little things that can make the difference. Comfortable, well-rested climbers are successful climbers, and climbers who have objectives that are suited to their skill level are happy climbers.
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Orizaba Express Gear Rentals
While there are several gear rental shops throughout Mexico City, we highly recommend either renting at home before you depart or owning all required gear. CTSS cannot guarantee the availability of any rental gear in Mexico City, especially during the busy climbing season. Additionally, we cannot guarantee the quality or condition of any rental gear. Having a gear failure while on one of your climbs would be an unfortunate reason not to summit. Plan ahead and be prepared!
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What is a good fitness and training program for this climb?
- Climbing conditioning – pack-loaded uphill hiking, walking, and stair climbing
- Strength training – for the lower and upper body
- Cardiovascular training – including both aerobic and anaerobic workouts without pack weight
- Flexibility training – yoga and stretching to increase and maintain flexibility
Will there be blog updates?
Yes, we will be posting regular updates to the Climbing the Seven Summits blog. Make sure your family knows that no news is good news. If a few days pass between updates, it doesn’t mean that anything is wrong; it simply means that we might be busy climbing.
What’s the deal with food and water?
CTSS recommends that you stick to bottled or treated water throughout your expedition in Mexico. While eating out, we recommend being careful around fresh vegetables as they may have been washed in poor-quality water. Use discretion when purchasing food from restaurants and street vendors.
What is the acclimatization schedule like?
Our entire expedition is slow in order to allow our bodies ample time to acclimate. We will be at moderate-to-high altitudes on our climbs, and this slow process will allow us to avoid altitude sickness and improve the chance of success on the climbs. There will be some downtime because of this. Bring a Kindle/book and be patient. Make sure to communicate with your guides directly if you are experiencing any altitude issues or symptoms.
Will I need to share a room and tent?
Yes, both hotels and tents on the mountain will be shared accommodations due to limited tent space and the weight of carrying extra tents. We do offer a single rooming option for an additional $1,000 USD if you would prefer your own hotel room. Please note that tent accommodations on the mountain are double occupancy for safety and warmth.
How heavy will my pack be?
By the time you depart, you should be comfortably able to do multi-day hikes with strong elevation gain carrying a 50-lb pack. While you won’t necessarily always have a pack that heavy, it is a great way to build your power and strength in the areas where you will need it. The average pack weight on Orizaba is 40lbs – 50lbs (18kg – 24kg).
Will I need to purchase trip insurance?
Yes. Trip delay and cancellation, rescue, repatriation, and medical insurance are mandatory for this program for your own benefit. We have seen too many times people need to cancel their trip either before or during the expedition for reasons such as injury, health, family, and business matters. With such a long trip and so much at stake, climbers need to be prepared for contingencies.
Didn't find an answer to your question? Don't hesitate to ask us.
Free Expert Advice
When you sign up for an expedition, you become part of the CTSS family.
This means a free consult with Mike Hamill—the author of Climbing the Seven Summits—or one of his expert team.
Personalized strategy, progression planning, expert coaching, and advice on how to get the most out of your climbing journey!
6x Reasons to Choose CTSS
Safety
Your safety and success are our priorities in that order. We make conservative decisions, plan redundancies and all our guides have wilderness medical training, safety & rescue plans & access to doctors 24/7 to help keep you safe.
Value for $
We keep our overheads low to pass savings on to you. We are proud to offer the best service for the most competitive price, without skimping on safety or taking shortcuts with logistics, staffing and infrastructure.
Holistic Approach
Our service goes far beyond the mountain. Think of us as your climbing coach, we’ll be there from start to finish to prepare, debrief and plan your progression as a mountaineer, whether your goal is a single summit or the Seven.
Guides & Team
Guides can make or break your climb. We hand pick the most qualified, tenured, tested and personable guides and Sherpa in the world. Owner and mountaineer Mike Hamill personally oversees the management of each expedition.
Our Values
We care about you, our people and the planet and we walk our talk by donating a percentage of every expedition to Tiger of the Snows fund which supports outdoor tourism workers all over the world and following strict Leave No Trace principles amongst other initiatives.
Success
We have an unparalleled summit success rate. How? We do it in a myriad of ways; like a great chef’s secret sauce, we've fine tuned the recipe over decades but most importantly, we believe in you & your ability to achieve your goals and are invested in putting you on top.
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“I have climbed with CTSS on my past three expeditions. Mt Elbrus in 2019 and Aconcagua in 2020 and 2022. I want the total experience on an expedition, from the travel, the country, the people, the culture, and meeting like minded individuals. CTSS gets this and that is why I would highly recommend them for your next expedition.“
- Blaine C
Orizaba Adventures
Testimonials
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Carstensz is a GO!!!
Carstensz is a GO!!!
It's finally here, a summit that has alluded us since 2019... it's time to climb Carstensz Pyramid with an all-star team! An update from our guides came in, and we are happy to report that everyone has arrived in Timika, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. After a day or so of gear checks and briefings, the next step for the team will be to grab a helicopter ride to Yellow Valley Base Camp for continued rest and acclimatization.
If you're wondering what the big deal with Carstensz (also called Puncak Jaya) is, we will start with some of the basics. First of all, this peak is located in Indonesia within the province of Papua, which means it's an incredibly long journey just to get to Tamika. Since this peak is located in Indonesia, it also begs the question: is Carstensz Pyramid or Mount Kosciuszko in Australia the true Seventh Summit?
This is an age-old question and an ongoing debate that has firm believers on one side of the aisle or the other, each with solid reasoning for including or excluding each mountain. One viewpoint stems from two pioneers of the Seven Summits, Dick Bass and Frank Wells, who viewed the landmass of Australia (not Australasia) as a continent, which tracks with what many of us learned in our younger years. Alternatively, prominent mountaineers Pat Morrow and Reinhold Messner took the approach that a continent should include the continental shelf, which in this case is submerged under the South Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
Our take, it doesn't matter! They are both beautiful and unique adventures in their own right, so why not add both to your bucket list? In fact, we have MULTIPLE climbers who have already summited all Seven Summits (with Kosciuszko as the seventh) who are in Tamika right now with our team and we think they are onto something great. Climbing both peaks leaves nothing to debate, and you will know, with all of your heart and mind, that you've completed the Seven Summits!
For more on Carstensz, check out our recent blog post - Carstensz Pyramid: Your Top Five Questions Answered
Here are a few photos from the CTSS Archives of Carstensz. We will share more updates and photos from the team as they come in. Photos from CTSS Senior Guide Tomi Ceppi, who is in Tamika right now, leading our team.
The elusive sumimt of Carstensz Pyramid!
Flying in and out of Yellow Valley Base Camp via helicopter.
This summit is known for it's rock-climbing.
As well as its Tyrolean traverse!
Manaslu Team Back at Base Camp
Manaslu Team Back at Base Camp
More good news coming in from Nepal! Our team on Manaslu is safely back to Base Camp just ahead of a huge storm that will be dropping about a meter (or about three feet) of snow across the region. After their final acclimatization rotation, Senior Guide Tendi Sherpa made the call to push to the summit with limited rest because their weather window had arrived. They knew a storm was about to roll in and this was the opportunity.
Tendi reported that all of the climbers and Sherpas show incredible mental and physical strength on the mountain. We’re incredibly thankful and proud of the entire team for showing an incredible display of grit and determination. Here’s to another great climb on Manaslu! Photos below from Tendi Sherpa.
There is nothing quite like standing on (nearly) the top of the world!
A safe and successful climb on Manaslu for all of our clients and guides.
A huge thank you to Senior Guide Tendi Sherpa for his guidance and grace on another CTSS expedition.