Pico de Orizaba: Mexico's Highest Mountain & North America's Third Peak

Towering over the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, **Pico de Orizaba** (Nahuatl: *Citlaltépetl*, "Star Mountain") is Mexico's highest summit and the continent's third-highest—after Denali (6,190 m) and Mount Logan (5,959 m).

Key Stats

• Elevation: 5,636 m (18,491 ft)
• Prominence: 4,922 m (16,148 ft) — 7th most prominent peak on Earth
• Type: Dormant stratovolcano (last eruption: 1846)
• Location: Border of Veracruz & Puebla states; 110 km (68 mi) west of Veracruz city
• Coordinates: 19°01′48″N 97°16′12″W

Geological Context

Part of the **Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt** (Eje Volcánico Transversal), a 1,000-km chain of volcanoes crossing central Mexico. Neighbors: Popocatépetl (5,426 m), Iztaccíhuatl (5,230 m), Matlalcueitl (La Malinche, 4,461 m).

Climbing Pico de Orizaba

• Standard route: North face (Jampa Glacier) — PD+/AD (alpine grade); glacier travel, crevasses, altitude.
• Season: November–March (dry, stable); avoid summer rains.
• Base:** Piedra Grande Hut (4,270 m) — accessible by 4×4 from Tlachichuca.
• Permits: Required via CONANP (Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park). Guide recommended.