

Climb Mount Citlaltépetl



Citlaltépetl is a stratovolcano, the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America, after Denali of the United States and Mount Logan of Canada. It rises 5,636 metres (18,491 ft) above sea level in the eastern end of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, on the border between the states of Veracruz and Puebla.


The combination of easily accessible high altitude mountaineering, great weather, and cultural diversity makes this a must do trip.

Citlaltépetl is relatively easy to climb by its standard route up the Jamapa Glacier, but requires competence with an ice axe, crampons, and climbing rope.

The route begins at the Piedra Grande Hut at 14,010 feet (4270 meters). The climb crosses snowfields and ascends the glacier, which reaches an angle of 40 degrees near the top. The high altitude can also affect climbers. The traverse along the crater rim to its high point summit is potentially dangerous—a slip leads either into the crater or down the steep-sided volcano.