1-888-892-5462
Orizaba Express
1-888-892-5462
Cost:
Length:
Difficulty:
Type:
$2200
7 day(s)
Mountaineering
| March 5, 2011 | Jake Beren | |
| November 5, 2011 |
At 18,701' Mexico's El Pico de Orizaba is North America's third highest mountain. Orizaba's steep pointed summit, blanketed in permanent glaciers, looms above the central valleys of Mexico. The mountain played an important role in the lives of the Aztec and Totonac cultures and later became a landmark for ships searching for the port of Veracruz, despite the fact that the peak lies about seventy-five miles from the coast.
An ascent of Orizaba involves hiking and climbing on moderately steep slopes that necessitate participants to have prior knowledge of rope travel, the use of crampons, and ice axe arrest. A review of these basic mountaineering techniques is incorporated into the itinerary in order to refresh climbers' skills. Orizaba is the perfect climb for mountaineers eager to build upon their abilities and take their climbing to higher elevations.
Mexico's unique combination of geography and culture gives us the opportunity to experience some of the culture of Mexico's heartland during our climb. With the valley floors lying at 8,000' we begin our acclimatization process as soon as we set foot from the plane in Mexico City. Our hotel is located at the heart of the historic center, overlooking Mexico's most famous public space, the Constitutional Square. Bordering the "Zocalo" are the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the ruins of the ancient Aztec temples of Tenochtitlan - all a stone's throw from our doorstep. The drive from Mexico City towards the mountains takes us past Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive archeological sites in Mexico. Scaling the steep sides of Teotihuacan's ancient pyramids provides us a good warm-up for the peaks that lie ahead of us!
After leaving the bustling streets and ancient ruins near Mexico City we first head to La Malinche, a 14,640' peak that greatly aids us in our acclimatization. We stay in cabins near Mexico's high altitude Olympic training camp on La Malinche's flanks and scale the mountain's rocky volcanic core. From La Malinche we turn our focus to Orizaba, the crown jewel of Mexico's volcanoes, where we spend three days on the mountain. For our climb of Orizaba we base out of the Reyes Family's compound in Tlachichuca. The Reyes' are the local Orizaba mountaineering experts and their stories and photos heighten the anticipation of our climb!
Our Orizaba Express trip is ideal for the mountaineer who is looking to build upon their climbing skills and complete the challenge of an 18,000 foot mountain. In addition, it gives climbers a chance to see some of Mexico's most treasured cultural sites and take part in the unique experience of participating in an international climbing trip.
As you prepare for your upcoming adventure please feel free to contact our office and speak directly to one of our experienced guides regarding equipment, conditioning, the route, or any other questions you may have about our programs. We are available Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (888) 89-CLIMB or info@rmiguides.com.
Orizaba Express Itinerary
Day 1: Upon your arrival in Mexico City (MEX) (7,300'), a taxi ride takes you to our hotel, the Hotel Majestic. Located in the Centro Historico, this hotel sits directly across from the lively El Zócalo (Constitution Square), the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Museums, shops, outdoor cafes, and restaurants line the streets surrounding the Zócalo. Our preliminary team meeting and orientation begins at 7:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby.
Day 2: After breakfast, we leave the busy streets of the city and head towards La Malinche. En route, we will stop at Teotihuacan to explore one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Most famous for the "Avenue of the Dead", "Pyramid of the Sun", and "Pyramid of the Moon". At its zenith, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas with an estimated population of 100,000 people, and covering some 20 square kilometers. After exploring its ruins, we drive to the Centro Vacacional, just outside of Malinche National Park. This rustic mountain resort, tucked in amongst the tall pine trees located at 10,000', is at the base of La Malinche, and provides an important role in our team's acclimatization. We spend the night in the cabanas. (B, D)
Day 3: We climb La Malinche (14,640') and return to the cabanas for the night. (B, D)
Day 4: We leave La Malinche and drive east across the central valley of Mexico to Tlachichuca, located at the base of El Pico de Orizaba. We stop at Senor Reyes', the local Orizaba mountaineering experts and support for our climb, to finish packing up the last of our gear. After lunch, we load up the four-wheel drive trucks and make the drive up to our camp at the base of Orizaba. We spend the night in tents near the climber's hut, Piedra Grande (14,000'). (B, L, D)
Day 5: Following breakfast, we go for an acclimatization hike and spend time reviewing ice axe arrest, cramponing and rope travel practices. The remainder of the day is passed resting and making final preparations for our summit bid. (B, D)
Day 6: Summit Day on Pico de Orizaba (18,701')! With an early alpine start, we leave Piedra Grande and make our way up through a maze of rock and scree. We climb through this rocky "Labyrinth" before reaching the toe of the Jamapa Glacier. From here, the route heads directly up the glacier, bringing us higher and higher until we hit the crater. We traverse along its rim until we reach the summit. After our summit celebration, we begin our descent back to Piedra Grande. We pack up camp, load up the vehicles, and head back to Tlachichuca for a hot shower and a home cooked meal. We spend the night at Señor Reyes' in Tlachichuca. (B, D)
Day 7: After breakfast, we leave Tlachichuca and return to Mexico City. It's about a three hour drive, and we should arrive at the airport around 12:00 p.m. Just to be on the safe side, we recommend booking your return flight for 3:00 p.m. or later. Our vehicle will continue back to the Hotel Majestic to drop off anyone who is extending their trip. (B)
Key: B, L, D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Orizaba Express Equipment List
The following is a list of equipment required for the program. Skimping on equipment can jeopardize your safety and success, so we want you to think carefully about any changes or substitutions you are considering.
Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI participants receive a 10 percent discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering (excluding sale items). The Discount Code is RMI 2010 for internet orders. For more information or questions regarding clothing and equipment items call 800-238-5756 or click below.
Pack & Bag Guides' Pick
2 DUFFEL BAG(S): 120+ liter bag(s) made of tough material with rugged zippers.
BACKPACK: A 70+ liter pack is the recommended size for this climb. A separate summit pack is not needed.
DAY PACK: A 25+ liter day pack to use as carry-on, while traveling or sightseeing.
SLEEPING BAG: A bag rated 0° to 15° F. Either goose down or synthetic.
SLEEPING PAD: Full length inflatable or closed cell pad.
Technical Gear Guides' Pick
ICE AXE: The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm. axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm. axe; and taller, use a 75 cm. axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.
CLIMBING HARNESS: A comfortable, adjustable climbing harness.
CRAMPONS: The 10 to 12 point adjustable crampons designed for general mountaineering are ideal. Rigid frame crampons designed for technical ice climbing are not recommended. Carry any repair kit/replacement parts and adjusting tools which are specific to your crampons.
TREKKING POLES: Lightweight and collapsible.
Head
WARM HAT: Wool or synthetic. It should be warm, but thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.
GLACIER GLASSES: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses.
GOGGLES: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy nights.
BATTERIES FOR HEADLAMP: We strongly recommend Lithium batteries as they perform well in a cold environment.
Hands Guides' Pick
LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVE: Fleece or wool gloves.
MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVE: Wind/water resistant insulated ski gloves.
HEAVY WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE OR MITTEN: Wind/water resistant, insulated gloves or mittens for protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove.
Upper Body Guides' Pick
LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top will be used as your base layer. Zip-neck styles will allow for better temperature regulation.
LIGHT INSULATING LAYER: A fleece or other insulation layer.
SOFT SHELL LAYER: A windproof, water-resistant and highly breathable layer.
HARD SHELL JACKET: A jacket made of rain/wind-proof material with an attached hood.
INSULATED PARKA with HOOD: This item becomes of highest importance when we are faced with poor weather. This should be an expeditionary-type heavy parka that extends well below the waist and above the knees. Goose down is recommended versus synthetic fill. It does not have to be waterproof, but that is a nice feature. The parka is worn primarily in camp, at rest breaks, and on summit day (when it is of crucial importance). When sizing a parka, allow for several layers to be worn underneath; buy it large. The parka must have an insulated hood.
Lower Body Guides' Pick
1 - 3 UNDERWEAR: Non-cotton briefs or boxers are a must on the mountain.
LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Light to medium weight wool or synthetic bottoms.
CLIMBING PANT: Synthetic climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them alone on hot days, or in combination with the base layer on cold days. The thickness (insulation quality) should be based on how well you do in the cold.
HARD SHELL PANT: A pant made of breathable rain and wind-proof material will be needed. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons in cold, inclement weather.
HIKING SHORTS
Feet Guides' Pick
MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: Insulated leather mountaineering boots are the preferred choice for ascents in Mexico. They provide the adequate insulation as well as the rigid sole for kicking steps and holding crampons. Plastic mountaineering boots are also adequate. Though their stiffness makes them somewhat less suitable during the approach hikes, they are generally a warmer option for summit day. Bring one pair of chemical foot warmers if you are using the leather mountaineering boots.
HIKING BOOTS: A pair of lightweight boots for approaches and hiking on rugged terrain.
LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SHOES: Great for travel, day hikes, and camp.
- La Sportiva Exum Ridge
- La Sportiva Exum Ridge
GAITERS: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampons on loose clothing.
3 PAIR SOCKS: Either wool or synthetic. Some people find liner socks useful for reducing friction.
Miscellaneous Items Guides' Pick
LIP PROTECTION
1 - 3 CHEMICAL HAND and TOE WARMERS
2 - 3 WATER BOTTLES: One-quart water bottles are required. Wide mouth bottles are ideal since their opening is less likely to freeze.
2 GARBAGE BAGS (Large): We recommend lining your backpack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry.
TOILET PAPER
EAR PLUGS: For sleeping.
2 AA BATTERIES: For avalanche transceiver. Avalanche transceivers are supplied by RMI.
STUFF SACKS
CAMERA
Travel Clothes
2 CASUAL PANTS
3 - 4 SHIRTS
Toilet Articles
TOOTHBRUSH
TOOTHPASTE
BABY WIPES
HAND SANITIZER: Personal size.
Personal First Aid Kit
BAND-AIDS
ASPRIN / IBUPROFEN
MOLESKIN
ANTACIDS
IMMODIUM (ANTI-DIARRHEA)
PEPTO-BISMOL (STOMACH RELIEF)
SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE
Personal Medications
ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics for Traveler's Diarrhea
TYLENOL #3: Tylenol 3 for pain
DIAMOX: Acetazolamide for Altitiude Illness (250 mg. tabs)
Utensils Guides' Pick
SPOON or SPORK
Travel Documents
PASSPORT: Valid for six months beyond your return date.
COPY OF PASSPORT: The first two pages of your passport.
COPY OF FLIGHT ITINERARY
Optional Items
READING MATERIAL / JOURNAL
iPOD or MP3 PLAYER
Provided Equipment
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: huts, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, climbing ropes, climbing anchors, avalanche transceivers, avalanche probes, shovels, and blue bags (for solid waste disposal).
Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a satellite phone for emergency contact.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Purchase travel insurance.
Return the Participant Information Form to the RMI Office.
Purchase airplane tickets.
Reserve rental equipment.
Be in the Best Shape of Your Life!
Meals
Breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain are included as indicated in our Trip Itinerary. With the exception of hotel breakfasts, most restaurant meals are on your own. Your trip fee does not included bottled water and drinks.
Please list any special dietary needs on the Participant Information Form. The form must be returned to the RMI Office 60 days prior to the program departure date.
Mountain Lunches
You are responsible for your own mountain lunches for 3 days. Lunch items should weigh about 2 - 3 lbs. We may have a chance to purchase additional food in Mexico, but we recommend you take what you need and only supplement with local food if necessary.
Take lunch foods that you genuinely enjoy. Eating well is the key to maintaining your strength while in the mountains. And in order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude, it is best to have a variety of foods from which to choose, from sweet to sour to salty.
Lunch snacks are eaten during short breaks throughout the day while in the mountains. Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water.
Recommended mountain lunch items: dry salami, smoked salmon, jerky (turkey, beef, fish), small cans of tuna fish, individually wrapped cheeses such as Laughing Cow or Baby Bell, crackers, bagels, candy bars, hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, Toffees, Life Savers), Gummy Bears, sour candies (Sweet Tarts), cookies, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, GORP mixes, and drink mixes (Gatorade/Kool-Aid).
Mountain Breakfasts and Dinners
The breakfast menu includes items such as instant oatmeal, cold cereals (granola), breakfast bars (Kashi, Kudos), hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, cider) and local fresh fruit.
Dinner usually begins with soup and ends with dessert, followed by a round of hot drinks. Healthy one-pot meals, incorporating fresh local food whenever practical, are served as the main course. One typical main course dinner might be spaghetti with sausage and fresh vegetables. Another meal might be chicken fajitas with cheese, tortillas, onions, and peppers. There are limitations, but the menu is planned to offer good variety and ample portions.
Qualifications
This is a great first trip to altitudes above 15,000'.
All participants should be in excellent physical condition and have prior knowledge of rope travel, the use of crampons, and ice axe arrest. Simply put, climbers will usually perform better, be more prepared, and are able to enjoy the experience more if they have those skills before attempting these volcanoes. The altitude (up to 18,700') and the snowy/icy nature of Orizaba contribute to make this a very worthwhile challenge.
Good experiences to consider prior to attempting these volcanoes include a RMI Expedition Skills Seminar on Mt. Rainier or in Alaska or equivalent. These programs allow climbers to learn the technical skills required on the larger peaks.
Fitness for Mountaineering
Mountaineering is a tough endurance sport, and the importance of good conditioning cannot be overstated. In training, we want to mirror, as best we can, the physical activities that we will be performing in the mountains. Your primary focus should be gaining the necessary strength and stamina needed to go up and down steep slopes with a backpack.
It is imperative that you undertake a rigorous conditioning program prior to your trip and arrive in top physical shape. Here are some proven suggestions to get you ready for the physical challenge.
Start training immediately. The more time you have to get in shape, the better.
Cardiovascular training (such as running and cycling) and strength and endurance training (such as weight training and stair climbing) should both be included in your program.
Start cardiovascular training by running, biking, hill climbing, or using step machines. Try exercising for an hour or more per session, and keep your heart rate and respirations at a reasonably high level, without over doing it. Three to four long training sessions per week are going to be more beneficial than short daily workouts. The intensity of your workout should reflect the level of effort we anticipate needing to climb the last 1,000' to the summit.
Begin your strength training by working on muscle groups used in mountaineering. Specifically, you want to target your quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, back and shoulder muscles.
There is no better training for mountaineering than up and downhill hiking. Get outside and go on extended hikes with a weighted backpack 2 - 3 times per week. Try hiking for 60 to 90 minutes at a time with a 10 - 15 minute break after each segment. Begin your training program with a 20 - 25 pound pack and work up gradually to the approximate weight expected to be carried on the climb. If there are no hills nearby, stairs work fine for training, especially if you can find a taller multiple storied buildings or stadium steps. When working out in a gym, use stair stepping machines and treadmills with a weighted pack. Additionally, treadmills raised up to the full 15 degrees will be more beneficial than running on relatively flat terrain.
Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life!
This sounds like a lot of work... and it is. With our daily schedules busy with family, work, and other important commitments, it can be difficult to set aside time for training. But being physically prepared for your climb is the single most important thing you can do to increase your chances of standing on the summit. It's also more enjoyable.
For more detailed information regarding conditioning, please see the Fitness for Mountaineering document.
Acclimatization
Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize.
The key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. The adage climb high and sleep low is the way we climb, and for very good reason. Our program follows a calculated ascent profile which allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude. In addition to a proper rate of ascent, your performance is often related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Proper hydration, nutrition, and warmth must be maintained on a daily basis throughout the expedition.
Travel Consultant
RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide our clients with comprehensive travel support. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe. We have been working with Erin for the last 8 years, and she is very knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or email at etravel@cox.net.
Travel Insurance
We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program.
For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your local travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree
Personal Medical Insurance
We recommend that you purchase medical insurance for your expedition as most standard insurance does not cover mountaineering. International Health Insurance (IHI) provides coverage for annual travel or a single trip. For additional information including coverage, benefits and premiums or to book online visit International Health Insurance.
Getting There
Most major US airlines offer daily flights to Mexico City (MEX). Flights should be booked to allow for an arrival time in the early afternoon on Day 1 of the itinerary. Departing flights should be booked for 3:00 p.m. or later on Day 7.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin requiring airlines to collect additional passenger information. This effort is part of the Secure Flight pre-screening program. TSA will require you to provide your full name, date of birth and gender as it is shown on the identification document that you plan to present at airport security check-points. You must begin making your reservations using your full name, matching exactly the ID you plan to present at the airport. Collection of your date of birth and gender will be mandatory beginning August 15th, 2009. If you submit that information at time of booking your reservation you can avoid delays at check-in. Finally, verify your name on your frequent traveler profiles. If you signed up using a name other than your name as shown on your identification, you should contact each frequent traveler program to update your name to match Secure Flight's full name requirement.
Entry Requirements
As of January 23, 2007, a valid passport is required when traveling to/from Mexico by air. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected date of return. U.S. passport holders can stay up to 90 days without special visas.
Upon arrival in Mexico City, you will be required to complete a currency declaration form which will be submitted to the authorities on your departure. You will need to retain the "stub" of your immigration form for the duration of your stay, and present it upon leaving. Loss of this stub usually results in a fine.
We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a back up. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.
Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the U.S. Department of State.
Airport Arrival
Upon arrival at the Mexico City airport, follow the signs through Immigrations. They will provide you with an entrance permit adequate for your stay.
After picking up your bags, proceed to Customs where there will be a random selection of bags for inspection. As you enter into the main terminal building, you will be greeted by a crowd of baggage handlers. The scene can be a bit overwhelming. Just keep your bags together and find one of the airport's Authorized Taxi booths - "Taxi Autorizado."
We recommend finding Taxi Sitio 300. Their website is in Spanish, but shows all the current fares. They have three locations right inside the airport. If exiting from the international arrivals hall "E1," there is an authorized taxi booth immediately to the right as you walk out the door. If exiting from arrivals hall "E2," there is an authorized taxi booth immediately to the left as you walk out the door. There is also a booth located at "Puerta 10." Once you purchase your ticket, you will be given a receipt. Show this to the driver. "Puerta 10" is where you will meet your taxi.
The drive to our hotel is approximately 3.5 miles, and located in "Zone 3." The current fare is 127 pesos (approximately $20 US) for the ride. Unless you are coming in with a group, you only need to hire a sedan car, and not a mini-van.
There have been occasional reports of baggage handlers escorting tourists from one taxi desk to another in an effort to get them to pay "additional" fees - baggage fees, excess baggage fees, over-sized baggage fees, etc. These are bogus fees and only intended to take advantage of tourists caught in the hectic pace of a strange airport. Simply be aware of this. You only need to pay the fare once, and you will be given a receipt.
Immunizations / Travel Medicine
No immunizations are currently required for entering Mexico. There are, however, several recommendations. Please check with your physician and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.
This information is accurate at the time of writing, but may change with little or no notice. For the most updated information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Transportation
The provided transportation in Mexico as stated in the itinerary is via private vans or buses.
Mexico Country Facts
The official language of Mexico is Spanish, and little English is spoken or understood outside Mexico City.
Mexico's attractions include its mountains, historical sites, archaeological ruins, fiestas, beaches, fishing, water sports, golf, bullfighting, handicrafts, music, dance, relaxation and moderate prices.
The time in Mexico City is the same as the central time zone in the United States. Daylight savings time is practiced.
Weather
The weather in Mexico City and while traveling to and from the mountains can be very warm. We recommend bringing a pair of light pants and a T-shirt. For current weather conditions, check Weather Underground.
Etiquette
Although it is not expected that American tourists dress formally, it is expected that they dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes. Tourists who flaunt such things as expensive cameras, watches, jewelry, etc may attract the attention of thieves.
Money
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso. The recent exchange rate was about 9.8 pesos to the U.S. dollar. Check a financial newspaper or www.xe.com/ucc for the current exchange rate prior to departure.
You will find that $200- $300 for spending money is adequate for restaurant meals, drinks and pocket money. You may choose to bring more depending on your shopping plans and length of stay.
Cash machines are readily available in Mexico City, but become increasingly difficult to find outside of the main urban areas. There are several cash machines at the airport which makes it very easy and convenient to withdraw cash. While American dollars are widely accepted, we recommend changing money at the airport so that you have Mexican Pesos for airport porters, taxis, etc.
Credit cards are accepted in most, but not all, areas.
Traveler's checks are a good backup and the safest way to carry money, but are not easily cashed and usually have a much lower exchange rate. If you are planning to use travelers checks, we recommend that you buy America Express as they are most widely recognized and accepted.
Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area which caters to tourists.
Tipping
Local waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Ten to fifteen percent is standard.
Our guides work hard to ensure your well being and success on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Amounts are at your discretion and should be based on your level of enjoyment. Tips for excellent service normally average 10 – 15% of the cost of the program.
Health
Travelers often suffer from upset stomachs when in foreign countries. Below are some basic guidelines to help keep you healthy.
- Hygiene - It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before all meals and after using any bathroom. If water is not available for washing, we recommend using a hand sanitizer.
- Water - The number one rule is: don't drink the water; and that includes shower water and ice! Brush your teeth with purified water rather than tap water. You should check bottled water for a good seal and use a napkin to wipe dry excess moisture in drinking glasses. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if it has been diluted with water. Carefully clean the tops of bottled beverages before opening.
- Food - If you can cook it, boil it, or peel it; you can usually eat it. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Be wary of ice cream and shellfish. Always avoid any undercooked meat.
Photography
Mexico is very photogenic and the photos you take will be priceless. Install fresh batteries in your camera and/or flash before you leave the United States and take along an extra set. Bring plenty of film or storage space.
Ask for permission before photographing individuals, particularly indigenous people. If in doubt, either ask or refrain. Don't photograph any government or military property or persons; this includes the airport.
Electricity
Electricity in Mexico is the same as in the United States: the ungrounded two-prong plug is used for 110 volts, 60 hertz appliances. Appliances with 3 prongs or an enlarged prong will require an adapter.
Medical Emergencies
Excellent care for minor illnesses and injuries is available in many destinations and in the event of more serious injuries or illnesses we recommend transport to any of the level I care centers in Mexico City. Our tour operator, Sr. Reyes, is an M.D. and is Chair of the local Cruz Roja (Red Cross). He has clinics near the base of El Pico de Orizaba, in Tlachichuca, and in Mexico City.
Travel Advisories/Warnings
Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as entry requirements with the U.S. Department of State.
Resources
There are a number of books on travel health including: Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa and Latin America by Dirk Schroeder. Lonely Planet, Let's Go, Fodor's and Frommers are all good travel guides. Information and updates can be found on the website for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, which provides medical information for travelers as well as the consular information.
R. J. Secor, Mexico's Volcanoes: A Climbing Guide. The Mountaineers, third ed., 2001.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/mexico/ is Lonely Planet's guide to travel in Mexico.
Wikitravel in Mexico offers good general information and links to explore.
Payments
A deposit of $1,500 per person secures your reservation. Deposit payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, or check. Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start of your program, and we will send you a payment reminder approximately three weeks before your payment is due. Balance payments may be made via check or wire transfer only. If your final payment is not received within 90 days of the program your reservation will be cancelled and all fees forfeited. Trips departing within 90 days from the reservation date must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
Cancellations
Once we receive written notification (mail, e-mail, or fax) that you are canceling an individual participant or your entire reservation the following fees will apply. A fee of $750 per person will be charged for cancellations made more than 90 days before departure. There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 90 days before your program. Unfortunately, due to the time-sensitive nature of our business, and the difficulty in re-booking a trip close to departure, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.
We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program. For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree
Land Cost
The current fee includes:
- RMI Leadership
- Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- All group transportation in country as stated in the itinerary
- All breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain and other meals as stated in the itinerary
- All group cooking, climbing and camping equipment
The fee does not include:
- International airfare
- Travel insurance and personal medical insurance
- Passport and visa fees
- Excess baggage fees and departure taxes
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Bottled water and personal drinks
- Customary guide gratuities
- Additional room charges including laundry service and other personal expenses
- Hotel accommodations not indicated in the itinerary
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel upon arrival in Mexico City
- Medical, hospitalization and evacuation costs (by any means)
* Single Travelers: If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate. If you wish to stay alone, a supplemental fee will be charged for a single room. The single supplement is not available in huts, tents, or in all hotels.
Risk Management
Safety is RMI's number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering such as avalanches, ice fall, rock fall, inclement weather, and high winds, but they cannot eliminate them. RMI guides draw from their wealth of experience and training to make sound decisions that improve your chance of reaching the summit without compromising the necessary margin of safety.
Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently a hazardous sport. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of mountaineering, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity.
Climber Responsibilities
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Some of the responsibility for the team is carried by the individual climbers. For this reason, we ask that each participant:
- is physically and mentally fit, properly attired and equipped, and continues to self assess throughout the program to ensure as safe a climb as possible. If a climber's own physical fitness limits his or her ability to safely continue upward, that can have a negative impact on the summit experience or opportunity of other climb participants.
- honestly and accurately describe themselves, in terms of fitness, health and skills, and their equipment to their guides, and that they adhere to the advice of their professional mountain guide.
Age-Appropriate Guidelines & Restrictions
In the interest of the safety and well-being of all participants, RMI adheres to the following age-appropriate guidelines and restrictions on all climbing programs, domestic and international. An individual’s birthday must precede the departure date of the program. For example: a 15 year old who turns 16 on July 1 may participate on a program beginning July 2.
- Ages 15 & under: No participants age 15 & under
- Ages 16 & 17: Accompanied by parent or legal guardian
- Ages 18 & above: No restrictions
Participants on Private Climb programs are assessed on an individual basis.
General Policies
RMI's program plans and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, terrain, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including discretion to change program schedule or itinerary, and change guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program.
We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather or route conditions. In such a case, a full refund is given; however, RMI cannot be responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the program (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations).
RMI cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire party may have to turn around without reaching the summit. Failure to reach the summit due to a person's own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.'s responsibility and will not result in refund or reschedule.
If the Participant decides to leave a trip at any time after the start of the trip and prior to its conclusion, he or she will not be entitled to a refund.
RMI reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a trip or to send the Participant to a lower altitude at any time if RMI determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program.