Why Climb With Us

Why Climb with Us in Mexico?

This is my fifth climb with Alpine Ascents, and our first international mountain climb. AAI continues to be the industry leader in climbing. The care everyone takes to prepare us for the climb, the emphasis on safety, and attention given to every detail of the trip are highlights for me. I have climbed domestically with other companies, and have I seen what appear to be forced group marches up mountains lead by other guiding companies, that’s not my experience with AAI. Top notch, world class guides, personal service and attention, and a focus on climber safety are the hallmarks of AAI. The Volcanoes of Mexico did not disappoint. Thanks for another great experience, we will be back.
– 2020 Mexico Volcanoes Climber

We have been guiding in Mexico for more than 20 years and have built close relationships in the communities where we guide and tour. We run several expeditions every year, and our familiarity with the region combined with our expertise and knowledge of mountain climbing lend a depth and richness to every expedition that we feel is unrivaled in the guiding community.

As always, we highly encourage you to contact former climbers.

Recent Expedition Success

We had a great 2022/2023 season with all teams reaching the summit of Ixta and Orizaba. We are excited to continue operations this fall with guides Stuart Robertson, Connor Chilcott, Hannah McGowan, and Seth Timpano heading up our trips. The Volcanoes of Mexico is one of our advanced beginner climbs at altitude, a perfect follow-up to Mt. Rainier or other Beginner Mountaineering Courses, and is particularly beneficial for those needing more experience before climbing Denali. In most cases our Mexico climbs are led by the same guides who lead our Denali expeditions.
Cybercast details

Since 1993, we have run over 40 successful expeditions in Mexico and consistently receive fantastic evaluations from all climbers. We encourage you to contact last year’s climbers and review the guide’s bios. During the last few years, nearby Popo has been erupting, but this has not affected our expedition logistics as of yet.

Alpine Ascents on Mexico

As one of the few guide services that sends professional guides from the United States, we offer distinctive guiding services where most others simply “hire a local service.” In turn, we have great summit success, exceptional evaluations, and a very well-organized program. We hand pick local guides and drivers who are well aware of local customs and political issues in that region. We travel on popular tourist routes and utilize high-standard lodging.

This Volcanoes of Mexico Climb is an excellent way to test your climbing skills at altitude and experience an affordable international expedition, all within a 10-day period.

Our Trips Offer

  • An Alpine Ascents guide to lead each trip (2023 Scheduled guides: Stuart Robertson, Seth Timpano, Connor Chilcott, and Hannah McGowan along with local guides that we have used for many years)
  • A fully inclusive trip (no hidden costs)
  • Low climber-to-guide ratio
  • A 10-day itinerary, which greatly increases chances for summit success. Most outfitters try to climb these two peaks in eight to nine days.
  • Experience of 20 years guiding in Mexico, with about 90% summit success the last five years.
  • Full support in Mexico, including high-standard hotels and cultural excursions. Many competitors cut costs by offering lower quality accommodations and additional services.

Gradual Acclimatization

We offer a 10-day itinerary and have backup plans should some of the mountains pose difficult conditions. See our Itinerary for more details.

Simply, our guide is obviously an excellent mountaineer and leader.

High camp on Izta at the Otis Mcallister hut
Final push on the summit ridge of Orizaba
Looking over the Valley of Mexico and Mexico City from high camp on Izta
Alpine Ascents Mexico Volcanoes
Photo: Mario Simoes
Alpine Ascents Mexico Volcanoes
Photo: Mario Simoes
Summit ridge of Izta
Street artist in Cholula, Mexico
The Aztec calendar on display at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City
Climbers on a day hike to acclimate near Izta
High camp on Izta at the Otis Mcallister hut
Summit ridge on Izta with Popo in the background
Early morning sunrise with Orizaba castings its shadow
Looking down the summit ridge of Orizaba
Architecture in Mexico City
Mesoamerica artifacts at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City

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Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
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