Orizaba volcano or, as it is called in the language of the Aztecs, Sitlaltepetl ("Star Mountain"), earning it the title of the highest point of Mexico, its height - 4922 m. According to the GPS - 5636 m

Today the volcano is resting, but in the last century there were several eruptions. The latter - in the 19th century.

Difficult terrain, altitude, strong winds - all of this has created a volcano several climatic zones. At its foot in the main - tropical vegetation, above it no longer resembles the alpine. The eastern side of the mountain frequently poured rain, brought by winds from the Gulf of Mexico. There is often fog and annual rainfall of about 1600 mm of precipitation. Autumn and winter snow here, but in the south and southeast of the snow quickly melts in the sun.

As a rule, tourists get to Orizaba from Puebla by bus to the village Tlachichuka, which is not far from resting giant. To ascend to the Orizaba not require any permits. The most popular months for climbing - December. The dry period is from November to April. On the ascent need 6-10 hours and 3-4 hours for the descent.

Technically the route is simple (category 2A). They begin to rise more often at night to be on top before noon. Start - shelter from the Piedra Grande. The first 1, 5-2 hours The route goes along a rocky trail. The second part of the way - on snow and ice between the stones and rocks. The following 4 hours - on the open ice field.

It is important to stock up on water, at least to a height of 4,900 meters, where it can be extracted from ice and snow.