Snowy cone
Above the forests.
Rodrigo Díaz Arroyo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · panza.rayada — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Nick Moyes — CC BY-SA 3.0
Pico de Orizaba, or Citlaltépetl, is the highest mountain in Mexico and the highest volcano in North America, the third-highest peak on the continent after Denali and Mount Logan. It stands on the border between Veracruz and Puebla, about 26 km in a straight line north-west of the city of Orizaba, and rises to 5,636 m. The volcano is dormant but not extinct, and its last eruption was in the 19th century. Its Nahuatl name means «star mountain», thought to come from its snowy summit being visible from afar, and it is the second most prominent volcanic peak in the world after Kilimanjaro. A near-perfect cone draped in snow and glaciers rises above pine forests and high plains, often capped by a lenticular cloud. It can be seen from far away, from Puebla, Xalapa and the region's roads, and from lookouts in villages such as Calcahualco on its slopes, and at the summit a wide crater lies under ice. Viewing the mountain from villages and lookouts is free. Climbing to the summit is a high-altitude glacier ascent suitable only for experienced climbers with guides and equipment. Skies are clearest from November to March.
Above the forests.
Over the summit.
On the slopes.
On the Veracruz–Puebla border, Mexico
Only experienced climbers with guides and gear.
November to March.