Mountain 24 km west of Coscomatepec
Mexico's highest peak rises right behind Coscomatepec; the road via Calcahualco climbs to high villages on its eastern slopes.
The Pico de Orizaba, or Citlaltépetl, "mountain of the star" in Nahuatl, is the highest mountain in Mexico at about 5,636 meters and the third highest in North America. It is a dormant volcano on the border between Veracruz and Puebla, and on a clear morning its snow cap fills the sky above Coscomatepec.
The volcano and its slopes have been a national park since 1936. Going up from Coscomatepec, the land changes fast: coffee and sugarcane give way to cornfields, then to pine and fir forest, and finally to bare volcanic sand and the glaciers near the top. The road through Calcahualco climbs to small mountain villages around 3,500 meters, among the highest communities on the Veracruz side.
Climbing to the summit is a serious mountaineering trip that needs acclimatization, glacier gear, and an experienced guide, and most climbers go between October and March. But you do not have to summit to enjoy the mountain: a drive up through the villages, a day hike in the high forest, or simply the view of the peak at sunrise makes the trip worthwhile.
What to see and do
Watch the sunrise light up the snow cap from Coscomatepec or the road above it.
Drive up through Calcahualco to the high mountain villages and walk in the pine and fir forest.
Hike with a local guide on the lower slopes of the national park.
For experienced climbers only: attempt the summit with a certified guide between October and March.
Getting there
From Coscomatepec, take the road northwest to Calcahualco and keep climbing toward the high villages on the volcano's slopes; allow at least an hour, and more in fog. The upper stretches are narrow and steep, and the weather changes quickly, so drive in daylight and bring warm clothes. Summit climbs are usually organized by guides, often from the Puebla side via Tlachichuca; check park rules with CONANP before going.
24 km west of Coscomatepec
Directions from Coscomatepec on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Pico de Orizaba shares the climate of Coscomatepec, 24 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec.
Make Coscomatepec your base
Pico de Orizaba is an easy trip from Coscomatepec, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
Also close to
- Orizaba · 26 km away
More around Coscomatepec
-
Cascada de Cocalzingo
· Waterfall · 8 km away
A tall waterfall pouring off a forested hill near Alpatláhuac, with views of the volcano, trails and space to camp. -
Huatusco
· Town · 12 km away
A misty coffee town east of Coscomatepec, with farms that offer tours and tastings and waterfalls in the surrounding hills. -
Fortín de las Flores
· Town · 20 km away
A flower-growing town south toward Córdoba, with gardenia and orchid nurseries, a bonsai museum, and the Metlac ravine.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.