MX Volcano Questions

[Steve Climber]

I think you're making this into a big deal. It's really an easy trip logistically and a one foot in front of the other climb.

G

+2 This.

The glacier climb truly is a non-issue. I've heard the Labyrinth can present some tricky conditions, but (like I said earlier) we did part of it in trail runners and trekking poles before we realized we were even on it. Once you're over that, the glacier is

a one foot in front of the other climb

[timf]

I know I'm probably over ANAL-yzing.

OK so:

1) Get in tip top shape (core and strength not to be ignored)
2) Get some Pesos at DIA and a few passport photo copies.
3) Practice cramponing and self arrest.
4) Hydrate, eat well, acclimate well.
5) Navigate the Labyrinth and one foot in front of the other.

I think I got it.

[Steve Climber]

I know I'm probably over ANAL-yzing.

OK so:

1) Get in tip top shape (core and strength not to be ignored)
2) Get some Pesos at DIA and a few passport photo copies.
3) Practice cramponing and self arrest.
4) Hydrate, eat well, acclimate well.
5) Navigate the Labyrinth and one foot in front of the other.

I think I got it.

Nailed it. Best of luck with your trip! It's a blast.

[HikeforTurns]

Here is the schedule we had back in March of 2008:

3/22 - Nevado de Toluca 15,390'
3/23 - La Malinche 14,640'
3/24 - Sierra Negra 15,354' (after a bailed attempt on Izta)
3/25 - Approach Orizaba, sleep in the hut (bring earplugs)
3/26 - Pico de Orizaba 18,490'
3/27 - Cofre de Perote 14,049'
3/28 - Iztaccihuatl 17,159'
3/29 - Mexico City Pyramids and Anthro Museum.

I thoroughly enjoyed the other peaks. I wouldnt miss out on them if you have time. Izta was much more challenging to me than Orizaba, due to the long ridge at elevation. Had some lightining and hail on the descent. We rented a car and handled our own navigation. Slept at the trailheads or lower. I would recommend trying to do a bunch of 13er/14er linkups with a lot of time spent above 13k. Like Loveland Pass to Guanella Pass.

[giarcd]

Could someone hook me up with a reliable contact in Puebla to help coordinate an ascent of Malinche ? Big cities intimidate me and I'm going solo. My overall plan is to get a idea of logistics for later trip to climb/hike other mountains in the region. Please PM me with helpful info---thank you!
( I am old,fat and slow,one foot in front of the other)

Craig

[Scott P]

Could someone hook me up with a reliable contact in Puebla to help coordinate an ascent of Malinche ?

There is a bus that goes right to the trailhead. Check something like the Thorne Tree Travel Board, Lonely Planet book, or Moon Book to find out the bus number which station the bus leaves from. If you are in Puebla, just ask a taxi driver to take you to that bus station (centro de autobuses). If you are afraid of a taxi driver not speaking English simply write down your desired bus station on a piece of paper and give it to the driver. Make sure your fare is either metered or a fair price as sometimes they overcharge gringos.

One you are at the trailhead, it shouldn't be any harder to find your way up La Malinche than any of the Sawatch 14ers, for example.

PS, I can't PM you. It says you don't exist.

[Gabriel]

You can hike Malinche in a day round trip using public transport from Puebla. Take a bus from the main bus station (CAPU) to the town of Apizaco. From Apizaco there are many minibuses close to the bus station. Ask or look for one that has a sign saying ISS Malinche. This will take you directly to the trailhead. From there it's an easy dirt path to the summit. There is a very short bit of scrambling to get on the summit, but this could possibly be avoided if you circle around to the other side of the mountain.

Have fun,

G

[drewski]

Also one can camp at the trailhead or stay in the cabins. The "cabins" fill up on weekends and holidays. It is the "IMSS centro vacacional La Malinche".