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Hi.
I will be in Mexico in March to climb Orizaba. As I will travel alone I will need a guide and/or joining an existing climbing party there. I have a question regarding the price for a guide. I decided to book a package with Conchola in Tlachichuca and the quoted price was $585 which is supposed to include lodging (2 nights) some meals, transport to base camp, gear rental and a guide.To me it seems too low to include all that.
If you climbed there could you post some details regarding on how you arrange for a guide and how much does it really cost?
From his reply it seems that he will arrange for everything but I really want to be sure in advance especially if I need to find a guide on my own. If I can join a climbing party it's all good but otherwise I really need a guide since I do not want to climb alone (for safety reasons although I have a decent experience).

If you have more info on how this is done I am more than happy to read about it.

Thanks

The Cancholas reputation is pretty impeccable, I'd have faith in them. Also, it's not that cheap, sans guide I'm pretty sure the Reyes (who are more expensive) charged us around $210 per person. We had them provide food on the mountain in addition to lodging w/meals before and after and transportation to the hut. Depending on your experience and comfort climbing solo I might reconsider the guide though, the route is really straight forward (under decent conditions), there are no crevasses and it's basically an easy/moderate snow climb to the top. I have a guide posted here with more tips: http://www.summitpost.org/a-colorado-cl ... ico/684957

I met Oso (the Bear) on Orizaba. He runs Orizaba Mtn Guides:
http://www.orizabamountainguides.com.mx/indexing.html

I don't know what he charges, but thought very highly of him. Others who have used his services said much the same thing. He can set up your entire trip, airport to airport, or any part. Here's my TR and why I liked him so much:
http://www.splattski.com/2008/mexico/day_6.html

Thanks for the answers. That helps

Your price is ok! I paid a little less than the doudle (nov 2010) for Iztaccihualt and Pico de Orizaba. My guide was Ruben with Cumbre7 ; My package included pick up and drop off at airport , guide, hotel, hut, travel (I brought my food and gear). The only advice i will give you plan some accimatization (you should do other peak in the area) I met 2 guys from USA with AMS (altitude mountain sickness). Do not intent to climb once you arrive in Mex.
Cheers
Pascal

HOW TECHNICAL IS THE LABYRINTH & JAMAPA GLACIER ?

I'm wondering how much experience is required to climb Pico de Orizaba. I have no experience with ropes and pins, but I do have experience using an ice axe and crampons, as well as experience in high-altitude. I reached the summit of Mt. Whitney (no guide, overnight summit up the ice chute, roughly 30 degrees +/-); Jebel Toubkal (in Morocco; roughly 30 degree snow field ascent during early morning); Mt. Kilimanjaro (non-technical); etc. I lived in Cusco (11,000 ft.) for 6 months this year and did numerous hikes in the 15,000 ft. + range. I am young, athletic, healthy, etc.

Questions:
1. Is my experience sufficient? Is the Jamapa Glacier safe? Are ropes necessary?
2. How straightforward is the route? Is it easy to get lost? (assume nice clear weather)
3. Are storms rare? Or frequent?
4. Is March 20th +/- a few days a good time? Is February better?

Any help you can give me is greatly appreciate. I'm confident that I can do this mountain, but I want to be sure and address all safety and technical concerns before committing.

Thanks in advance!

Gotschall, from what you have posted I believe that you would be fine to solo Orizaba. The only potentially tricky section of the climb is the labyrinth, which can be out of condition. That said, if you take time to scout it, and ascend carefully, it is not particularly difficult. When I was there it was bulletproof ice and exciting to climb alone, but very manageable. I ended up following the same gulley which a Mexican guide and his short-roped client were taking up; the mountain is busy in peak season and there are other people everywhere.

Once above the labyrinth the climb is a very straightforward glacier hike. At its steepest, the standard route up the Jamapa is maybe 35-40 degrees. This is not a technically challenging mountain whatsoever, but soloing it was very rewarding and highly enjoyable for me. Going alone was an excellent learning step between the trekking and snow hiking I had been doing, and the more involved glacier/technical climbing which I am becoming involved in. I went to Orizaba to learn, to apply my basic snow skills at a decent altitude, and it served that purpose wonderfully. In my opinion comfort with cramponing, good layering awareness, and second nature self arrest are all you need.

EDIT: Very difficult to get lost if you have basic route finding experience. Weather is variable; in December everything was perfect for me. I've read a lot about high winds. I've read that clouds can form in the afternoon and sock you in; bring a compass if going solo to ensure you come down the right side. I wouldn't see the need to rope up for any part of it.