Wanted to get a consensus on the condition of the road to the Orizaba hut. My group and I are considering renting an SUV at the Mexico City airport and driving instead of dealing with other transportation. If we do this we were also going to fit some time in at Veracruz to soak up the beach after the climb for a few days. First, what condition is the road compared to some of the 4x4 roads in the Front Range, Colorado area. Second, would I need a large SUV, Jeep, could I get by with a mid-size, or do you need a deuce and a half to get up there;-)?

I remember that the road up to Piedres Grande was in pretty decent shape. While we were there an International Scout 4X4 (or similar) drove up. As I recall, there were only one or two spots that were rocky/rutted/tree roots exposed. I think just about any vehicle with 4 wheel drive would make it. Of course, it really depends on the driver. I've seen a lot of vehicles in Mexico go places that you'd swear needed a 4X4. It's all about where you put the tires! One of these days I will make the drive from the States in my 'ol brown Ford and drive it up there. Anyway, YMMV. Best to get some recent reports about the road condition. But I do remember thinking that it would have been no problem to drive up there.

On Edit: Forgot to mention that we also did the Veracruz thing. What a waste of time. Could just be that we were there in the off season, but it was less than awe inspiring.

Some good advice. Thanks. especially the Veracruz thing. We might alter the trip a little bit.

The bus ride to Tlachichuca was pleasant- as was the bus ride to Veracruz. Both trips are very scenic and the people very friendly. Renting a car, however, could offer some flexability I suppose...

I actually spent 2 days walking the truck route to Piedre Grande. Believe it or not, I think it was the most enjoyable part of the trip.

Veracruz is far from Cancun. The city itself is a bit charming but there are no beaches in town. I traveled north from Veracruz to a town called Chachalacas. There are some interesting Olmec Ruins there. It seems that few Americans travel there too. I have never been stared at in such a sustained and unrelenting manner in all my life. There are also some sand dunes in Chachalacas that meet the ocean. The water was cold in January- but it is likely to be pleasant this time of year.

Here is a link to some photos of the Chachalacas area:

http://www.outdoorsatuva.org/gallery/v/ ... ?g2_page=3

I have heard that if you head south of Veracruz, near "boca rio"(?) that the beaches become nice.


Good luck!!!

rickford wrote:The bus ride to Tlachichuca was pleasant- as was the bus ride to Veracruz. Both trips are very scenic and the people very friendly.

...north from Veracruz to a town called Chachalacas. There are some interesting Olmec Ruins there.

We also visited the Olmec Ruins. Very cool. I'd recommend that. But as for Veracruz itself, it was a bit of a disapointment. Very touristy and really nothing more than just a big city.

The bus rides to the various cities and towns and sites were probably the most memorable parts of the trip. Very scenic, and a great cultural experience. I especially liked the trip from Tlachichuca to the town of Orizaba.

Have a great trip!

Veracruz is a great city. hang out in the zocalo buying bootleg cuban cigars and drinking...but don`t go there for the beaches. There are some in the city itself - but they are very dirty. Boca del Rio isn`t that much nicer. There are cool trips around Veracruz though. i recomend Jalcamulco, a little town in the rain forest where there is rafting and so on.

I would think any 4 wheel drive high clearance vehicle would make the trip up ok in dry conditions. Its been several years since I have been there but I think navigation would be more of an issue than road conditions. There were many trails that split off or converged with the route. Some were short detours (100 yards) around water hazards but others appeared to continue up different ridges and out of sight. Of course there are no signs pointing the way, and the road to Piedra Grande is no more prominent than the others.
If you are going to try it yourself, I would suggest getting GPS coordinates of the road from someone that has been there recently. I doubt Google Earth has enough detail to be of much use because a good deal of the road was under trees.
In the past there has been a bit of a theft problem at Piedra Grande. You may consider leaving the vehicle empty and unlocked to avoid any broken windows when you return. I may be overstating the risk, but an ounce of prevention---
Good Luck

group and I are considering renting an SUV at the Mexico City airport and driving instead of dealing with other transportation.

Unless you are experienced in driving in Lating America, personally I would just hire transport. Driving in Mexico City is a nightmare, as are some of the areas outside the city. In addition, car rental is typically much more expensive in Mexico as it is in the USA, for example.

Just my recommendation.