Volcano Trilogy: Climb Mexico’s Three Giants – Summit to Surf

Welcome to the electrifying energy of CDMX—where street art, honking horns, and the smell of fresh tortillas hit you the moment you step outside. We’ll scoop you up at the airport and cruise through the chaos to our first hostel, tucked into a cool neighborhood. After a quick orientation and gear check, it’s time to meet your crew: your ACMG-certified guide (aka mountain magician) and fellow adventurers. We’ll break the ice over mouthwatering tacos and a cold cerveza or two. Early to bed—we’re heading for the clouds.

Van’s loaded, snacks in hand, and we’re rolling into the highlands. As the city fades, pine forests and rolling hills take over. We’re bound for Nevado de Toluca National Park, home to a dormant stratovolcano with two surreal crater lakes—Lago del Sol and Lago de la Luna. We’ll stretch our legs with a short hike at altitude, take in the epic scenery, and start that slow, steady acclimatization. Tonight, we stay in a cozy hostel or rustic mountain cabin. Sleep well—the real climbing starts tomorrow.

First summit of the trip! After a hearty mountain breakfast, we’ll hit the trail and start the ascent around the jaw-dropping crater rim. It’s a mix of scree, rock, and pure altitude grind—but totally worth it. At the summit, catch your breath and the unreal 360° views before we descend for a big victory meal. Legs a bit wobbly, lungs a bit stronger, hearts very full.

We cruise eastward to the base of our next volcano. Expect road snacks, big landscapes, and impromptu roadside taco stops (we’re professionals). The vibes in the Squatch Van are peaking—music on, windows down, spirits high. Tonight we’ll land in a forested mountain hostel near La Malinche, where you can relax around the fire or wander into the woods for sunset views.

Another summit, another early morning. La Malinche is less snowy and more straightforward, but don’t be fooled—this mountain will test your legs and lungs. We’ll pace ourselves up a mix of pine forest and alpine slope to earn sweeping views of nearby giants, including Popocatépetl puffing away in the distance. Descent, feast, and back to the hostel to rest up.

Today’s a treat. Puebla is a stunning colonial city with colorful facades, cobbled streets, and food that will ruin all other food for you. Sip fresh juices in the mercado, sample mole poblano where it was invented, or just wander the artisan shops. Want more adventure? Optional activities like lucha libre wrestling or rooftop bar hopping await. We’ll sleep downtown in a comfy hostel—real beds, hot showers, and no early alarms.

We’re stepping into the big leagues. It’s time for Mexico’s tallest volcano and North America’s third-highest peak — Pico de Orizaba. Depending on conditions, we’ll approach either from the north side, where the glacier route winds toward the summit icecap, or from the south side, a steeper line that trades ice for scree and early-morning grit.

We’ll make our way to basecamp — Piedra Grande Hut on the north, or Refugio Fausto González on the south — settling into high altitude life surrounded by wild volcanic slopes. In the afternoon, we’ll stretch our legs on a short acclimatization hike and go over key mountain skills, tailored to our route. Glacier travel and crampons if we go north, or steep-slope movement and route finding if we go south.

Dinner early, stars fierce, and alarms set for the climb of a lifetime.

This is it. We start before dawn, headlamps flickering in the dark, the cold air alive with anticipation. The climb rises steadily through volcanic rock and ash, each step higher into the stars. Depending on our route, we’ll either rope up and crunch across the north-side glacier — ice tools biting, sunrise spilling over the horizon — or push up the steep southern slopes, a mix of scree, snow, and pure determination.

At the top, the world opens wide — endless peaks, light breaking through clouds, and that quiet, electric feeling of having made it. Then comes the long descent, a hot meal, and a nap you’ll never forget.

You’ve earned this. Today is all about rest, reflection, and letting your summit story sink in. We’ll lounge in the quaint town of Tlachichuca, sip good coffee, visit a historic climbing outfitter, or soak tired legs in nearby hot springs (if you’re up for it). Hostel hangs, good food, and stories around the fire as we transition from volcano junkies to road trip legends.

Time to change gears. We load up the van and road trip westward across central Mexico. Our destination? The town of Tequila—yes, the birthplace of that glorious spirit. We’ll tour a traditional distillery where agave is roasted, crushed, and fermented before becoming liquid gold. Sip responsibly, learn a thing or two, and soak up the charm of this UNESCO-listed pueblo. If time or availability shifts, we might stay in nearby Guadalajara—a lively, music-filled city with killer street eats. Either way, the vibes are strong.

The mountains shrink in the rearview, and the air gets thicker with salt and sun. We’re heading to the coast, to the boho surf town of Sayulita. This is the time to slow down. Ocean dips, palm trees, and chilled-out vibes await. We’ll check into a tropical beach hostel where the biggest challenge is deciding between a hammock nap or a margarita. Or both.

Today’s all about catching waves and catching your breath. After a surf lesson with local pros, the day is yours: rent a paddleboard, take a nap under a palapa, go full taco tour, or just float in the sea like a happy human burrito. Mountains feel like a dream—now you’re living the beach life.

No alarms, no plans—just good vibes. You can surf again, hike to a hidden beach, join a beachfront yoga class, or simply wander barefoot through town. At sunset, we’ll gather for a beach bonfire and a celebratory dinner under the stars. We climbed volcanoes, crossed a country, and now we toast to the adventure of a lifetime.

Group transfer to the Puerto Vallarta Airport. Bags are a little heavier, hearts a little fuller. We’ll say our goodbyes with high fives, hugs, and the knowledge that somewhere out there is a volcano-shaped memory calling you back.

-Full refund within 24H of booking

-Full refund for cancellations more than 3 months before the tour

-25% deposit kept for cancellations less than 3 months before the tour

-No refund if canceled within 30 days of the trip start date

Please note:

In the case of extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances on our end, we will work with you to reschedule or offer a full refund.