Paragliding Courses and Holidays in France,South Africa and Nepal

Our Mexican Volcano Paragliding Expedition will appeal to people with a yearning for high Altitude adventure but perhaps unable to get time for the longer trips we do. The three volcanoes are not technically difficult to climb by their normal routes. The altitudes reached on these mountains (nearly 6000m) makes them of particular interest to CP+ Pilots wanting to gain high altitude mountain flying experience. The view from the rim of the craters is spectacular in the extreme as the mountains rise from a high plateau some 60 km across.

The summit ridge of Ixtaccihuatl with Popo in the background.

Location

Orizaba and Ixtaccihuatl are the first and third highest mountains in Mexico. One is situated in a National Park some 30 miles due East of Mexico City, the other a further 100 kms towards the Gulf of Mexico. Their impressive snow capped shapes are viewed to an advantage from almost anywhere East of the capital. The flights from the summit have been described as "stupendous".

Accommodation

For our stay in Mexico City we will be using the Hotel del Principado which is situated in the "Zona Rosa". The hotel is very comfortable with en suite twin or double rooms, television and radio. Telephone - (any calls to be paid by yourself). Restaurant and Bar. The Zona Rosa is the centre of Mexico City's night life and good restaurants and disco bars abound.

Travelling in rural Mexico one can expect all types of accommodation from the sublime to the ridiculous. At our base we will be staying at an altitude of 12,900 ft. We will use high altitude huts for areas where other suitable accommodation is not available.

High above the clouds and glaciers, the edge of the crater makes a great take-off site.

Transportation

Transfers to and from Mexico City airport and transportation whilst in Mexico is provided.

Food

There are such a vast array of good, inexpensive restaurants in and around Mexico City to choose from, that you will probably prefer to try them yourself. We do however provide all food during the climb of Ixtaccihuatl, Malincha and Orizaba also whilst camping where restaurants are not available.

The Ascents and Flights

La Malincha, at 4260m, gives a pleasant way to boost our acclimatisation for the coming ascents to altitude. From a comfortable bivouac at the edge of the forest where we have a warming campfire, we make our pre dawn ascent of the mountain. A pleasant scramble takes us high above the easy angled lower slopes and on to a rocky ridge with airy drops each side. The final ridge is quite exposed and the view of the sunrise over the surrounding peaks well worth a picture or two.

The ascent of Ixtaccihuatl starts at the microwave aerials on the Paso de Cortes. Several hours climbing up a rocky path leads us to the high altitude refuge where we bivouac for the night. A pre dawn start leads us up the summit snowfields to the summit of this interesting mountain. Paragliding conditions at that time of year should be quite stable with little or no turbulence. There are no nearby mountains to create turbulent conditions so an enjoyable flight is expected. We should be able to fly as far as San Pedro Nexapa where there are excellent landing areas.

The ascent of Orizaba starts from huts at 12,000 ft. Again an early start is needed. An initially steep slope gives way to an enjoyable scramble up a gentle rock face. A ridge leads to the final snow field and ultimately the summit. Once again flying conditions should be excellent with the possibility of flying all the way back to Tlatichuca. The take off from Orizaba is nothing short of stupendous! There will be the opportunity to enjoy conventional thermalling and soaring between the climbs as the entire area is thermic.

Cost

14 Days Mexican Volcanoes Expedition £1150.00

Instruction

We will provide any instruction/assistance with regard to paragliding and/or mountaineering technique.

Insurance

It is obligatory that participants hold valid travel insurance with cover for trekking. It should cover missed departure, medical repatriation etc. Several companies offer suitable insurance, but if you need assistance please contact us.

Visa

No visa is required for citizens of UK to enter Mexico. Instead a Tourist Card which is obtained for you free of charge.

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