In Nahuatl, it’s known as Citlaltépetl, the Star Mountain, a shimmering snow-covered peak that dominates the horizon for hundreds of kilometers.
At 5,640 meters (18,504 feet), El Pico de Orizaba is Mexico’s tallest mountain and the third highest in North America.
Those who live on its flanks insist that the best way to truly appreciate Orizaba’s beauty is to circumnavigate the volcano on foot. After considerable effort, a few have established a route that trekkers adore: challenging, demanding, yet exceptionally rewarding.
One of the pioneers behind the Orizaba Loop is Victor Vivero, who goes by the trail name Amadeus. Over the past four years, Amadeus, alongside his friend Luz del Rayo and local hikers, has worked on connecting several existing trails to create what they call La Circunvalación, or The Loop. To view the route, search “Wikiloc Amadeus Vivero” on Google.
I asked Amadeus to recount his most recent trek along The Pico de Orizaba Loop.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.