Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s high volcanic cone above Orizaba
Published on 09/09/2026 at 20:34 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Pico de Orizaba, known in Nahuatl as Citlaltépetl, is a high stratovolcano rising above the region around Orizaba in eastern Mexico, on the border between Veracruz and Puebla states.border between Veracruz and Puebla Its snow and ice fields make it Mexico’s highest mountain and North America’s highest volcano, with a summit above 5,500 m (around 18,000 ft) in the eastern end of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.highest mountain in Mexico
A solitary volcanic cone on the edge of the Mexican Plateau
The lead impression of Pico de Orizaba is of a solitary volcanic cone rising steeply from the surrounding highlands, a landmark that can be seen from far across the plateau west of Orizaba.tall volcanic cone The mountain stands on the southern margin of the Mexican Plateau and forms part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, an east–west chain of volcanoes that crosses central Mexico between the interior highlands and the Gulf lowlands.Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
Geologically, CitlaltĂ©petl is a stratovolcano built from repeated eruptions that stacked lava, ash and fragmented rock into a steep-sided cone, with upper slopes that rise sharply above broader lower aprons of volcanic deposits.stratovolcano description Its summit area carries an open crater and glacial ice on the highest slopes, one of a small group of Mexican volcanoes that retain summit glaciers together with PopocatĂ©petl and IztaccĂhuatl further west.summit glaciers
Height, name and volcanic history
The summit of Pico de Orizaba reaches an elevation reported around 5,564 m (18,255 ft) above sea level, making it the highest point in Mexico and the third-highest peak in North America after Denali and Mount Logan.third-highest peak in North America The mountain’s Nahuatl name Citlaltépetl is widely translated as “Star Mountain”, reflecting the combination of the elements for “star” and “mountain” in the indigenous language.Citlaltépetl name
Volcanologically, Pico de Orizaba has been classified as a dormant stratovolcano with historic activity documented before the twentieth century.historic activity Recorded eruptions include explosive events and lava flows, with the last confirmed eruption in 1846 and earlier activity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.last confirmed eruption in 1846 The volcano overlooks the valley and city of Orizaba to the east, from which its Spanish name derives, and forms a pair with the lower Sierra Negra massif on its southern flank.overlooks Orizaba valley
The mountain landscape above Orizaba
Seen from Orizaba and neighbouring towns, Pico de Orizaba’s upper slopes appear as a broad cone with a persistent snowcap, contrasting with the lower volcanic aprons and the surrounding highland terrain.snow and ice on summit The volcano rises several thousand metres above its eastern base, forming a high-altitude environment in which glaciers, bare rock and loose volcanic material dominate the upper reaches, while lower slopes carry roads, tracks and settlements linked to the plateau and to the route towards the Gulf of Mexico.relief above eastern base
Citlaltépetl sits within a broader chain that includes Cofre de Perote to the north and other volcanic centres along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, but it stands out by height and by its glaciated summit.Mexico's highest peak The mountain’s position west of Orizaba and east of Puebla links the high volcanic terrain to both the Mexican Plateau and the descent towards coastal lowlands, giving travellers clear views of the cone from different approaches across eastern Mexico.location near Orizaba
Visiting Pico de Orizaba: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Pico de Orizaba stands on the border between Veracruz and Puebla in eastern Mexico, west of the city of Orizaba, and is reached through roads from the surrounding highland towns.
- The mountain rises to well over 5,000 m (16,400 ft), with high-altitude terrain on its upper slopes where glaciers, volcanic rock and loose ash create demanding conditions for any ascent.
- The official language is Spanish and the currency is the Mexican peso. Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Pico de Orizaba on social platforms
These links open searches for Pico de Orizaba on each platform.Frequently asked questions about Pico de Orizaba
Where is Pico de Orizaba located?
Pico de Orizaba stands on the border between the Mexican states of Veracruz and Puebla, west of Orizaba in eastern Mexico.location on Veracruz–Puebla border
What should travellers expect when visiting the mountain?
Travellers encounter a high volcanic cone with glaciated upper slopes, thin air at altitude, and terrain that shifts from settled highlands to bare rock and loose volcanic material.
What makes Pico de Orizaba distinctive among North American mountains?
Pico de Orizaba combines status as Mexico’s highest mountain with being the highest volcano in North America and one of the continent’s three glaciated Mexican volcanic summits.highest volcano in North America
