One of my strategies in preparing for Denali is to test myself at higher elevations. The tallest peak I’ve reached so far is Mt. Whitney at 14,505′. Two times on that summit and a bunch of other 14ers in Colorado isn’t enough. I wanted to know how I’d do at altitudes greater than 14K. So I jumped on an opportunity to join a group planning for two higher peaks in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba at 18,491′ and Iztaccihuatl at 17,126′. We left right after Christmas and spent 6 days accomplishing this goal.
To make matters of meals and logistics easier, our group chose Servimont for all lodging, transportation and climbing needs on this trip. They are located in Tlachichuca, in the Mexican state of Puebla, about three and a half hours from Mexico City. They were selected based on a recommendation from a friend who had used them before. Having now experienced these services myself, I would recommend staying at Servimont as well. Here is what that experience was like for you to decide for yourself.
Before we get into Servimont details, I think it’s worth mentioning one small tip upon arriving in Mexico.
DAY 1 – Traveling to Mexico City
Our travel plans to Mexico were pretty straightforward. After arriving in Mexico City, we spent the first night at the Fiesta Inn near the airport. It was nice, clean and relatively inexpensive for what we needed. They also offered a free airport shuttle, which was very convenient. Just make sure you visit their coordination desk *inside* the airport at Terminal 2 to arrange your pick-up (kinda like you would if you were picking up a rental car).
Don’t waste your time wandering around the taxi area looking for Fiesta’s airport shuttle!
DAY 2 – Getting to Tlachichuca
Fiesta Inn provided us with a good night’s sleep and lots of food choices from their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet (look for their made-to-order omelets). We were then picked up by Servimont in a 15-passenger Sprinter van for the next leg of our adventure. With only 6 of us traveling, it was a pretty cush ride to Tlachichuca. Just be aware, your driver may not speak any English as was the case for us. Fortunately, someone in our group knew enough Spanish to handle all of our communication needs.
The excitement grew the closer we got. Here stood an 18,000 foot peak with no adjacent range to accompany it. I don’t think anyone recognized yet that we were looking at what would be our route up the Jamapa Glacier visible here.
Finally we arrived in Tlachichuca, with clear blue skies and El Pico always in view.
Staying at Servimont
Staying at Servimont is pretty unique. Their facility was once a soap factory now converted to what they call a classic alpine lodge. Since I’ve never been to such a lodge, I had no idea what to expect and thought of it more like a bunkhouse.
The entire 2nd floor is lined with single bunk beds. About 26 in total, all with flannel sheets, wool blankets and limp pillows provided. Lucky for us, the place was no where near capacity at this time.
Servimont’s dining room has seating for 18. No more than 10 guests in total were here during our stay.
The food was delicioso! …a nice variety of homemade Mexican meals that did not disappoint.
Their kitchen staff typically cooked enough to offer seconds for those with a larger appetite.
This lodge has a comfortable sitting area for reading, chatting or just catching up on social media (despite a poor wifi connection).
You will also find a spacious equipment room to organize your gear before departing for basecamp.
It’s hard to get a good outside pic of these accommodations because this “lodge” is more like a fortress.
…not that we ever felt unsafe in this little town, but we didn’t venture out at night either.
Tlachichuca
Speaking of town, Servimont is only one block over from the Zocalo of Tlachichuca (main square).
Cell coverage was better there. We also found public wifi, an ATM and several convenience stores where we bought bottled water at half the price Servimont was charging. Food vendors also filled the streets. I couldn’t pass up on a Nutella crepe and had to try the Mexican street corn called Elote.
We were there right after Christmas, so main square was all decorated for the holidays.
One thing you’ll soon notice is the number of dogs roaming around. They are eeeeverywhere. In the streets, under cars, on the rooftops. Lounging around by day so that they can bark and bark and bark… all. night. long. Sleeping with earplugs in Tlachichuca is an absolute must!
It was a good day to get ready for what was to come next.
