Pico de Orizaba is the highest volcano in North America and a dormant giant.

Nature · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Rising 5,636 meters above sea level, this massive stratovolcano defines the Mexican landscape. Known as Citlaltépetl, or Star Mountain, it acts as a critical climate barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Plateau, while housing the largest glacier in the country. It remains a dormant but powerful geological force.

Pico de Orizaba, situated on the border of Veracruz and Puebla, is the highest peak in Mexico and the third highest in North America, trailing only Denali and Mount Logan. Its complex geological history spans three distinct stages of development, with the current structure—Citlaltépetl—evolving over the last 16,000 years. Composed of andesitic and dacitic lavas, the volcano is currently dormant, with its most recent eruption occurring in 1846. Historical records indicate a long history of activity, including a particularly violent eruption around 6710 BC that reached a magnitude of VEI 5.

The mountain's topography is notably asymmetrical. The eastern face, which receives heavy precipitation from trade winds, is the steepest side, while the northwestern face is more gradual, facilitating the accumulation of snow and the formation of glaciers. Orizaba is one of only three volcanoes in Mexico that still support glaciers, hosting nine in total. The largest, Gran Glaciar Norte, covers approximately 9.08 square kilometers and serves as the source for seven outlet glaciers. These ice formations are vital, as the volcano serves as a primary source of fresh water for the surrounding states.

Beyond its physical stature, the volcano is deeply embedded in regional culture and history. Its Náhuatl name, Citlaltépetl, reflects its visibility from hundreds of kilometers away, though contemporary local speakers often refer to it as Istaktepetl, or White Mountain. During the Spanish Conquest, the volcano served as a challenging landmark for Hernán Cortés, and it later became a central feature of trade routes between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz. Today, it is protected as a national park, established by President Lázaro Cárdenas in 1936, and remains a premier destination for international climbers who navigate its diverse microclimates and technical ice routes.

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