In August 2019, Quebec mountaineer François-Guy Thivierge began the challenge of his life: climb 55 mountains in 55 months to celebrate his 55th birthday. On a regular basis, Le Journal presents a mountain he has climbed as part of this project.
There are mountains that allow a seasoned mountaineer like François-Guy Thivierge to push his limits to the extreme. There are others that serve more as a feast for the eyes, with a contemplative objective. This is exactly what the explorer experienced in Mexico, during a getaway that he thoroughly enjoyed in the heart of the Nevado de Toluca volcano.
As part of his challenge to climb 55 mountains in 55 months for his 55th birthday, Thivierge cannot push himself to his limits at every opportunity. His incredible world tour turns out to be grandiose, but also exhausting.
When he tackled the summit of Mexico recently, the Pico d’Orizaba, it was the main course of his trip to the heart of Mayan culture. As an insatiable mountain foodie, he couldn’t stop there.
“My main objective was the Pico d’Orizaba, but I took the opportunity to do the Nevado in the same period. I always try to plan a few mountains around my main dish. That mountain was my dessert. I place her on a pedestal for her beauty, ”he says in the well-figured language that
is clean.
Watch out for altitude!
Courtesy picture
At the top of the Nevado de Toluca, François-Guy Thivierge had an easy smile as he observed the magnificent landscape that stood before his eyes. His trip was made possible thanks to the contribution of his partner, Cliniques Médicales Lacroix.
Even if it is not a colossal exercise, Thivierge reminds us that caution is still required. The Nevado de Toluca is not a hill either! At 4645m, it is the fourth highest peak in Mexico.
“It’s a mountain which, despite its altitude, is not technically difficult. The fact remains that physically, you have to be in good shape to do the seven hours of hiking at altitude. The start is at 3300 m, and already, you feel a little mountain sickness. Gradually, when you reach the cape of 4000 m, it comes knocking”, he underlines.
Accessible trails
Most of the challenges taken up by the mountaineer from Quebec within his great project may seem inaccessible to ordinary mortals. Returning to his passage through Nevado de
Toluca, Thivierge, however, ensures that the place can suit both hiking enthusiasts and neophytes.
Courtesy picture
It was at altitude, around the crater of the volcano, that the explorer decided to brave the Nevado de Toluca.
For his part, he offered himself the tour of the crater, over about twenty kilometers in altitude. However, in the hollow of the crater, other less vigorous avenues are proposed.
“The tour of the crater is like a soup bowl, where on certain sides you are exposed to the void. At times, it can make you dizzy. I did it solo and you have to watch where you step. The slopes are sometimes very steep. This is a circuit made for experienced people. At the bottom of the crater, there are very accessible trails for beginners to go around the lagoons,” he explains.
“For someone who is going to do tourism in Mexico City, it’s a great activity to afford. It is an accessible natural place that is worth the detour. Quebec hikers who made the
Traversée de Charlevoix or the Acropole des Draveurs, for example, would find it totally appropriate. »
Sublime landscapes
Courtesy picture
The green lagoons were strikingly beautiful for the climber.
An adventure in the heart of the Nevado de Toluca, an inactive volcano for more than 2500 years, it is therefore a hike in a rocky landscape, sometimes desert-like, sometimes green. The lagoons furnish the picture wonderfully.
“You find yourself at altitude with green lagoons, one of the sun and the other of the moon. When you see these lakes, it marks the imagination. It is one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world. The colors are different from lakes in the Canadian Rockies. We are talking about an almost fluorescent green”.
“There is also an incredible tropical side with the birds, the iguanas, the cacti, the vegetation, the temperature… Even in the middle of December, it’s very hot”, salivates the hiker.
François-Guy Thivierge therefore continues to dream and make people dream. His project is following its course; the next stop is scheduled for Peru in July.
Nevado de Toluca
- Altitude : 4645m
- Country : Mexico
- Region : district of Mexico
- First ascent: unknown
- Ascent: 1300m
- Duration : 7 a.m.
► To follow his adventures: francoisguythivierge.com | Facebook | instagram @francoisguythivierge