Highest Altitude BBQ on Land
Let me take you on a wild ride as I share the story of my craziest adventure yet: the quest for the world’s highest altitude BBQ on land atop Mexico’s monstrous Iztaccihuatl volcano, towering at a whopping 5,050 meters above sea level. Whether it is or not the highest altitude BBQ on land on the world is yet to be confirmed, but we’ve applied to a Guinness record. As always, a record doesn’t guarantee that it actually was the highest altitude BBQ on land, but at least potentially the highest documented one. This will be updated once we get feedback from Guinness.
Conquering the Heights: My Epic Adventure with The World's Highest Altitude BBQ on Land
Last week I had the opportunity to complete one of the craziest adventures I’ve done so far —a journey that transcended mere physical exertion and delved deep into the realms of resilience and adventure. Embarking on a hike towards the summit of the Iztaccihuatl volcano in central Mexico, my brother and a friend of mine set out to accomplish somethingout of the ordinary: the world’s highest altitude BBQ on land. Here’s the exhilarating tale of our epic adventure.
Combining two passions: Mountaineering & Grilling
The seed of this audacious plan was planted in the fertile soil of my passion for outdoor grilling and mountaineering. Armed with a portable grill, prime cuts of beef, and unwavering determination, we embarked on a midnight ascent from the base of the volcano. For over six grueling hours, we traversed treacherous terrain, battling against the elements as we ascended to dizzying heights.
If someone asked me to summarize the past week in one word, I would struggle. To encapsulate the array of emotions, physical and mental exertions, and lessons learned would require a library, not a single term. Yet, if I must, I’d say: transformative.
Last week, I embarked on a hike that took me to an altitude of 5,100 meters. The journey itself was a symphony of highs and lows—sometimes I felt like I was floating effortlessly, soaking in the beauty around me, while at other times I ended up wondering why anyone would hike up a mountain (while I don’t do real climbing, there were definitely a few areas which were a bit scary). The experience served as a visceral metaphor for the world of entrepreneurship, a realm I’ve dived headfirst multiple times. This time specifically, we were launching a business this week, where I am a hands-on investor.
The journey itself
Embarking on the ascent of the majestic Iztaccihuatl volcano under the cloak of night was an exhilarating start to an adventure of a lifetime. With multiple groups setting out at the stroke of midnight, the path ahead was illuminated only by the twinkling stars above and the distant city lights far below. As we trekked steadily upwards, the breathtaking panoramas unfolded before us, serving as a captivating distraction from the physical exertion. With each step, we grew more invigorated, fueled by the anticipation of reaching the summit. The path, though steep at times, was navigable, offering glimpses of the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounded us, from the fiery glow of the Popocatepetl volcano to the infinite expanse of the starlit sky.
However, as we ascended beyond the 5,100-meter mark, the weather took a dramatic turn, shrouding us in dense fog and buffeting winds. With visibility reduced to a mere meter, we made the prudent decision to halt our ascent just above the “first knee” of the volcano. Despite falling short of our original goal, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the unpredictability and unforgiving nature of high-altitude hiking. And so, with our sights set on new horizons, we embraced the opportunity to make our mark on the mountain, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Didn't make it to the summit, but did get to make our BBQ above 5,000 meters
After making the tough decision to forego our summit attempt on the towering Iztaccihuatl volcano due to worsening weather conditions, my team and I were determined to salvage the day with an unforgettable experience. With spirits undeterred, we quickly pivoted our plans and decided to turn our temporary halt the epic BBQ we had planned for the summit. Positioned at a lofty altitude of around 5,100 meters, just below the daunting “first knee” of Iztaccihuatl, we unpacked our gear.
As proud “norteños” hailing from northern Mexico, we came prepared for this exact scenario, equipped with a trusty portable grill from my very own e-commerce brand, Rosuto Niku, and a selection of prime cuts from the esteemed El Rancho 17 beef brand. To complement our feast, we brought along with some Bacanora and Coronas, ensuring that our mountain BBQ would be nothing short of extraordinary. As the savory aroma of grilling meat filled the crisp mountain air, my brother, our good friend Till, and I shared laughs and stories, savoring each delicious bite as if it were a victory in itself. Despite falling short of our original goal, our not so impromptu BBQ at ~5,100 meters stands was an extraordinary experience.
Hiking and Resilience: The Uphill Battle Why did I decide to go on a high-altitude hike amid all the chaos of setting up businesses?
For one simple reason: to build Resilience. Just like entrepreneurship, hiking at high altitudes is a test of mental, emotional, and physical fortitude. The air gets thinner as you climb, the winds become harsher, and each step seems to be a Herculean task. However, it’s when you’re faced with these trials that you discover what you’re truly made of. Similarly, in business, the landscape gets increasingly complex as you scale—competition intensifies, challenges multiply, and setbacks become the norm rather than the exception.
Resilience is often cited as one of the most critical qualities for success, whether you’re navigating the stormy waters of entrepreneurship or aiming for the corner office in a multinational corporation. Being resilient means that you can bounce back from failures, adapt to change, and continue to pursue your goals despite the odds. It equips you with the emotional intelligence to deal with stress, manage relationships, and maintain a positive outlook, even when things seem bleak. Resilience is not just about survival; it’s about thriving in an environment of constant change and uncertainty.
If I’ve learned anything from my recent experiences, it’s that building resilience is not a one-time exercise but a lifelong commitment. You don’t become resilient by reading a book or attending a seminar; you become resilient by facing challenges head-on, both at work and outside of it. This is why I love activities like high-altitude hiking or long-distance cycling; they take me out of my comfort zone and confront me with my own limitations, pushing me to break through them.
So here’s my advice to anyone reading this: get out there and challenge yourself. Whether it’s taking a strenuous hike, starting a new project, or diving into the unknown, push your boundaries. It’s in those moments of struggle that we find our true selves and build the resilience necessary to succeed in any endeavor.
After all, resilience isn’t just a skill; it’s a lifestyle.
