Hiking is popular on neighbouring Azores islands, but ascending Mount Pico, a dormant volcano is the ultimate Azorean adventure.
While it is not the highest mountain in the world, Mount Pico may be surprisingly tough to conquer, resulting in several unsuccessful climb attempts. Approximately one-third of climbers do not reach the summit.
Montanha do Pico (Mount Pico) on Pico island is the highest mountain in Portugal and the third highest in the Atlantic Ocean, standing at 2,351 metres. All climbers, guide or no guide, must check-in at Casa da Montanha. This is the starting place for everyone, standing at 1200m, which means you “only” have to climb 1,120m in elevation. You are given a GPS device, and your location is traced every minute for your safety.
There are a total of 47 numbered poles on the approach to the top, however, after pole #44, you’re already in the volcano’s crater. After that, there’s a last 70m ascent to a mini-mountain called Piquinho, which may be the most difficult section of all.
You don’t have to be an excellent athlete to hike Pico, but if you aren’t, you will certainly feel it.
The entire landscape around the volcano is rich in geological formations, notably the vineyards at the base of the mountain, classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Altitude: 2,351 meters (or 7,713 ft)
Start: Casa da Montanha, at 1,200m high
Marker poles in the climb: 47 (after pole #44, you’re already on the crater of
the volcano)
Duration: 7-8 hours (roughly 3h30 hours going up and 4 hours going down)
We suggest this equipment to climb Mount Pico
- Hiking/trekking shoes or boots with good grip
- Hiking sticks
- Rain jacket (even in summer, weather changes SO fast up there)
- Comfortable dry fit pants/trousers
- Breathable shirt
- Sunscreen
- Sun Hat
- Water (at least 1,5L)
- High-energy food and snacks (energy bars)
- Sandwiches
- Light backpack
- Trash bag – don’t leave anything behind!!
- Sunglasses
- Impermeable gloves
- Warm jacket
- Backpack cover
- Plastic bag(s) to protect any devices or electronic equipment
