Mt Pico

Nice views once you emerge from the clouds! Long drive over very rough roads. If it’s cloudy and foggy don’t give up! The top might be clear and above the fog. You have to pay and register in order to walk up. I didn’t do it. Other walkers reported to me that its a rough trail full of scrambling and loose rock. It takes about 4 hours to reach the top.

Make sure to order your permit well in advance. Make sure to pack good footwear and waterproof clothing or they might not let you climb. Head lamp is a smart plan also. Poles are well needed for the down. Do not be late for check in. This peak is great but the excuse to come to the island is even better. Buy a permit for two days in a row as you don’t know what day will be better for weather till last minute. Book at min 5 nights on the island, there is so much to do here and see. Fishing is excellent (pico sport fishing). Get a good car! Roads are iffy lol. If possible start hike time for 4:30 am for a good summit time. Took me 4.5 hours to get up and down. On average it’s 6-8 they say. Not being with a group had my pace faster I assume. AllTrails has full route info and tracking.

Approximately 3 hour climb with great views! We were lucky with nice weather. We started at 8 o'clock in the morning and were back in town around 15:30. Climb up is not too difficult, but you'll need good hiking shoes and poles if possible. The hardest part is the descent, since terrain is quite difficult. Also take sunscreen and some water (they recommend 1,5l per person). Overall well worth the effort, so don't miss this... 🙂

Great mountain! Nice views! No exact path, you just hike through the frozen lava between the poles marking the aprox path. Good mountain boots are mandatory! Path is not easy, very steep, but if you physicaly fit - you can make it in ! 💪You should make reservation for the climbing in advance. It costs 25€. Taxi from the airport to the mountain -30€. And do not forget to take certificate after descending the mountain! 🙂

One of the greatest highlights of my trip to the Azores. Taking the guided night climb was the best idea. I appreciated not having to care about the access, the insurances, the walking poles and the lamp. There was no one else in the trails but our small group. We quickly became very friendly with each others. We only met other people at the summit during the sunrise. No need to talk about the magnificient scenery. We saw shooting stars on the way up, crazy sunrise with the perfect amount of clouds afar, and great views on the way down. Do not underestimate how cold it can be with the wind at the summit. Wear appropriate clothing, even if it feels overkill to bring all this.

Hiked in January. Definitely take crampons, I didn't and my wrists paid for it dearly. Lots of ice covered rocks makes for a dangerous situation. It is very very easy to lose the trail so must look up and check to see next post, sometimes you can't. Download Mapsme which has the route and can be used offline. Great views at the top! Took about 3 hours to ascend, 3.5 down

Highest mountain in Portugal 🇵🇹! Beautiful and monumental. Take the upper road for stunning views of that volcano.

I recommend climbing in good weather. We postponed the climb for one day and only benefited from it. The ascent took about 3 hours and the descent - 2 hours. The ascent itself is not technically difficult, only a little climbing on top. Landscapes are incredible!