whaT TO DO IN pICO?
CLIMB THE mountain
Do you want to see the sunrise? Escape from the warmest and busiest hours of the day? Night climb is for you...
Do you want climb Pico mountain during daytime, without carrying extra weight? Come for a Day Climb...
REVIEWS FROM OUR ADVENTURERS
DAY CLIMB
NIGHT CLIMB
DESCRIPTION
Start Point: Mountain´s House
Finishing Point: Mountain´s House
Difficulty: Hard
Extension: aprox. 8 Km (total up and down)
Minimum Elevation: 1230m (Mountain's House)
Maximum Elevation: 2351m (Piquinho)
Duration (Day Climb): 8 to 9 hours
Duration (Night Climb): 9 to 10 hours
Type: linear (outward and return)
With an elevation of 2351 meters, Mount Pico is the highest point in Portugal and the third largest volcano in the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the summit is undoubtedly a challenge for most visitors, and we will be happy to guide you on this adventure, which begins at the mountain house at 1230 meters, where we register and receive a GPS tracking for our safety.
The trail is a total of 8 km, marked by 47 stakes up to the crater, along which we can appreciate various geological formations, species of fauna and flora, as well as learn about the history of the island. The terrain is constantly changing and there are slippery areas that, together with the steepness of some sections, make this trail of medium-high difficulty. It is not necessary to be an athlete, but good physical condition is important. But don't worry, we will adapt the speed to your pace!
We will make some stops for you to rest, take pictures, eat and drink something. At the top, you will experience new sensations and it will be a pleasure to be part of this moment! If there are few people we can eat there, the meal will be as good as what you bring ;) Usually, during high season, we eat in the crater so that everyone can enjoy Piquinho, since the number of people in that area is limited, but we also have the right to eat with a panoramic view.
If the ascent is more cardio-respiratory, in the descent the knees and feet are the most affected and most visitors find this the hardest part...think of some games to share during these times!
THE LANDSCAPE IS DIFFERENT EVERY DAY
one can be inside the clouds or above them
one can see all the islands in the central group or a sea of clouds
It is not up to us, but remember
EVERY CLIMB IS MAGICAL!
TRAIL
DESCRIPTION
- The climb starts in the earlly morning so we can enjoy the most at our rhythm... we can adjust to the group schedule needs but it is better if we start as soon as the sun comes out so we can do a more comfortable hike up in the shade of the mountain.
- This activity usually takes between 8 to 9 hours, depending on the group. The most important is that you enjoy it with no hurries.
- Normally our groups are limited to 9 persons (by the rules each guide can take up to 12) so the guide can pay more attention to the needs of each one. The minimum is 2 persons, in case of a single person the price applied is the double.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Mountain fee, insurance, certified guide and walking poles.
MEETING POINT
- Mountain's House (Transportation not available).
EQUIPMENT
- For a safe and comfortabe activity come equiped.
See equipment >
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
9 pax by guide
60 €/pax
1st May to 30th September
DAY
CLIMB
DESCRIPTION
- We start during the night… the goal is to reach the summit right before the sunrise and have breakfast delighted with the view.
- This activity usually takes between 9 to 10 hours, depending on the group.
- Normally our groups are limited to 9 persons (by the rules each guide can take up to 12) so the guide can pay more attention to the needs of each one. The minimum is 2 persons, in case a single person the price applied is the double.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Mountain fee, insurance, certified guide, walking poles* and headlamps*
* Availability dependent on group size
MEETING POINT
- Mountain's House (Transportation not available)
EQUIPMENT
- Normally it is cold, even in summer so warm clothes are important, mainly when we are waiting for the sunrise. For a safe and comfortable activity is important to come well equipped... see equipment>
Duration: 9 to 10 hours
9 pax per guide
80 €/pax
15 June to 30 September
NIGHT
CLIMB
EQUIPMENT
FULL CHECK LIST OF RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
Shoes, Clothes and accessories
Hiking boots/shoes with good grip, preferentially boots (your nails and ankles will be thankful if you choose boots)
Breathable t-shirt (first layer), long leaves will protect you better from the sun
Warm jacket or pull-over (second layer), bring it on a waterproof/plastic bag to keep it dry if on you backpack
Trousers (not jeans nor leggings), better if you have as well some waterproof pants
Waterproof/breathable jacket (third layer), because the weather can change fast
Waterproof/warm gloves, even in summer can be windy and cold up there (a pair of socks can work as well for cold)
Head cover (hat, bonnet, Buff)
Sun screen, so you can enjoy the rest of your holidays
Trekking poles, your knees will thank you later (we can lend you)
Comfortable backpack, better with hip belt (minimum size recommended: 20lt so you have space for clothes if you need)
Backpack cover, it may rain at any moment
Water and food
- Water, we recommend 2L (minimum 1,5lt, if you drink a lot bring 3lt)
- High-energy snacks (dry fruits, energy bars or chocolate are good options)
- Some Sandwiches, to eat on the top and along the way
* we don´t recommended to take alcohol
Other useful items
- Sunglasses
- Change clothes (you can leave it in the car or the Mountain’s House)
- waterproof or plastic bags to protect your belongings
- Cellphone and/or camera and/or DRONES [request permition here]
If you don’t have some of the items lets us know!
Why a guide? Why atiPICO?
If you are, or not, a mountain trekker, a guide can make your life easier:
- We will guide trough the path, so you don’t need to think too much about finding the best way. Pico mountain is a singular and fragile ecosystem that takes a long time to recover, so keeping you on the path avoids stepping on the plants, minimizing the impact.
- Weather changes fast and with fog it may not be easy to spot the poles… guides are experienced knowing the trail
- Along the way we will show you the particularities of this natural reserve: geology, fauna and flora. We love to talk so feel free to ask any question about what you see, us, the island or the Azores… we will answer the best we know.
- We can provide some equipment that you may need, like the hiking poles
- We prefer small groups, 9 is normally our maximum per guide, so we ca provide you some individualized support each step
- Fees and insurance are included.
Still some doubts, just send them on the message area on the contact form
Tips to enjoy the Mountain...
- Come with a guide. Come with us! We will make our best to provide you an enjoyable and safe journey.
- Follow the guide footsteps. Pico mountain is a singular and fragile ecosystem, so keeping you on the path avoids stepping on the plants
- Leave some days available for this activity, forecast change a lot here!
- Prepare yourself, do as much walk you can before coming, better if you can go up and down some hills.
- Get used to your shoes Wear the shoes/boots you have chosen for the climb a few times before.
- Have a good sleep the night before, it will give you more energy.
- Take only photos & Leave only footsteps. Mount Pico is a natural reserve. Don’t take any rocks, minerals or plants. PLEASE bring your trash back or give it to your guide. Less plastic better, compost if you can!
EVEN IN SUMMER TIME:
- weather forecast can be unstable! RAIN, WIND & COLD can surprise us anytime, please follow the recommended list to come prepared for all kind of conditions!
- night temperatures can be really low (down to 0ºC), please come prepared for COLD conditions while waiting for SUNRISE!
The climb may not be allowed and deposit not returned:
- if the climber doesn’t have the MANDATORY EQUIPMENT for the practice of this activity
- if the climber’s boots/shoes don´t have GOOD GRIP. Please don´t bring boots/shoes with flat sole or that haven't been used for a long time because the sole tends to dry and fall off.
- hikking boots/shoes
- rain jacket
- backpack
- food and water (min. 1,5lt)
EXTRA MANDATORY for NIGHT CLIMB & UNSTABLE WEATHER: Warm jackets | Trousers (not jeans nor leggings), if you have also waterproof trousers better | Warm/waterproof hat and gloves
EXTRA RECOMMENDED for UNSTABLE WEATHER: Waterproof backpack cover | Important belongings protected from rain (like clothes, cell phones, wallets, etc...)
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
As some SECONDARY ROADS ARE IN BAD CONDITIONS, the best way to get the mountain's house is to use the MAIN ROADS as on the routes we suggest on the map, despite any other recommendation from GPS
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RED ROUTE (link) | Between São Caetano and Santa Luzia follow through MADALENA
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GREEN ROUTE (link) | Between São João and Calheta follow through LAJES DO PICO
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BLUE ROUTE (link) | Between Santo António and Piedade follow through SÃO ROQUE DO PICO
If you don’t know these roads and once there is always a chance to get fog or find cows in the middle of the road, it is better to count on a longer duration than what your GPS predicts and as we recommend on the map.
HOW to GET THE mountain's HOUSE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1 | GENERAL CONDITIONS
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All activities include briefing and are accompaniment by a certified guide;
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All the activities are covered by an insurance of civil responsibility and personal accidents (maximum age is 75);
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Prices include the entrance fee to Pico Mountain’s Natural Reserve;
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Prices do not include equipment, meals or transportation;
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The activity begins at the mountain house;
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atiPICO reserves all rights over the photographic material or films, they make during the activities, and are authorized to use it, namely sending it to all the participants, and eventual social media posts. If you do not want to, you must inform us before the activity starts.
2 | CONDUCT
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It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that they are in good physical and health conditions that are necessary to perform the activities;
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The client is responsible for its own personal conduct;
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Choosing to be guided, the client must respect the guides decisions and recommendations, which always aim for the safety of each participant and the group; Therefore, the guide may decide that one or more hikers should stop the activity at any point;
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The company is not responsible by accidents resulting from the client’s imprudence or disrespect to the guides recommendations;
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The company is not responsible for the client’s belongings;
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The client is responsible for the geolocation equipment (GPS) given by the mountain house to all visitors. In case of damaging or losing it, a 300€ fee will be charged;
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The client is responsible for the poles and headlamp, in case of lost or damage will be charged an additional value of 5€ and 15€ respectively;
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Please don't leave any debris in the mountain, including organic leftovers or toilet paper;
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Pico Mountain is a Natural Reserve, to reduce our impact please follow the guide and the path chosen by him, and avoid stepping on plants and taking plants or rocks.
3 | RESERVATIONS
- The activities depend on spots available, so any request will only be confirmed after receiving all the personal data requested, for insurance activation and registrations, plus the payment of the deposit (30€ per person);
4 | CANCELLATIONS
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AtiPICO reserves the right to cancel the activity before it starts (charging 5€ per person to cover costs with booking management) when weather conditions make it impracticable and/or the safety conditions are not fulfilled, being refunded the remaining value of the deposit.
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If the reservations are cancelled by the client up to 72 hours before the activity, only the booking management fee (5€ per person) will be charged and the remaining value of the deposit returned;
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If the client cancels the reservation between the 72 and 24 hours before the activity, the deposit (30€ per person) will not be refunded, due to expenses and conflicts with other bookings;
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If the client cancels the reservation within the 24 hours before the activity | No-show | Excessive delay | Lack of the mandatory equipment, full value will be charged;
Once an activity has been initiated, its total value will be charged, even if it is not completed: Due to physical incapacity or customer withdrawal; When weather conditions or other, make it impracticable to continue; When the safety conditions are not fulfilled.
Schedule changes and cancellations due to bad weather are common, even in summer, mainly in night climbs, so it’s extremely important to be always connected (preferentially whatsapp), if possible, save several days available for the climb and place to sleep in case of night climb. We always try our best to readjust everyone, but it depends or our, yours and the spots on the house of the mountain. For night climbs we usually can readjust for day climb the same day, so better not have other activities booked for the same day.
WeBcams
View from PICO
Mountain Base
View from FAIAL
Horta
View from São Jorge
Calheta
View from PICO
Lajes do Pico
TEAM
MÓNICA, NUNO & DANIEL
CERTIFIED MOUNTAIN GUIDES | AGMA
Mónica and Nuno love to hike and since 2005 they have been doing it regularly, starting with different tracks across Portugal and deciding in 2012 to embark on a two-year backpacking adventure, "walking through" all the countries of South America. Some of the best hikes were Mount Roraima in Venezuela, the Lost City in Colombia, in the Galapagos in Ecuador, the Cordillera Blanca and Machu Picchu in Peru, Salar Uyuni in Bolivia, in the various Andean range Parks between Chile and Argentina, such as Torres del Paine, Conguillillo, Alerces y glaciares. In 2014 they returned to Pico Island where they seek to create and live in an environmentally sustainable space, in harmony with Nature, which they love to explore... especially the climb to the highest point of Portugal, where they will be pleased to guide you in a diferent experience.
Daniel has discover his passion for hiking and climbing mountains when he moved from Lisbon to the Azores back in 2009, when he climbed Pico mountain for the first time. In 2016 he decided to quit his old jobs has a developer and music teacher to volunteer in communities and sustainable projects around South America for more than 2 years. During this period he did a lot of trekking and climbing in several Natural Parks and mountains al over the continent like Roraima (Venezuela), Chapada Diamantina, Aparados da Serra (Brazil), Machu Picchu (Perú), Salar Uyuni (Bolivia), San Pedro de Atacama desert, Torres del Paine, Vale de Cochamó (Chile), Ushuaia, Peninsula Valdez, El Bolsón, Bariloche, El Chaltén (Argentina), Tayrona (Colombia) and more. He came back to Pico island in 2019 to start a sustainable and ecological project choosing to go back to be a music teacher and to became a mountain guide joining atiPICO team and provide you an atypical experience climbing the highest point of Portugal.
WHAT ELSE TO do in Pico
Pico Mountain is one of the main atraccions and the hardest trail (must have good physical shape), but there is much more THINGS TO DO IN PICO ISLAND, like: exploring CAVES, learn and taste Pico WINE, check the amazing landscapes of LAGGONS, learn and hike trough VOLCANOES, see WHALES and learn about WHALERS heritage, etc...
This way we created 6 suggestions of SELF-GUIDED DAY TOURS for our adventurers to explore the remaining island:
This routes have a general description with its points of interest and maps for optional trails (marked and easier), including links and tips. Some have common points of interest so you can chose acording to your interests and available days on the island. If you climb Pico mountain we suggest you to book it on the first day so you can try to readjust the day in case of bad weather.
If you are a WINE lover we created 2 extra routes that include more tasting and wine related experiences, both start at Wine Museum going in diferent directions:
This suggestions are moststly routes, trails and points f interest, for detailed information about the island we recommend to check out our friends blogs:
- Bruno from GEEKY EXPLORER wrote a "Full Guide" and rated his "Top things to do in Pico Island"
- Inês and Chris from RANDOM TRIP wrote a "Travel guide to visit the island" including routes suggestions depending on the available days
Contacts
You can do your BOOKING REQUEST trought bellow form or our email, phone or WHATsAPP contact.
As soon as possible, we will answer to you by email informing about our availability. CHECK your SPAM BOX please if you don´t get it in 48hours.
If you have several days available for this activity, please inform us!
atipicoazores@gmail.com
(+351) 915340487 | 919991776
atipicoazores.com
Rua Eng. Falcão s/n, 9930-147 Lajes do Pico
