2351 meters (7713.26 feet) | the highest peak in Portugal, the third highest mountain in the Atlantic
2351 meters (7713.26 feet) | the highest peak in Portugal, the third highest mountain in the Atlantic
INFORMATION | RECOMMENDATIONS
hike Mount Pico
with our certified mountain guides RAA
Mount Pico is a volcano with an altitude of 2351 meters up to “Piquinho” (the top of the mountain). It is the highest peak in Portugal and is situated right here, in Pico Island.
The hike starts at an altitude of 1230 meters at “Casa da Montanha”. It is a 4 km hike (one way) with an elevation of 1150 meters. All hikers will have to register at “Casa da Montanha” where a GPS device will be given to you, to track you for your own safety. There are 47 marks up to the crater and the whole hike is 8 km.
Both the ascent and descent take an average duration of 3 to 4 hours. If you would like to hike Mount Pico but not all the way up, you can choose to hike to Furna Abrigo, which is a 1000-meter hike and takes around 45min to ascend.
When hiking Mount Pico, you will find an immense fauna and flora diversity as well as all kinds of geological formations. Flora examples include Thymus caespititius), Calluna vulgaris and Daboecia azorica whereas fauna examples include Oryctolagus cuniculus, Buteo buteo rothschildi and Nyctalus azoreum.
When reaching the summit, you will find volcanic fumaroles and the geodesic landmark, the highest point in Portugal. Reaching the summit is an unforgettable experience with the most amazing view over the island and the Atlantic Ocean.
After enjoying the top of the mountain, we will initiate the descent. This part of the hike requires a lot of concentration and extra care. The descent is challenging because the body will be tired from the ascent and so, you will be more prone to make mistakes. Our certified guides will be with you at all times, supporting you and helping you with any needs you may have!
Hiking Mount Pico with the LAVAsteps team is a truly unique and unforgettable experience, with adventure and safety at the top of our priorities!
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
we guarantee the best value for money experience
All the options below include price, insurance, natural reserve entry fee, transportation to Madalena / “Casa da Montanha” and a certified mountain guide.
To enjoy this adventure, you do not need to be an athlete, however, it is important to have a good fitness level. The trail is characterized by a steep slope, and it can be slippery at times, so we consider the difficulty level of this activity of moderate to high.
We adapt the hike to your needs, stopping whenever you need to take a break!
DEPARTURE
Early morning: Transportation from Madalena to “Casa da Montanha”; briefing.
Start the 3 to 4 hours hike to reach the top of the mountain.
We will have lunch in the mountain´s crater and after we will start the 3-to-4-hour descent.
DURATION
8 hours
CLOTHES
You should wear 3 layers: a lycra sweater / shirt, a sweatshirt and a waterproof jacket (preferably a sport´s one). Shorts / sports trousers depending on the weather. Hat, sunscreen. Hiking boots or trekking shoes. You should also bring a backpack that is comfortable and not heavy (less than 20 L). You should bring the essentials only.
MEALS
Energy bars or chocolate to help you with the hike; a sandwich and fruits for your meal.
IMPORTANT: please bring a minimum of 1.5 litres of water with you.
WHAT WE OFFER
Transportation from Madalena
Walking sticks
Entry fee to the natural reserve
Insurance
Certified mountain guide
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Moderate (level 3)
DEPARTURE
Starts at 2H00:
Transportation from Madalena to “Casa da Montanha”; briefing.
Start the 3-to-4-hour hike to reach the top of the mountain.
After sunrise, we will initiate the descent, which will take 3 to 4 hours.
DURATION
10 hours
CLOTHES
You should wear 3 layers: a lycra sweater / shirt, a sweatshirt and a waterproof jacket (preferably a sports one).
Shorts / sports trousers depending on the weather.
Hat, gloves, sunscreen
Hiking boots or trekking shoes
You should also bring a backpack that is comfortable and not heavy (less than 20 L). You should bring the essentials only.
MEALS
Energy bars or chocolate to help you with the hike; a sandwich and fruits for your breakfast.
IMPORTANT: please bring a minimum of 1.5 litres of water with you.
WHAT WE OFFER
Transportation from Madalena
Entry fee to the natural reserve
Insurance
Certified mountain guide
Walking sticks
Flashlight
Hat / gloves
Sleeping bag (optional)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Moderate (level 3)
DEPARTURE
Starts at 16H00:
Transportation from Madalena to “Casa da montanha”; briefing.
Start the 3-to-4-hour hike to the crater; set up the camping site.
After sunrise, we will start the 3-to-4-hour descent.
DURATION
20 hours
CLOTHES
You should wear 4 layers: a lycra sweater / shirt, 2 sweatshirts and a waterproof jacket (preferably a sports one).
Comfortable trousers, hat and gloves.
Hat and sunscreen.
Hiking boots or trekking shoes.
You should bring a backpack that is comfortable (less than 50 L).
MEALS
Energy bars or chocolate to help you with the hike; a sandwich and fruits for your meal.
IMPORTANT: please bring a minimum of 2.5 litres of water with you.
WHAT WE OFFER
Transportation from Madalena
Entry fee to the natural reserve
Insurance
Walking sticks
Flashlights
Tent
Sleeping bag
Camping mat
Hat
Gloves
Certified mountain guide
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Difficult (level 4)
DEPARTURE
Starts at 16H00:
Transportation from Madalena to “Casa da montanha”; briefing.
Start the 3-to-4-hour hike to the top of the mountain.
We will have a light meal at the mountain´s crater and start the 3-to-4-hour descent after sunset.
DURATION
10 hours
CLOTHES
You should wear 3 layers: a lycra sweater / shirt, a sweatshirt and a waterproof jacket (preferably a sports one).
Shorts / sports trousers depending on the weather.
Hat, gloves, sunscreen
Hiking boots or trekking shoes
You should also bring a backpack that is comfortable and not heavy (less than 20 L).
MEALS
Energy bars or chocolate to help you with the hike; a sandwich and fruits for your breakfast.
IMPORTANT: please bring a minimum of 1.5 litres of water with you.
WHAT WE OFFER
Transportation from Madalena
Walking sticks
Flashlights
Entrance to the natural reserve
Insurance
Certified mountain guide
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Moderate (level 3)
DEPARTURE
Early morning start:
Transportation from Madalena to “Casa da montanha”; briefing.
Start the 3-to-4-hour hike to the top of the mountain.
Lunch in the mountain´s crater and start the 3-to-4-hour descent.
DURATION
8 hours
CLOTHES
You should wear 4 layers: a lycra sweater / shirt, 2 sweatshirts and a waterproof jacket (preferably a sports one).
Waterproof trousers
Hat, sunglasses
Hiking shoes & trekking shoes
You should bring a comfortable backpack (less than 25 L)
MEALS
Energy bars or chocolate to help you with the hike; a sandwich and fruits for your breakfast.
IMPORTANT: please bring a minimum of 1.5 litres of water with you.
WHAT WE OFFER
Transportation from Madalena
Gloves
Walking sticks
Crampons
Entry fee to the natural reserve
Insurance
Certified mountain guide
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Complex (level 5)
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