Night hiking to the summit of Mount Pico in the Azores

Mount Pico in Azores is the highest mountain of Portugal - 2351mt/7713ft - and the third highest volcano in the North- Atlantic Ocean. The steep and irregular trail is composed between solidified lava flows and scramble rocks, has 4km distance and 1100mt of elevation from the starting point at Casa da Montanha (1230mt altitude) to the top of Mount Pico - Piquinho (2351mt altitude), covering the full climb on 8km distance and an accumulated elevation of 2200mt.

We don't demand any participant is an experienced hiker. However, to participate in the Mount Pico Climb, the participant must have a good physical condition, motor coordination and preferably have experience in trails with accentuated slope, and it is imperative to advise Tripix Azores, before confirming the activity, if the participant or any of the participants of the group have any physical restrictions or recent surgeries, especially in the lower limbs like knees and articulations, fear of heights, mental restrictions, heart problems, asthma problems or respiratory sensitivity, diabetes, pregnancy or other type of health limitations, and they must not have made a dive 24 hours before the ascent. The omission of any information detailed above is the entire responsibility of the participant and Tripix Azores reserves the right not to accept participation in the activity without any compensation of the amount paid, nor is responsible for the assistance to any problem that may occur during or after the ascent.

Participants with a sedentary lifestyle will not be allowed to participate in the Mount Pico Climb activity, as well as other physical activities. For adults over 65 years old and who are not used to practicing physical activity, Tripix Azores reserves the right to request a physical effort test and respective medical certificate that guarantees the health conditions to perform the mountaineering activity, as well as other activities of physical nature. For any situation, we always suggest a previous physical and mental preparation.

Children under 10 years old are advised to do this activity in a private group. The same situation applies to adults over 65 years old for the Mount Pico Climb and who are not used to mountaineering activities or to trails with accentuated slope; depending on the cases, Tripix Azores reserves the right to request an effort test and medical certificate to guarantee the health conditions to perform the activity.

After 30 minutes of ascent, if it is verified that the participant does not have the physical preparation and motor coordination necessary and fundamental to complete the activity safely and in time, it will be the guide's decision to exclude him/her from the group to ensure his/her safety and physical and mental well-being, not harming the context of an activity with characteristics of steep slopes. In this case, 50% of the value of the activity will be charged. In case of withdrawal at any other time, the full amount of the activity will be charged.

The meeting point for this activity is at the Mountain House. You can go there by car; there is a parking lot available for free. We don't recommend to go there by motorbike. The road is inclined and not advisable for this vehicle. We always advise to take the Madalena main road to the Mountain House to avoid other secondary roads that will make you lose time due to the bad shape of the pavement.

In this activity we don't include accommodation or food. Every participant should bring their own material, meal and water. The activity starts in the morning and has an average duration of 6 to 8 hours.

No, the only requirement is to have good physical condition and to have the right clothing and the right shoes (hiking shoes/boots).

During all year we experiment bad weather so we never know. May, June and September might be good months. However, the best advice we can give you is to have more dates, so we can use them as alternative dates to do the activity in case we don't have the best weather conditions to organize a safe and pleasant climb in the chosen day.

Yes, our groups can go up to 10 people. In case you are traveling alone we also recommend to join a group, since the minimum participant number for the activity is 2 people. The spots are limited, the sooner you book the better.

In case of bad weather, Tripix might cancel the activities, specially because bad weather conditions endanger the safety and well-being of the participants, as well as the quality of the activity performed. In this case Tripix may suggest an alternative date or activity, subject to availability, or if the customer wishes to proceed with a refund with the necessary adjustments, within a maximum of 15 working days.

The refunds are directly processed through the Explore-Share team. The refunds will only be processed after the date of the activity. Usually 24 hours after the date of the activity, Explore-Share sends an e-mail to Tripix asking if the activity has been carried of not. After Tripix answers it was not completed, justifying the reason, the Explore- ShareTeam will make the arrangements to refund the client as soon as possible.

In peak season (June-September) there is a lot of demand to climb the mountain, you should book as soon and fast as you can. We also advise to book in advance so you can choose the date you prefer.

Yes! It is essential to bring at least 3 liters (2 bottles of 1,5lt) of water per person and hydrating drinks (Powerade or Isostar). About the food we recommend sandwiches, boiled eggs, energy bars, chocolate, fresh or dry fruit and sandwiches. This activity does not include the meal, so it is mandatory that you bring food with you and the kind of food that you are used to eat. Eat enough food or high calorie diet while at altitude, even if your appetite is diminished, and drink enough water while you climb.

We advise:

• suitable mountain boots and comfortable, warm and waterproof clothing: a first layer in lycra, a second layer in polartek and a third water and wind proof layer;

• hat or a winter cap,

• gloves,

• sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection

• hiking backpack (20/40lts).

We provide hiking poles.

The above listed equipment is obligatory for a good and safe practice of the climb. We will not permit climbers wearing sneakers and jeans. If you don’t follow precisely this information, you won’t be allowed to do the climb with us!

Children under 10 years old are advised to do this activity in a private group. The same applies to adults over 65 years old and who are not used to mountaineering activities or to trails with accentuated slope; depending on the cases, we reserve the right to request an effort test and medical certificate to guarantee the health conditions to perform the activity.

The following items are included in the price:

-Professional and Certified Mount Pico Guide.

-Mount Pico Natural Reserve access fee.

-Hiking Poles.

-Allianz® Personal Accident Insurance.

-Certificate of Participation.

This guided climb doesn't include food.

The climb lasts 6 to 8 hours (3-4 hours to go up, and the same to go down).

During the summer season the start is at 6am and you get back at around 3pm. During the winter season it's starts at 8am and finishes around 5pm. You should be at the meeting spot at least 15 minutes before the starting time of your climb. The activity will start no later than 30 minutes after the stipulated time for the meeting point in the Mountain House.