Montanha do Pico
Montanha do Pico
4.5
About
Classified as a nature reserve since 1972, this is the highest mountain (7,800 feet) in Portugal, which is capped by a crater, the Pico Grande, from which a small cone emerges.
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4.6
526 reviews
Excellent
401
Very good
91
Average
15
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5
Terrible
14
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Clara G
3 contributions
July 2024 • Couples
We made the ascent of Pico on 07/28/2024 without Guide. Reservation is mandatory, to be made well in advance (seats leave quickly, especially morning slots!) on the site of Casa Da Montanha which equipped us with GPS beacons and gave us safety instructions. We left at 12:30 in the clouds which allowed us to enjoy the coolness for the ascent. This one is fairly well marked, in 47 posts and we always had in view the next. The Pico has no classic hiking trails and climbing is to be expected, the path is steep and demanding. The ascent of the cone to the top is the most complex part, but with clear weather we were able to enjoy an exceptional view with the Impression of being on the roof of the Azores! We found the descent more complicated than the ascent despite the well adapted shoes.
We took 7 hours round trip up to the top.
I strongly recommend long adapted pants, gloves to be more comfortable climbing the rock which can be sharp, lots of water, protein bars, rainwear since the weather changes quickly, walking sticks and adapted shoes (hiking or trail).
The hike, although demanding is worth it, it is clearly not boring and hopefully the show at the top will be there!
We took 7 hours round trip up to the top.
I strongly recommend long adapted pants, gloves to be more comfortable climbing the rock which can be sharp, lots of water, protein bars, rainwear since the weather changes quickly, walking sticks and adapted shoes (hiking or trail).
The hike, although demanding is worth it, it is clearly not boring and hopefully the show at the top will be there!
Automatically translated
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad35691118325
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
Perfect weather beautiful summit but paid to make the mountain 😅😅😅
It is a super easy summit to do, round trip with my 7 year old son and my wife in 4h00 including pose and multiple photos.
It is possible not to pay by going to the left of the main building!
Because 75 euros for 3... don't screw around 😅😂
As a guide and experienced mountaineer I advise you not to take a guide because the path is ultra-marked and the trail is very difficult to miss.
No difficulty, no climbing, and in addition they pass you GPS watches 😂😂 if pay you.
Good summits to all
It is a super easy summit to do, round trip with my 7 year old son and my wife in 4h00 including pose and multiple photos.
It is possible not to pay by going to the left of the main building!
Because 75 euros for 3... don't screw around 😅😂
As a guide and experienced mountaineer I advise you not to take a guide because the path is ultra-marked and the trail is very difficult to miss.
No difficulty, no climbing, and in addition they pass you GPS watches 😂😂 if pay you.
Good summits to all
Automatically translated
Written 23 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dianinha m
Castelo de Vide, Portugal8,910 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
I came in the boat at 9:00 and as I saw it was discovered I took the opportunity to go up because you never know how it is the next day.
It took 4 hours to go up and down (about 20 years ago I did 3 hours). The mountain has more and more loose stone in some pieces which makes it difficult to climb and descend.
From someone who has already ascended 21 times I advise to rise immediately at sunrise and come down on the same day. The first time I slept in the crater and never again.
The most important in terms of clothing are the shoes that should be walking and with anti-slip sole. It is also important to wear a warm and waterproof jacket because it is cold on top.
Otherwise is to have some physical condition.
And enjoy...
It took 4 hours to go up and down (about 20 years ago I did 3 hours). The mountain has more and more loose stone in some pieces which makes it difficult to climb and descend.
From someone who has already ascended 21 times I advise to rise immediately at sunrise and come down on the same day. The first time I slept in the crater and never again.
The most important in terms of clothing are the shoes that should be walking and with anti-slip sole. It is also important to wear a warm and waterproof jacket because it is cold on top.
Otherwise is to have some physical condition.
And enjoy...
Automatically translated
Written 8 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chiara
Rome, Italy105 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
A good challenge! Absolutely not easy and not affordable for everyone. It takes some loosening. The route is very steep and on slippery ground. Bring plenty of water and food. We, quite experienced mountaineers and with an average easing, climbed in 3 hours and descended in 4 hours. The descent almost more difficult for fatigue on the legs. Recommendation to book access, otherwise you have to wait 2-3 hours in the shelter as happened to us. In the end it's worth it!
Automatically translated
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vishal J
12 contributions
Mar 2025 • Friends
Fun hike to do in Pico. I climbed it in March without a guide, and the weather conditions were poor. There was heavy rain and wind, along with snow and ice as we approached the top of the mountain. If you do choose to hike in these conditions, crampons are required. It took my group about 6 hours to complete the full hike to the top of the mountain and back down to the mountain house.
The hike was a bit more challenging than expected given the weather conditions, limited visibility, and loose rock along the path. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable experience with my friends.
The hike was a bit more challenging than expected given the weather conditions, limited visibility, and loose rock along the path. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable experience with my friends.
Written 12 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tea4ulrich
Neu-Ulm, Germany42 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We drove to the mountain hut by car.
This starting point is below the climb. Every visitor receives a GPS tracker and will be rescued by the fire brigade if necessary. For €5, the best solution for a safe climb. Top advice from the caring staff
The climb is sporty and offers a lot for every visitor
Great panoramic view, simply magnificent
This starting point is below the climb. Every visitor receives a GPS tracker and will be rescued by the fire brigade if necessary. For €5, the best solution for a safe climb. Top advice from the caring staff
The climb is sporty and offers a lot for every visitor
Great panoramic view, simply magnificent
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rina
Aalen, Germany9 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The Pico was great and the climb was an absolute highlight.
Nevertheless, I think it's important to be aware of what you're doing.
Good equipment is a must (gloves and poles are definitely other things I take for granted)
In many travel reports and travel guides, I think the tour is played down a bit.
It's not a more demanding hike, but a mountain climb.
You should be aware of that.
It's certainly not a problem for people with a lot of alpine experience, but definitely not for someone who has never climbed more than 500 meters in one day.
Above all, you shouldn't overestimate yourself and know and accept your own limits.
The times in which other hikers have climbed the mountain shouldn't lead you to want to keep up.
It shouldn't be a race. The view is always beautiful when the weather is good, so don't let yourself be stressed by other hikers overtaking you, but take enough breaks and enjoy the view.
It's important that you get back down safely. No matter what time it is.
Oh yes, if you don't make it to the small summit, you'll still get a great view. It's not a must and shouldn't lead you to overestimate yourself.
Have fun climbing :)
Nevertheless, I think it's important to be aware of what you're doing.
Good equipment is a must (gloves and poles are definitely other things I take for granted)
In many travel reports and travel guides, I think the tour is played down a bit.
It's not a more demanding hike, but a mountain climb.
You should be aware of that.
It's certainly not a problem for people with a lot of alpine experience, but definitely not for someone who has never climbed more than 500 meters in one day.
Above all, you shouldn't overestimate yourself and know and accept your own limits.
The times in which other hikers have climbed the mountain shouldn't lead you to want to keep up.
It shouldn't be a race. The view is always beautiful when the weather is good, so don't let yourself be stressed by other hikers overtaking you, but take enough breaks and enjoy the view.
It's important that you get back down safely. No matter what time it is.
Oh yes, if you don't make it to the small summit, you'll still get a great view. It's not a must and shouldn't lead you to overestimate yourself.
Have fun climbing :)
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piriou
Paris, France181 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Superb experience, book well in advance otherwise you risk waiting at least 2 hours at the volcano house which is easily accessible by car. Arrival without reservation especially before 8 a.m.
Long but marked climb, spot the poles carefully so as not to deviate from the path otherwise you climb for nothing. The weather is variable, expect rain. Very beautiful panorama on the climb, the arrival was in the clouds. Untrained and without a guide, it took us 8 hours. Step by step. The descent takes the longest and is more difficult.
Long but marked climb, spot the poles carefully so as not to deviate from the path otherwise you climb for nothing. The weather is variable, expect rain. Very beautiful panorama on the climb, the arrival was in the clouds. Untrained and without a guide, it took us 8 hours. Step by step. The descent takes the longest and is more difficult.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graziano G
Milan, Italy369 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Stupendous! Not an easy route but not impossible if you are not in a hurry and find the right day with time. It is better to have a guide, not so much because of the route which is visible even to non-experts, but because he is able to understand and indicate the climatic variables. Breathtaking panorama, many hikers (perhaps too many) and travel times, for those with a good pace, of around 5 hours. Don't let it scare you, coming here and then changing your mind is a missed opportunity
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saskia
Mannheim, Germany69 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We started at 8 in the morning, to get the hardest part done before it’s getting to hot. The staff explained us everything, unfortunately we were not told, that there are different price ranges (15€ to the crater, 25€ to the top), so we paid the highest price, because we thought it’s the only one. The way and the view are really beautiful, but also really challenging. Good equipment is a must. If you’re not an experienced hiker, it will be really helpful to get a guide, because they know the easiest way. We often took a more challenging route and saw afterwards, that there would have been a better way - it’s not marked that good. Please always have in mind, that all the way you went up, you’ll have to get down.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olá!!
Sabem de alguma empresa q esteja a funcionar nesta altura para marcação? Obg
Written 21 February 2021
Bonjour,
Je prévois de faire lascension en étant un peu fatiguée.. Je vdrais savoir comment est le chemin. Rocaille ? Plat ? Terreux ?
Je fais en gal des rando de 600 700m. Est ce faisable pr moi ?...
Written 2 August 2019
Salve,
Tra un mese sarò a Pico e vorrei andare sul Vulcano, perchè credo che sarebbe un'esperienza bellissima. Il problema è che io e la mia ragazza non siamo molto allenati. Al momento le uniche attività di trekking fatte da me nell'ultimo mese, senza preparazione precedente, sono state due camminate classificate come livello E (in entrambi i casi circa 10km e 1000m di dislivello in 2 ore), fatte con fatica, ma comunque portate a termine. Invece la mia ragazza non ha alcun tipo di preparazione in tal senso. E' fattibile andare su Pico con questo grado di "non preparazione"? Grazie
Written 10 July 2019
Wie verhält es sich denn, wenn ich ohne Bergführer aufsteigen möchte mit einer vorherigen Reservierung? Ist das notwendig? Ich habe jetzt schon oft gelesen, dass am Tag nur eine gewisse Anzahl an Personen auf den Berg darf und da wir gerade in der Hochsaison dort sind, habe ich Bedenken, dass alle Plätze für geführte Touren reserviert sein könnten.
Written 2 July 2019
Há transporte publico ate a casa da montanha? E transfer? Quanto custa?
Written 12 May 2019
Greetings,
Thanks for your note about Pico. Do you know if it's true they let the guided climbs reserve first at the visitor center in the morning? My partner and I are both very fit and I feel like I don't need a guide, but i don't want to be stuck waiting for hours as they let all of the guided tours pass in front of us. And what time do you recommend getting there for a Sunday hike in July? Thanks!
Written 12 March 2019
Yes, the people who have booked with guides get priority. Other people just have to turn up on the day and hope there are still enough places left as private individuals can't book in advance. It's not a problem out of season (I was the only person who went up in 3 days last week! It was bad conditions - I do a lot of solo mountain walking in Scotland but would have struggled without a guide in the thick cloud and ice/snow as I had no map, compass etc ), but in July-August, the 200 places can be all allocated by 6 or 7am apparently (it includes people who are still on the mountain from overnight climbs). Even if you get a place and can go up, in summer you'll be queuing at the summit I suspect!
Note there's no public transport to the mountain either, so you have to pay for a taxi there and back if you don't have a guide.
Written 12 March 2019
Ciao Guglielmo, domanda.
Andremo alle Azzorre nella prima settimana di luglio e nel programma della settimana c'è anche il trekking sul vulcano Pico.
Io non sono allenata e per nulla abituata a camminare in montagna, mi piacerebbe però fare quest'esperienza, è davvero dura?
Grazie,
Erika
Written 4 March 2019
Hello
We are coming in the begin of september, to climb the mountain in Pico.
We would like to attempt the night climb with a gids.
Can you recommed us a guide or agency?
Kind regards,
Melissa AB
Written 18 August 2018
Hey im Raisa, mountain guide at Tripix. You can contact us at whatsapp +351 963 778 109 😉 or mail
Written 27 August 2018
Buenas tardes,
Viajo a Pico en Agosto y me gustaria contratar un guia.
Usted, cuenta que subió con guia, con que empresa contactó?
Que tal eran los guías?
Muchas gracias,
Teresa
Written 13 August 2018
Hallo Teresa, ich war nicht auf dem Berg ganz oben weil das Wetter zu riskant war. Einen Guide kann Ihnen Nanu von Calma do Mar empfehlen. dort habe ich auch geschlafen und kann die Unterkunft uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen. Viel Spaß auf Pico, Katja
Written 18 August 2018
ciao Guglielmo, sto per partire per le Azzorre e vorrei un parere su questa escursione.
il parere comune è che sia faticosa, ti chiedo in merito all' altezza... si arriva a quale quota? il cratere è a 3000 metri?
Written 25 July 2018
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