Climb Mount Pico With a Professional Guide

Trekking up Mount Pico with a certified guide is a thrilling opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Pico Natural Reserve. Participants can expect an 8-hour guided tour, with scenic viewpoints and the chance to reach the summit. While the hike requires good physical preparation, the small group size and specialized equipment ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a unique outdoor experience, this guided tour offers a chance to learn about the stunning landscapes of one of Portugal’s most iconic natural wonders.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Guided Tours In Pico Island.

Key Points

• The activity is an 8-hour guided hike to the summit of Mount Pico, led by a professional and certified Pico Mountain guide.
• The hike is of medium difficulty, requiring good physical preparation, and is limited to 6 participants.
• The itinerary includes sightseeing, hiking, and scenic views within the Pico Natural Reserve, with the summit reached around lunchtime.
• The activity includes access to the Pico Natural Reserve, hiking poles, crampons for winter conditions, and personal accident insurance.
• The hike is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health restrictions or low fitness levels.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

This activity offers the opportunity to climb Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal, with the guidance of a professional and certified Pico Mountain guide.

The hike is scheduled to last 8 hours and is intended for small groups limited to 6 participants. Good physical preparation is required, as the difficulty level is medium.

The itinerary includes a guided tour, sightseeing, hiking, and scenic views within the Pico Natural Reserve, followed by reaching the summit around lunchtime and descending during the afternoon.

Inclusions cover the professional guide, access fee, hiking gear, and insurance, while exclusions include transportation and restrictions for certain participants.

Itinerary

The guided tour begins at the Mountain House within the Pico Natural Reserve, where participants can enjoy sightseeing, hiking, and take in the scenic views for approximately 4 hours.

The group will then reach the summit of Mount Pico around lunchtime.

During the descent in the afternoon, hikers will have the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the reserve from a different perspective.

Throughout the journey, the professional and certified Pico Mountain guide will lead the way, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the small group of no more than 6 participants.

Inclusions

As part of the guided tour, the package includes a professional and certified Mount Pico guide, access to the Pico Natural Reserve, hiking poles, and crampons for winter conditions.

Participants will also receive personal accident insurance and a certificate upon completion of the hike. These inclusions ensure a safe and well-supported experience for climbers.

The guide’s expertise will provide valuable insights into the mountain’s history, wildlife, and terrain. The hiking poles and crampons are essential equipment for navigating the challenging terrain, especially during the winter months.

The personal accident insurance offers peace of mind in case of any unexpected incidents. The certificate serves as a memento of the accomplishment and a testament to the climber’s achievement.

Exclusions

While the package includes several valuable inclusions, it does not cover pick-up and drop-off services. Plus, the tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, individuals with back/mobility/heart/respiratory issues, those prone to altitude sickness, recent surgery patients, or people with a low fitness level.

Exclusions
Pick-up and drop-off
Children under 12
Pregnant women

Health Restrictions
Back/mobility issues
Heart/respiratory issues
Altitude sickness
Recent surgeries
Low fitness level

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Important Information

Damaged equipment, such as hiking poles, incurs a fee of €10 per item.

Drone usage requires prior registration with the Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).

Participants must be in good physical condition and have strong motor coordination to safely complete the hike. It’s crucial to inform the guide of any physical restrictions or health limitations beforehand.

Hikers should expect a medium-difficulty trek that requires good preparation. The Pico Mountain climb isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with back, mobility, heart, or respiratory issues, as well as those prone to altitude sickness, recent surgeries, or low fitness levels.

Following these guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Pico Natural Reserve

The climb to the summit of Mount Pico begins within the Pico Natural Reserve, a protected area that safeguards the island’s unique natural heritage.

Hikers start their guided tour from the Mountain House, situated at the base of the mountain, as they embark on a scenic journey through the reserve’s diverse landscapes.

The reserve is home to:

• Lush laurel forests, a remnant of the ancient Tertiary forests that once blanketed the region.
• Volcanic cones and craters, showcasing the island’s dramatic geological history.
• Endemic plant and animal species, some found nowhere else on Earth.
• Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding islands and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

The guided hike allows visitors to appreciate the beauty and fragility of this protected natural wonder.

Guided Tour and Sightseeing

A professional, certified Pico Mountain guide leads the group on a scenic sightseeing tour through the Pico Natural Reserve. Hikers can expect to enjoy 4 hours of guided exploration, taking in the stunning views along the way.

The guide will point out noteworthy sights and share insights about the local flora, fauna, and geography. Hiking poles are provided to assist with the terrain.

Participants will reach the summit around lunchtime, having worked up an appetite for the snacks included in the tour. The descent during the afternoon completes the day’s activities, leaving climbers with a sense of accomplishment and a memorable experience in Portugal’s highest natural wonder.

Reaching the Summit

Reaching the summit around lunchtime rewards climbers with awe-inspiring views across the Azores archipelago. From the top of Portugal’s highest point, hikers can take in the volcanic landscape and gaze out over the vast, azure Atlantic Ocean.

After a challenging ascent, the final push to the summit offers a triumphant conclusion to the journey. Here, climbers can:

1. Snap breathtaking photographs of the dramatic, rocky caldera.
2. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch and rest in the serene, high-altitude environment.
3. Celebrate their achievement of conquering Mount Pico’s 2,351-meter peak.
4. Soak in the panoramic vistas of the other Azorean islands on the horizon.

With the descent to come, this moment at the summit provides a cherished highlight of the Pico Mountain experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Weather on Mount Pico During the Climb?

The weather on Mount Pico can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from mild to cold, and chances of rain, fog, or strong winds. Proper preparation and gear are essential to handle the variable conditions during the climb.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The activity has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old. Children under 12 are not permitted to participate due to the medium difficulty and physical demands of the climb.

Can We Bring Our Own Hiking Gear Instead of the Provided Equipment?

While participants can bring their own hiking gear, the provided equipment is included for safety and convenience. The guide can ensure proper fit and condition of the required gear like crampons and hiking poles.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Size or Type of Backpack?

The activity does not have any specific restrictions on the size or type of backpack. Hikers should bring a backpack suitable for the duration and difficulty of the climb, with necessary supplies and personal items.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Climb?

The activity does not offer an option to extend the duration of the climb. The itinerary is fixed at 8 hours, and the group size is limited to 6 participants with a professional guide.

Recap

Climb Mount Pico with a professional guide for an eight-hour guided tour within the Pico Natural Reserve.

The small group hike, limited to six participants, offers sightseeing, scenic views, and the opportunity to reach the summit.

The medium-difficulty hike requires good physical preparation and is led by a certified Pico Mountain guide.

Inclusions cover the tour, access to the reserve, hiking equipment, and personal accident insurance, but certain health conditions and low fitness levels are excluded.

You can check availability for your dates here: