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Camp under the stars on Mount Pico, Overnight climb in the Azores

3.6

(3)

Camp under the stars on Mount Pico, Overnight climb in the Azores | undefined

climb overnight to Mount Pico and sleep under the stars for an experience of a lifetime with Matteo or another experienced guide from Tripix Azores.

Group

1 Day

May - Oct

High

All levels


Highlights

  • Climb the highest mountain in Portugal
  • Spend the night in a volcano crater gazing up at the stars
  • Enjoy a physical challenge in nature

Description

What’s more exciting than inside the crater of a volcano? Not much! Come on this overnight climb with me, or another experienced guide from Tripix Azores, and you’ll do exactly that.

On this overnight ascent on Mount Pico, we’ll set off in the evening as the sun is beginning to dip in the sky. We’ll be able to enjoy the fantastic sunset as we ascend and watch the different colours of the sky.

We’ll spend the night camping in the volcano crater. From there, we’ll look up to the unobstructed sky and take in all the stars and constellations.

The next day, we’ll rise nice and early so that we can enjoy an impressive sunrise from the summit. It really feels like being on top of the world up there.

In total, this trip lasts around 20 hours, and you’ll be all finished by around midday the following day.

Request to book this unmissable experience, and you’ll be gazing up at the stars soon.

If you are looking for a shorter trip then you should check out my day trip to Mount Pico.

Price includes

  • Guiding fee
  • Personal insurance
  • Tents
  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles

Price details

  • Includes
  • Certified Mount Pico Guide.
  • Mount Pico Natural Reserve access fee.
  • Hike poles individual – Quechua®.
  • Headlight individual – Petzl®.
  • Tent for 2 or 3 people – The North Face®.
  • Matt inflatable individual – Sea to Summit®.
  • Sleeping bag individual – The North Face®.
  • Backpack 70lts individual – Quechua®.
  • Allianz® Personal Accident Insurance.
  • Certificate.
  • Notes: This activity doesn't include food.
  • Please be advised that each participant should carry a backpack and all the camping equipment that we will provide (tent (for 2 or 3 people), individual inflatable matt and sleeping bag that we provide in a backpack, which weighs approximately 34kg). In addition, it is important to consider the mandatory water and food, personal belongings such as extra clothes or other equipment to carry and which may weigh between 12kg and 15kg in total.
  • Damaged equipment fee: hike poles 10€/each headlight 50€/each - tent 100€/each – inflatable matt 40€/each - sleeping bag 80€/each - backpack 70lts 30€/each.
  • All participants must have a good physical condition and motor coordination to participate in the Mount Pico Climb and it is imperative to inform Tripix Azores, before confirming the activity, if any of the participants of the group have physical restrictions, especially in the lower limbs, fear of heights (vertigo), mental restrictions, heart problems, asthma problems or respiratory sensitivity, diabetes, pregnancy or other type of health limitations, and must not have done diving 24 hours before the climb. We also inform you that participants with a sedentary lifestyle will not be able to do the Climb Mount Pico activity. For adults over 65 years old and who are not used to practicing physical activities, Tripix Azores reserves the right to request a physical exam and respective medical certificate to guarantee the health conditions to perform the mountaineering activity. For any situation, we always suggest physical and mental preparation in advance.

Meeting point

We'll meet in Madalena.

Details

Disclaimer

Please note: Booking last minute or close to the trip date does not guarantee availability, as we do not control the permits at the Mountain House.

Attention: Participants must not have gone diving within the 24 hours prior to the Mount Pico climb. The omission of any relevant information is the sole responsibility of the participant, and Tripix Azores reserves the right to refuse participation without refund or liability for any issues that may occur during or after the activity.


FAQs

What is the schedule to climb Mount Pico? How long does it take?

The climb lasts 22 to 24 hours (3-4 hours to go up, and the same to go down plus the night stay).

During the summer season the start is at 2pm and you get back at around 11am. During the winter season it's starts at 3pm and finishes around 12pm. 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.

What is included in the price I'm paying?

✔ Professional & Certified Mount Pico Guide

✔ Mount Pico Natural Reserve access fee

✔ Hiking poles

✔ Headlight

✔ Tent for 2/3 people

✔ Inflatable mat

✔ Sleeping bag

✔ 70-liter backpack

✔ Crampons (Winter)

✔ Informative Climb Manual

✔ Allianz® Personal Accident Insurance

✔ Climbing Certificate of Achievement

What is the minimum and maximum age to participate in this climb?

Considering the dificulty of the activity, the minimum age to participate in this activity is 12 years old. To ensure a personalized and high-quality experience, and taking into account the individual needs of each participant, we kindly ask that you answer the questionnaire with complete honesty. For climbs with children, we recommend that they be done privately.

What personal mountain equipment should I take with me?

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!

What should I bring for the Mount Pico climb?

Participants must follow the guidelines in the PDF information provided by Tripix Azores.

It is essential to bring:

• Appropriate equipment (in good condition)

• Sufficient food and water for the activity

Tripix Azores reserves the right to deny participation if the equipment is not in good condition, and no refund will be issued.

How soon / fast should I book the guided ascent of Mount Pico?

During the peak season (May to September), demand for mountain climbs is particularly high. We recommend booking well in advance to secure your spot and ensure availability on your preferred date. Overall, regarding all activities: late requests might not be answered due to limited availability.

When will I receive my refund?

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- Share Team will make the arrangements to refund the client as soon as possible.

What are the physical and health requirements to participate in the Mount Pico climb?

To participate in the Mount Pico climb, participants must be in good physical condition, have good coordination, and preferably have experience with steep trails. Tripix Azores does not accept participants with a sedentary lifestyle.

Additional requirements:

• Adults over 65 years old are advised to undergo a physical exertion test and obtain a medical certificate confirming their suitability for mountaineering activities.

• Participants must inform Tripix Azores before booking if they have any of the following:

• Physical restrictions (e.g., recent surgeries, especially on lower joints)

• Fear of heights

• Heart problems, respiratory issues (asthma, sensitivity), diabetes, or pregnancy

• Mental or psychological restrictions

Important: Participants should not have engaged in diving within 24 hours before the activity.

Are there specific dates when activities aren’t running/being operated?

Tripix Azores operates year-round; however, depending on the time of year, there may be limited availability from certain local producers or museums. Please note that museums are closed on Mondays throughout the year. Wine tastings are also unavailable on Sundays and public holidays during the peak season (June to September), and closed on weekends and holidays during the low season (October to May). We make every effort to schedule tours that include these visits on alternative dates.

During the low season, Tripix Azores — like many tour operators — scales back its operations. Weekend tours will only run with a minimum of four participants. If fewer than four people register, the tour will not proceed as scheduled. In this case, you may choose to reschedule or upgrade to a private tour so that the activity can take place.

All activities are subject to weather conditions.

What is the best time to climb Mount Pico?

The climb to Mount Pico can be done year-round, weather permitting. However, the best conditions are usually found between May and September, which correspond to the high season and the summer months (June, July, and August). We strongly recommend booking in advance, especially during this peak period. Even though the weather tends to be more favorable at this time of year, we always suggest keeping alternative dates in mind while on Pico, in case the climb needs to be rescheduled.

Outside the high season, conditions can be more variable, but climbs are still possible — often offering a quieter, more authentic experience on the mountain, with fewer people and a different perspective of the landscape.

If I’m not experienced, or if this is my first mountain experience, can I still join the climb to Mount Pico?

Yes, it is not required to be an experienced hiker to climb mount Pico although it is important to have a good physical condition. The participant must be in good physical condition, have motor coordination, and preferably have experience on steep trails. Participants with a sedentary lifestyle may not undertake the Mount Pico Climb activity. For a first mountain experience we advise starting with a Pico Day Climb.

Where is the meeting point for the Mount Pico climb?

The meeting point is directly at Mountain House. If transportation is needed, a transfer can be arranged from the Tripix Store in the village of Madalena, subject to availability and additional cost.

What happens if I do not have the necessary physical preparation during the Mount Pico climb?

After 30 minutes (maximum 1 hour), the guide will assess the participant’s physical condition. If the guide determines that the participant does not have the necessary preparation, they will be excluded from the activity for the safety of the group. No refund will be issued if excluded due to physical issues or voluntary withdrawal.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Marina Porto Formoso Portugal
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel Furnas Portugal
Vale Verde Hotel Furnas Portugal

About the guide

Guide profile image

-Tripix

4.9

(30)

Tripix Azores is a team of certified local guides with 10+ years of experience. Specialized in Mount Pico climbs and outdoor tours, we focus on safety, authenticity, and sustainable tourism, ensuring every climb and hike is an enriching experience.

Languages

Portuguese | Italian | English


What people are saying about this trip

Katerina

Sien

This trip was canceled and after more than 6 months we still so not have our money back. While we did have to pay for the new trip we booked. The guide was very good but the service very poor.

Katerina


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