Day Climb to the top of Mount Pico in the Azores

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.

✔ Professional & Certified Mount Pico Guide

✔ Mount Pico Natural Reserve access fee

✔ Hiking poles

✔ Crampons (Winter)

✔ Informative Climb Manual

✔ Allianz® Personal Accident Insurance

✔ Climbing Certificate of Achievement

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.