4.6
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Climb to the summit of Mount Pico and experience sunrise on top of a mountain in this unforgettable night Climbing with Matteo or another experienced guide from Tripix Azores.
Group
1 Day
May - Oct
High
All levels
Join us on a night ascent where we’ll reach the summit of Mount Pico. This is a unique experience that you’ll remember forever.
Mount Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal. Climbing it during the day is challenging enough – at night, it’s even more challenging. It’s awesome fun, though!
We’ll set off at around 2 am with our flashlights in the darkness and start climbing. We’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure that you’re safe and having a good time. Around dawn, we’ll get to the top of the mountain. The stunning views of the sun rising over the ocean will be our reward for all our hard work. We’ll also get views of five surrounding islands.
This trip lasts around 10 hours in total, so you’ll be back at midday.
This is an experience of a lifetime. Book now, and we’ll be waiting for you!
If you’d prefer to ascend Mount Pico during the day, be sure to check out our day trip, too.
Meeting point
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.
More info
The ascent of Montanha do Pico is a demanding mountaineering activity and should not be taken lightly, though it provides a highly rewarding experience. The level of difficulty varies from Medium to High depending on the type of climb selected:
This activity requires technical skills, solid physical conditioning, and good motor coordination. It is strongly recommended for active individuals, as those with a sedentary lifestyle may find the climb considerably more challenging.
The route is steep, uneven, and lacks a clearly defined trail, consisting of hardened lava formations and loose rocks. The one-way distance is 4 km, with an elevation gain of 1,100 meters, starting at Casa da Montanha (1,230 meters above sea level) and reaching the summit of Montanha do Pico – Piquinho (2,351 meters above sea level). The total round-trip distance is 8 km, with a cumulative elevation gain of 2,200 meters.
Climbs are organized in groups, with a maximum of 12 participants per guide, and include:
The Night Climb also provides a Petzl® headlamp for each participant.
The Overnight Climb includes a backpack with a The North Face® tent (shared by 2 or 3 people), a The North Face® individual sleeping bag, a Sea to Summit® inflatable sleeping pad, and a Petzl® headlamp. Participants are responsible for carrying this equipment themselves.
Recommendations for children and seniors: Children under 10 years old and adults over 65 who do not engage in regular physical activity are advised to join private group climbs.
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- ShareTeam will make the arrangements to refund the client as soon as possible.
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.
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.
What personal mountain equipment should I take with me?
We advise:
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 is the minimum and maximum age to climb Mount Pico?
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.
What is included in the price I'm paying?
✔ Professional & Certified Mount Pico Guide
✔ Mount Pico Natural Reserve access fee
✔ Hiking poles
✔ Individual Headlight
✔ Crampons (Winter)
✔ Informative Climb Manual
✔ Allianz® Personal Accident Insurance
✔ Climbing Certificate of Achievement
What is the schedule to climb Mount Pico? How long does it take?
The climb lasts 10 to 12 hours (4-5 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.
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?
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
Célia
Emma
We had an incredible time hiking to the summit of Mount Pico at sunrise. The views were absolutely breathtaking and well worth the early start. Our guide, Matteo, was fantastic, extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and well-prepared. He made sure we felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire hike, getting us to the top and back without any issues. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the Azores!
Davide
NAYAN
Matteo, our guide is a wonderful person. Very professional and friendly. I am thankful to him for being so kind to us, and making this hiking safe and enjoyable for us. Wishing him all the best. Nayan
Amra
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