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Pico Mountain Climbing Guide

Imagine yourself at 2, 351 m, in the middle of the Atlantic, looking to the sun set ...

Pico is Portugal’s highest mountain – 2,351 m. In 1982 it was designated Nature Reserve by Regional Decree no. 15/82/A of 9 July.

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To climb up Pico Mountain and take delight in seeing the immense ocean, to view the island of the archipelago’s central group and contemplate the sunset and sunrise are memorable moments which attract an increasing number of people to venturing in this hike.

Although not technically difficult, scaling the mountain should only be done during the summer months and only by people who are physically prepared for such a long hike.

The distance up to the mountain peak is approximately 5 Km. Access is made through pathways and tracks which, excepting the first part, is marked by concrete, 1m-high milestones. The milestones are references on the track and from one milestone the next and the previous ones are visible.

For a safe climb, we recommend the following:

Use appropriate footwear. Climbing boots or shoes which cling well to the stony and slippery path are the most advisable.

As for clothing, wear light and warm garments, and do not forget to bring a raincoat. Temperature drops as altitude increases and at the top of the mountain temperature is often less 10ºC than it was at the beginning of the hike. Rain and fog is quite common, so go prepared.

If you have sensitive skin, put on sunscreen.

Take with you walking aid for the climb and the descent. A crook or a staff may help you during the hike.

Take with you energetic food (e.g. chocolate) and plenty of water.

If you plan to spend the night on the mountain, take appropriate equipment. Sleeping inside caverns is unauthorised.

When climbing the mountain, the following rules shall be observed:

Make sure that you are to be accompanied by a certified guide;

Inform the fire brigade in Madalena of:

number of people scaling
time of climbing start
estimated time of arrival

Follow the instructions of the fire brigade of Madalena and of the Environmental Services of Pico Island.

The enjoyment of this protected area, the conservation of which we are all responsible, shall require the voluntary compliance with the following rules of behaviour:

The enjoyment of this protected area, the conservation of which we are all responsible, shall require the voluntary compliance with the following rules of behaviour:

Follow at all times the marked tracks and paths

Do not pick plants, flowers, fruit, or geological formations

Do not light fires inside the boundary of the nature reserve

Do not leave rubbish. Put it in appropriate containers (note that there are only waste containers at the beginning of the mountain climb)

Do not make noise

Follow the guide’s indications

Comply with the legal provisions in force in the nature reserve

Scaling Pico Pequeno (small Pico mountain) is strictly forbidden due to the fact that the ecosystem here is quite frail, the area shows signs of being run-down and it is rather unsafe.