Ascent of Pico Mountain — route on Pico Island

Approximately 7 km in real terms Round trip time: 6 hours Elevation gain: 1300 m max The watch stopped working at one point

For today the weather forecast is quite stable and we take the chance and climb the highest mountain in Portugal. We have already seen the Pico several times from a distance, as it practically rises out of the sea like a cone, impressive. We drive to the Casa da Montanha, the visitor center. There you have to register and pay 25 €. For this you get a transmitter as an emergency call and are monitored all the time. The number of people who can go up the mountain during the day is quite limited. There is still a check to make sure that there is enough water, food and good shoes, then you can start. It is "only" 4 km to the summit, but it is tough. On the last 100 meters you leave your sticks so that your hands are free. The crater isn't that spectacular, but the view and the feel of the height are. There are always clouds and for a while you stand in the fog. But we are lucky that there are also many moments when the view is clear.

Brilliant but challenging walk. Almost certainly the hardest 7k of my life! The volcanic stones in the path are like marbles - no grip at all. Poles very recommended! I forgot to start my watch which is why the A is after thr start.

Much more challenging than expected. But I managed it.👍😁

Up to Portugal's highest mountain was our goal, and the ascent had it all. Rain, fog, and clouds. Afterward, plenty of sunshine. The descent was fine with proper footwear. Poles are a good idea for the descent. Gloves are also very useful, as you can then take the direct route among the 46 trail markers.

A real dream tour with great views. We started at 6.45 am and the sun didn't come over the mountain until around 10 am, so that we had almost the entire ascent in the shade. But I only went up to the Ponta do Pico or 1/3 of the way to the last ascent. After I saw this wall that felt almost vertical, picture 25 only lets you guess, it looked steeper on site, in front of me, my mind said: with your fear of heights YOU don't climb up there. Even if this decision cost me tears, it was the right one. The last 3 pictures show the way up the actual ascent. I only managed to take pictures on the descent.

The most beautiful and unforgettable hike in the entire Azores archipelago. At 2,351m, Mount Pico is not only the highest peak in the Islands, but also in the whole of Portugal. Climbing the mountain is a real challenge for all trekkers but also, and above all, an opportunity to connect with the power of nature, in one of the most evocative and remote places in Europe. Find out more about trekking at https://eorapedala.it/trekking-monte-pico/

What a trip! If you're ever in the Azores, you can hardly miss Pico. It's the highest mountain for miles around and, at 2351m, the highest mountain in Portugal. As an Alpine type, you think: well, 2351m - that's fine. And it's "only" about 1100m from the Pico Mountain House. Then reality sets in: Seeing Pico from the plane while approaching the neighboring island of Faial (see picture). It's quite a sight, and from land, it's harder to appreciate the majesty of this mountain because it's often surrounded by clouds. But: the tour was planned and the ticket booked in advance, so that you could/were even allowed to climb the mountain. Hiking boots are checked and are highly recommended. The path is characterized by cooled slag, scree, and uneven surfaces, so you learn to appreciate the very few cross sections with dirt. The landscape is barren, with ferns and shrubs in places, a few flowers, and little wildlife. Instead, the views are consistently beautiful, even if the dimensions and height are difficult to grasp. Once you reach the crater rim, the climb to the summit awaits, which is doable. Fun fact: a few meters from the "summit cross," warm air, perhaps 50-60 degrees Celsius, flows out of the crevices in the rock. A remnant of what's still going on inside. All in all: a special tour that we'll remember fondly!