Climbing Mount Pico Azores – Hiking Guide and 13 Tips

Hiking to the summit of Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal with 2351 m/ 7713 feet, was on top of our bucket list for the Azores. Our wish was to climb in good weather. We spent eight days in Pico. We monitored the weather forecast for the best possible weather for this once-in-a-lifetime hike to the top of this volcano. Weather Forecast Pico Summit

To climb Pico, you have to apply for a permit. It is a popular climb throughout the year. The number of hikers is limited to 120 daily. You can either book your permit online, which I recommend or ask for availability in the mountain hut for your desired day. Before you follow the link to apply for the permit, read all my tips to master this challenging hike and the different prices for three different levels! Permit Reservation Online 

The best time to hike Pico regarding crowds and weather is May, June and, late September, or early October. July and August are great for hiking, but it is pretty busy, and reservations have to be made in advance. 

From the beginning of May until the end of September, you can hike to the peak 24 hours a day. Many hikers start in the middle of the night in pitch darkness to watch the famous sunrise from the top of Pico. 

My Tip: Start in the early afternoon, watch the sunset, camp in the crater, and watch the sunrise, too. This is far more a much better experience. There are 32 spaces available for camping. Don’t expect any up there no facilities, therefore, please, carry all your trash back. Be prepared if you wish to do so. It is cold and windy up there at night. Guided tours are offered, providing all the needed equipment. The camping fee is 10 €

Opening Hours Pico Hike and Mountain Hut

Before you start hiking, it is mandatory to register in the mountain hut. The guys in the house are amazing and attentive, providing all essential information. Only in very poor weather conditions, and on December 24, the hut is closed. The Nature Park employees let you start the hike if you have seven hours of daylight available. This is the estimated duration of the trek to the summit and back.

• Main Season: 1. May until 30. September open 24 hours daily
• Shoulder Season: April and October open from 8 am to 8 pm
• Low Season in the winter: 8 am to 6 pm

Don't miss out on my other Azores Islands Guides.

Is Pico Volcano Active?

No. Pico Mountain is a dormant stratovolcano. This means the volcano is inactive, but likely, Pico will erupt again. The last eruptions were in 1718 and 1720. Pico is 2351 m high above sea level and even 3500 m from the seabed. Countless eruptions let the volcano grow, estimated 240.000 years ago, in three phases. In the end, the “Piquinho Cone” was formed.

Mount Pico is located in the Pico Nature Park, the largest park in the Azores. About 35% of the entire Pico Island has been a protected zone since 1972. The volcano is the third highest in the Atlantic Ocean. The highest is Teide (3.718 m) in Tenerife, and Fogo (2.829 m) is the second in Cape Verde.

The hiking trail, although the climb is a much better description, is 7.6 km/ 4.75 miles long and takes 6-8 hours, depending on your fitness level. There isn’t any real hiking path. You follow the 47 makers to get to the summit of Pico. It is more climbing up with hands and feet instead of hiking.

During fog and rain, which frequently occur, it isn't easy to spot the markers. The mountain hut is located at 1.230 m elevation, the crater is 2.250 m high, and the cone is 2.351 m. Due to an elevation gain of 1.121 m, the entire trail is steep.

There is huge parking in front of the mountain hut. The procedure is quickly done. The guys at the hut are super attentive and efficient in letting you go on this bucket list hike. After showing your online booking, you get a GPS tracker provided. They monitor all hikers throughout the day. It is mandatory to carry it safely in your bag. In any case of an emergency, you can contact them. A rescue is included in the permit fee.

Permit Fee Pico

• Hiking until marker 2 to the cave is 5 Euro, no advanced booking is necessary - hiking duration is one-way maximum of half an hour.
• Climbing until the caldera of Pico to markers 45 and 46, the fee is 15 Euro. The climbing duration one way is 2.5-3.5 hours.
• Climbing to the summit, the cone from marker 47, the fee is 25 Euro. The climbing duration for this additional part is 15 minutes. It looks more difficult than it is.

Hiking Trail Details

When you leave the mountain hut, a staircase leads up to the hiking path. The first part of the hike until the cave and marker two is easy to identify. From now on, the markers are closer together because there isn’t any indicated path. Look how it best suits you to climb and hike to the next marker in front of you. It is a rugged and exposed path walking on loose volcanic rocks. Hiking this trail in darkness to watch the sunrise from the top is challenging, and a powerful torch is essential. 

You frequently start the climb in clouds, dense fog, and occasionally in the rain. Therefore, be prepared and check out my packing list at the end of this article. Often, the clouds disappear somehow after marker 20 and higher, offering breathtaking views above the clouds. Also, we started the hike in the clouds at 9 am. We arrived at 8.30 am and lined up. The two guys in the hut are fantastic and patient, giving all introductions in Portuguese and English. The majority of the hikers are tourists. 

Climbing up worked very well for us, and we overpassed many hikers. However, after every second or third marker, we quickly stopped and drank water. We reached the crater much faster than expected already after 2.5 hours. The scenery in front of us was mind-blowing, with the massive cone at the other end of the crater.

The crater is a maximum of 26 m deep. We immediately continued hiking through the crater and to the last marker, number 47. It took us another 15 minutes until we reached the top of Pico. It was a bit busy when we reached the summit, which is why we waited until these hikers left. Being above the clouds and getting some views down to Pico Island was incredible.

Because of the clouds, it is rare to see the other islands, Faial and Sao Jorge, from the top. However, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience hiking and climbing Pico. Although I have climbed many mountains, this is definitely one of my top ten mountains so far. Due to the steep ascent, the descent was more challenging, IMO. Wear proper shoes, and if you are not used to hiking in the mountains, bring hiking poles for this rugged, steep trail.

Fortunately, we hiked the entire trail back in the sunshine with excellent views of the surroundings. Nevertheless, we still made short stops every second or third maker to drink water. When we returned, we gave the guys in the mountain hut the tracker back. If the GPS tracker gets lost, the fee is 300 Euros. 

We were in awe when we stretched our legs at the car, looking back to Pico, who shortly after was covered in clouds again. What a spectacular hike here on Pico Island. 

Packing List – 13 Tips

1. Monitor the weather forecast. Expect a significant temperature difference of 10°C between the mountain hut and the crater caused by fog, strong wind, and rain. Weather Forecast Pico Summit 
2. Make your reservation online to secure a space Permit Reservation Pico 
3. If severe weather turns up, please return. 
4. Put the GPS Tracker in a safe and dry place in your backpack. If it is damaged, they charge you a fee of 300 €. 
5. Due to the unstable weather, carry a wind and rainproof jacket. 
6. If the sun comes out, you quickly get sunburned. A hat and sunscreen are also essential. I use my special SPF 50+ sunscreen for exposed areas like my arms and face. I never got sunburnt since I used this cream.
7. Carry plenty of water, at least 3l for each hiker and take a gulp every now and then. Do you think 3 l is not enough? I agree, but most people carried less water. Drinking plenty of water is the key to such hikes. We sweat a lot on this demanding path but did it easily. I always put electrolytes into my water bottle for new energy throughout the hike.
8. High-energy food and snacks like nuts, take a proper break at the crater and recharge your battery. You’ll need total concentration on the steep descent. 
9. For a comfortable break, I always carry a lightweight cushion, which is helpful for the sharp stones inside the crater and in poor weather. 
10. In case of an emergency, I always carry my Petzl headlamp with me. A powerful torch plus replacement is essential if you plan to climb in darkness. 
11. Wear proper hiking shoes with grip, not only trainers. We saw the ambulance leaving the mountain hut several times during our vacation on Pico Island. One guy injured his knee. A woman fell onto the rocks and hit her head. My Inov trail shoes were perfect for all the hikes in the Azores.
12. I recommend hiking poles for the steep path slippery in some parts, although I rarely need them. A third of the climbers used them up and down.
13. In winter, crampons are a Must due to snow and icy conditions.

Also, check out My 10 Essential in My Backpack.

Weather and Crowds on Pico

It is said you experience four seasons in one day in the Azores, and this is true. The weather at Pico in high elevation is even more unstable. The reason we hiked to the top on our last day in Pico Island with the best weather forecast you can wish on this hike. The mentioned low temperatures are for the Pico summit.

Pico Mountain determines the weather developing orographic clouds called by the residents “hats”. This explanation dates back to the first settlers. The shape of the clouds indicates the upcoming weather. The settlers had known if the weather was stable for fishing or if a storm was coming up. There is usually a significant temperature difference of 10°C or 18°F and more between the mountain hut and the crater caused by fog, strong wind, and rain. The wind is heavy and cold even during our hike in excellent weather. 

Spring (April-May)

The hiking season starts on Pico. Decreasing rainfall in April though May to September, is the driest time of the year. The temperatures on the peak of Pico's range, on average between 4-8°C/ 39-46°F during the day and nights, are freezing. The sky is frequently overcast or partly cloudy. Depending on rain and fog, spotting the next trail marker isn't easy. 

Summer (June-September)

Summer is the busiest time of the year. Lots of the 120 spaces are booked by tour operators. You may be forced to book your reservation early. If a hiker doesn’t show up for the reserved time, they give the permit to waiting climbers. The weather is relatively stable. It is the driest and warmest time of the year, perfect for camping on Pico. May night temps are still freezing from June to September, ranging from 3-7°C/ 37-45°F.

Day temps are around 10°C/50°F, but it feels warmer in the sun without wind but chilly when strong winds occur. From July to September, the chance for a clear blue sky is the highest.

Fall (October)

Increasing rainfall especially from mid-October onwards. Temps are still pleasant for this time of the year, around 8°C/46°F during the day and 4°C/39°F at night. However, it is an uncomfortable hike in the rain with poor visibility, but partly cloudy or sunny days exist as well. Everything is possible on Pico and in the Azores. 

Winter (November-March)

The Azores do not experience a real winter but the summit of Pico Mountain. Snow and ice occur on Pico. Crampons, gloves, and full winter equipment is needed. The temperatures are low, and nights are freezing. It looks spectacular to watch Pico covered in snow. Nevertheless, mountainous experiences are essential for safety reasons. The Azores are less busy than in summer. If you wish to hike to the peak of Pico, you either have to be experienced or think about a guided tour with equipment.