The 2,351-meter climb to Pico Mountain is a remarkable experience. Although it is not located on the island of Faial, you can leave Horta in the morning on a 30-minute ferry ride to Pico and return in the late afternoon.

Pico Mountain is a stratovolcano with peculiar characteristics. It is covered with lava flows that, for the most part, are less than 5,000 years old.

The longest route takes you to the top of Piquinho, the highest point in Portugal. However, you can always choose to take a shorter route, lasting about 45 minutes, to the Furna do Abrigo.

The climb and descent of the mountain takes about 9 hours. Typically, this activity is done in one day. However, there is also the possibility of staying overnight/camping for one night on top of the mountain.

It is not necessary to use specific mountaineering techniques to climb Pico. However, this is considered a difficult hike due to its steepness. The type of terrain, which can vary between dirt, rock, gravel, and mud, sometimes makes the ascent and descent a challenge requiring attention and endurance. That is why this activity is especially indicated for active people who are used to hiking in natural terrain or practicing sports in general.

The weather conditions on the mountain are extreme and can change very quickly.

Important:
The ascent starts and ends at Casa da Montanha, at about 1,200m altitude. The passage through the Casa da Montanha both before the start and at the end of the hike is mandatory to control the activity and pay the appropriate access fees. There is a maximum limit of people