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Pico climbing and other trekking trails Click here |
The Pico Mountain is a permanent attraction. Everyone wishes to climb it but only a few are bold enough to answer its calling.
The climb starts at a height of 1,200 m at the Mountain House, which is reachable by car. Visitors are registered there, and then they may start climbing by the "Mountain Guardian", a statue by the Azorean sculptor Nuno da Câmara Pereira. 
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Reaching the top of the mountain is not very hard, but it is very tiring. Therefore, only people in good physical conditions should do it. The biggest hazards of this climbing are the weather conditions, which are unpredictable, and the temperature differential, which could be over 16 degrees from the mountain base to its top. We strongly advise visitors to be accompanied by an accredited guide.
And then the 3,450 metre-long circular trail begins (it starts and ends at the same spot). From the height of 1,230 metres to the height of 2,351 metres, it takes an average of 7 hours. The ground is irregular with gravel, rocks and loose materials. The difficulty level ranges from moderate to high.
While climbing it is possible to admire and photograph the magnificent view over the Central Group islands: Pico, Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira.
Our advice is to start climbing at the end of the day and then spend the night at the crater in order to enjoy the beautiful and unforgettable vision of the sunset and sunrise at the highest point of Portugal. |