皮克山

皮克山好漂亮啊,非常安静!如果你喜欢看鲸,品尝美食,享受幽静的环境,就在这里吧!爬到海拔2400米的皮克山上看日出,太美了!

Much-much harder than expected but definitely worth doing. It took us 8 hours in total to go up and down and these were very tough hours but the views and joy of having done this is massive. Be sure to take warm clothes, several litres of water and comfrotable shoes with you. And keep in mind that it is better to arrive earlier. We came about afternoon and it was almost deadline.

Fantastic views as we passed through the cloads, and saw the Island from above. Having to sign in and pay to walk the mountain seems unnessesary, but then, the people also need to make a living.

This mountain is very cool, and I think the view from the landscape vineyards are priceless. They're so breathtaking with the vineyards, windmill and mountain in the back. Really ties the whole island together, next time I'm hiking to the top!

Sadly, the only day we had to hike Mt. Pico was cloudy and rainy. We had an awesome guide Cecilia Jorge who was friendly and spoke good English. We decided to hike anyway despite bad weather and made it to the crater but because of the fog could not do the last 100m of little Pico to the tip. On the decent, the clouds cleared and we had some nice views making it well worth it. I think one thing people must realize is that you need good hiking boots (very rocky at times) and layers of clothes in case of bad weather to include waterproof rain gear. I would like to hike it again on a clear day in order to get the amazing views and do the last 100m to the tip and to even go into the crater itself. Going down is harder than going up because of the uneven terrain and rocks making it hard on the knees. There is a mountain house at the start of the hike where you can use the bathroom and get some refreshments before or after the hike. The views from the mountain house are beautiful too if you are not a hiker.

Pico vineyards is a sight you will never forget. Those vineyards are planted near the sea and separated each other by volcano local stones which give them the temperature and prevent the contact with the sea salt.The wine is a very good one, don`t lose the opportunity to visit Pico and S. Jorge where visiting Faial Island

I just climbed Pico in February 2014 and it was GREAT. The hard part was not so much the climb, but more so the search for information on beforehand. It was hard to figure out where to start climbing and what to expect. The weather played a huge role in our decision to climb or not, so when we saw that it was foggy with a possibility of sun later in the afternoon, we decided to go for it. It took us a while to figure out where we had to start climbing. The hotel could not really help us and the internet was not a great resource either since there was little information available. After asking around a bit, we got to the Visitor's centre within a 30 mins drive. The climb itself is demanding for the ankles and the lower back (especially on the descent), since the lava rocks have irregular shapes. Towards the top we had some snow and ice, which was not a huge problem, actually great for the sights! The sun came through, just like the forecasts predicted and we had a clear view of Sao Jorge and Graciosa. If you also want to climb the last Piquinho, you need to be fit enough to climb with your hands as well, since it gets pretty steep. I created http://climbingpicoazores.blogspot.com to make it easier and safer for future climbers to prepare for their hike up Pico, since there was so little information at hand.If you are on the Azores archipelago, don't miss this, it was our highlight!

I have been three times on the top of PICO island, the highest point of PORTUGAL a little more that 2300 m.Is not a easy climb but honestly the descend is more difficult and need attention and precausion. Know we are obligate to pay a fee and honestly we can climb by our one but is recommended to use a guide :-)People are incredible and there is markers during all the climbing to sinalize were to go.On the top there is a incredible view waiting for us, all the 5 island of the central group of azores, and honestly if we have the opportunity try to climb on an hour that allow you to the the sunset and sunrise, honestly you will not forgott :-). The way up is not made only by fine road there are rocks, and places that we need to use our hands in way to pass the objects but should not be a reason to not to go :-)In terms of material i recomend to bring one impermeable jacket, water, and some energetic bars ou chocolate bars if your objective is to climb and came down in the same day. If you choose to spend the night on the top covers and warm clouthes is a most and a tend is not a bad idea, but watch out for the wind, use some rocks inside for the tend dont fly and precipitacion may occur. The advantage is that when you awake at 6:30 am, climb what we call the small pico and watch the sunrise all the cold, and stress is forgott and a big smille in your face can be recorded by your friends

very good for a group of friends. going to the summit its a unforgettable experience.Locals are very friendly and helpfull

We climbed Pico without a guide but made sure we chose a sunny day to do it. On such a day the route is obvious and is well marked with posts every 50-100m or so. Although the path is well trodden the terrain is, well, volcanic - sharp and uneven - and in places we found that we were scrambling rather than walking (we wore our diving gloves which we found a god send). The crater is stunning and the inner peak is definitely much steeper, really enjoyed that bit and the views from the top are great. We didn't camp overnight so started our climb around eleven am and got back down around seven pm - we didn't hurry and spent quite a long time at the top. We found the descent much harder than the ascent but then we don't have young knees (being in our late forties). All in all a great day - we didn't find it super tough but for us it was a reasonable challenge and we certainly had a real sense of achievement when we got back down (not to mention a very big dinner and several large glasses of wine!)

We climbed Pico last year. It was one of the best experience we had on Azores. It is important to have a very good weather for the climb. We have no guide and it was no problem. You must register (for free) yourself in Monthana do Pico, you get the security awareness and you can start your journey. It is possible to overnigt (bivak) on the top, if you report yourself in Monthana do Pico and you can see one of the most beutiful sunrise on the world :-) Another part of the day, you have also excelent views on all sides. It is a hard climb, but it is definitely worth it.

At 2351m it is Portugal's highest peak followed by the serra da estrela on mainland Portugal.Spectacular view from the neighbouring island of Faial.A must for nature lovers. On a clear day after your climb it's quite a sight to see all the islands that make up the Grupo Central.Unless you are a very skilled climber a guide is advisable.

The contrast of black mountain and blue sea make this island unique.You can see the vineyards in corrals.It's beautiful.

August 2011 was my shot at redemption. Last year I scaled the tallest Mountain in Pico with a guide and 15 first timers from all over Europe. Made it up the mountain but half way down broke a leg. This year I scaled the Mountain for the second time without a guide with only my Cousin (her first time) prepared with sleeping gear and back pack...and Guess what? No broken leg this time. Amazing what the right hiking boots will do for you. The 2011 hike plan this time was to do the hike in 24 hours and watch the sun set and rise while on top of Pico...maybe catch a Starry night filled with shooting stars curled up in my sleeping bag. Last year the hike started at 8am and ended by 4pm. I highly recommend the overnight--a completely different experience to see Pico views in the day and night. For a week we waited for the weather to clear...I almost gave up hope. Pico has many microclimates and weather can be highly unpredicatable. Best to plan for all scenarios when you pack for the overnight stay. While spending the night and day sightseeing in Faial....i got a call the next morning to hurry back to Pico on the next Ferry...it was going to be the clearest day and night that week....perfect for a 4PM climb to the top, spend the night in the crater and watch the sun rise at the top. The hikers turned out in mass that day. The Trail to the top is clearly marked with markers set at 50 meters apart. We met people who were with guides but the majority without. Rules on the mountain require folks traveling w/out guides to sign up for GPS tags. This ensures that the rangers can track you at all times while climbing. Bring your passport and a cell phone in case you need to check in with the ranger or your family/friends. The climb takes about 24 hours. You are not alone on the trail. I felt like a pilgrim...there were students and folks of all ages on the trail from the world over...from Brazil to Belgium, Germany to Lisbon, USA and Russian....and many savvy French and Austrians with what looked like Ski pole type of walking sticks. Not a bad ideas for next time. The climb is challenging and rocky. Avoid walking on the loose rocks and stay on the smoothest portion of the path and you will be fine. Be sure to bring a powerful flash light in case you do not make it to the Crater before nightfall. Rules require hikers who are spending the night to camp in the crater only. Dress in layers, knit cap, extra socks to change into and bring a mummy style sleeping bag that covers your head....it is near freezing temperatures at the top at night. You will need a minimum of 3 liters of water, energy bars, high energy snacks as you will burn 1000s of calories on the hike. The views are worth the effort. The hike up for me was challenging but he hike down was the most stressful. The weather changed suddenly and the last 3 hours were windy, foggy, rainy and muddy and slippery. I fell several times in the mud due to the slick conditions. Despite the rain on the way down...there were several guided groups that were going to go up in the rain....wacky die hard hikers...to advanced for me. :) The weather is unpredictable but the hike filled with conversations and international commraderie was a memory of a lifetime. Although I was worried initially to make the climb without a guide....I am proud to say that we did it on our own...just the two of us with the occasional advice of many fellow hikers. The second time around was an opportunity for redemption. The memory of last year's fright and broken leg is wiped from my mind. It was spiritually satisfying on many levels and I highly recommend it even for a novice like myself. Boa Sort....or Good luck on your next Pico hiking adventure.

Pico is the tallest mountain in the Country of Portugal. The Azores Islands are the western most point of Europe in the Atlantic. Last August 2010, I had an opportunity to stay in a family home in village of Soldao which is 2 minutes up the road from town Villa des Lages. This main town and marina was the second busiest on the island for Eco/Nature Tourists. Madalena port is the first busiest. Madalena is also known as a World Heritage destination---400 year old winemaking history. The Tallassa Hotel in the heart of the Villa des Lages assists with reserving a mountain Guide for your Climb up 7.7K FT of Pico as well as Whale watching excursions and other day Nature trips. You can climb Pico in the Summer or when it is snow capped. Everyone in town is warm and friendly and most speak several languages including English. The villa had lovely views of the Ocean and Mountains and filled with little Euro-style shops on cobblestone lined streets. No shortage of cafes offering a perfect cup of Coffee and Biscoito to start your morning. Plenty of pubs and restaurants too. The seafood was the best ever--super fresh and tasty!My Guided Mountain climbing group was a mini United Nations with a mix of Dutch, Austrian, Northern French, German and a American (me). There was about 15 of us. Good thing the two guides spoke 4 languages each. Everyone watched out for one another as we slowly did the steep 7.7K climb. Age range of the group was 8 yrs to 60 years old. In fact the 8 year old celebrated her birthday at the top of the mountain with Cake and Birthday candles. We all sang Happy Birthday in our own languages. This was my first climb and a spontaneous one, but no worries, most guides have the equipment for you like walking sticks and a backpack. Originally I wanted to do the overnight stay and wake up on the top of the Mountain to watch the sunrise but Mother nature was fickle. The Guides prefer not to do the overnights if it is rainy or fogged in to avoid unnecessary risk. I was flying home soon and decided to do a day trip--up in 3 hours and down in 3 hours and not wait for an overnight opportunity. Amazing day. The weather was warm and you could see 4 islands in the distance that day. Be warned if you are not accustomed to high elevation (like me who lives in California by the beach) the climb will be tough. I must say my colleagues were in better shape than I. :) I had to take more breaks to catch my breath and to rest my rubbery feeling limbs than my experienced and supportive Alps climbing colleagues. My amazing guide was determined to help me achieve my bucket list that day so I made it to the tippy top. My Recommendation is to bring Hiking boots a water, light lunch with a couple energy bar snacks to sustain you and dress in layers---there seems to be a variety of Micro Climates as you climb. The rocks are sharp as they are volcanic so be warned if you decide on shorts and no gloves. There is potential as any climb for serious injury if you are not paying attention to your every step. Although I made it to the top of 7.7K mountain, on the way down at 7K ft the rock I stepped on gave way and I slipped and rolled. I fractured my Fibula unexpectedly. I think if I had proper Hiking boots I could have avoided the injury. My mountain climbing group rallied around me and the guide and a kind French man helped get me down the mountain. Timing was not in my favor. The fireman were busy rescuing a lost climber who broke from their group on their own. It was estimated it would be 2 hours before they could get me.....so my experienced guide wrapped the ankle and took me and his group safely down the mountain to meet up with the Fireman in 2 hours at the base who then took me by ambulance to the hospital. Everyone was so caring and kind...total strangers...it renewed my spirit and faith in humanity and the universe. For me this was a one of a kind life changing experience on many levels. Nothing more enriching than testing your boundaries on travel and making new friends and finding a sense of community...when you had no expectations. The rest of the week, I hobbled around in a soft cast and hung out at the pubs/cafes basking in the local hospitality and their kind attention. The going joke everytime someone walked past me was to stop me to ask if I had climbed Pico? I guess I am not the first injured tourist who tried to conquer the mountain. What a souvenire eh? I would definitely do the climb again but would do the overnight stay....to rest and see the sun rise....I highly recommend climbing the Pico. It may not be Mount Everest but it was my Mount Everest to climb. :)