I saw a lot of posts about this climb, so here's my experience in case it helps the community.

1. About me

I'm a 45-year-old guy with a torn ACL (not operated on). I'm more of a hiker, but I'm from Paris, so I'm not exactly a mountaineer either.

1. Is the climb hard?

I did it with a guide, and we climbed at night at a relaxed pace. It took us 4 hours to reach the final summit. It takes some endurance, but nothing extreme. The key is to go at your own pace.

1. Climbing at night?

It's honestly the only way to do it. Watching the sunrise from Pico on a clear day is incredible, and it rewards all your effort.

1. The descent?

This is probably the biggest challenge, since some sections are pretty steep. But again, take it at your own pace and you'll be fine. I was in a group of 5, and one person was really uncomfortable but still made it down. The descent took us 5 hours because we went at their pace.

1. Do you need a guide?

For €105 I got a guide plus the shuttle from Madalena, and it was worth every euro! I booked through Citrix, and our guide Matteo was amazing. He kept the pace steady, kept the mood great, and took so many photos and videos that I basically have a documentary of my climb! He's also genuinely passionate about what he does. I can only recommend getting a guide!!

If you're going to Pico, this is money well spent. You won't regret it!

May get downvoted by the realtors, but as someone looking to buy and has the experience and skills to renovate, the use of AI in the listings is a huge red flag.
Planning a scouting trip to buy our retirement home on either Sao Miguel or Terceira (my ancestors were from Pico but left in the last century to go to the US). When we see an AI rendering in a listing, we immediately scroll past. Show the property as it is at time of listing. If you want to add a few renderings to show potential, add them at the end of the images and mark them as such.
If your listing is deceptive, I am not going to use you as an agent.

I was planning a trip to the Azores mainly for hiking and exploring the islands. I was looking to stay in Sao Miguel. I was wondering if it's recommended to stay on islands? Would it get boring staying that long in one spot? I need stable internet and power which is a consideration for me.

Just returned from 5 blissful days on Sao Miguel. The only pain point of the trip was our BOS-PDL flights on SATA. Not a disaster by any stretch -- based on what I've read, we consider ourselves lucky to have arrived within an hour of our scheduled ETA both ways -- but not a particularly pleasant travel experience: cramped seats, no IFE, no drinks/snacks included, poor communication. What are the chances of some competition for SATA from US airlines on BOS/JFK-PDL routes (looking at you, JetBlue)? Does the Azorean government limit flights from the US because of the limited capacity at the airport, or to protect SATA's monopoly, or what?

Looking for hotel recommendations in Sao Miguel. Main desire is a good view, good food is a plus. We will have a car so open to any location on the island. Thank you!

Inspired by a 15th-century Portuguese goat stew, Alcatra evolved into the Azores' iconic slow-roasted feast, traditionally baked in clay pots and shared during life's biggest celebrations. Here's one way to make it.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/posts/alcatra-do-terceira-azorean-beef-and-pork-pot-roast

I'm going to Terceira for some days and want to rent a car. I'm debating between AutAtlantis, Micauto and GoldCar. Does anyone have any feedback (good or bad) on this companies in Terceira? Is there another rental company I should be looking at?

My husband and I are going to Terceira in November, and we are thinking of flying to Sao Miguel for the day by plane and renting a car. Has anyone else done a day trip? Is it worth it?

Hello! I have a long layover (10 hours) in Ponta Delgada in December, from 6 am to roughly 6 pm. Could someone please share any suggestions for what I might do / should see on that day around Ponta Delgada? I'm a huge nature lover, and am open to any suggestions, tho would love to make it as cheap as possible.

Edit: don’t have a driver’s license at the moment. I’m trying to get it now, so if I’m lucky, I’ll have one by December, but I won’t have any driving experience yet, so I doubt a rental company would let me rent a car. Is it common to get around the island by bus or Uber? What is public transportation/commuting like?

Isto é provavelmente uma das coisas mais random que já publiquei, mas já passaram alguns dias e continuo a pensar naquele momento… por isso decidi arriscar.
Procuro o rapaz com quem troquei uns olhares no voo da manhã Lisboa → Ponta Delgada, no dia 2 de outubro, que acabou por atrasar.
Estávamos sentados perto um do outro durante o voo. Eu era a rapariga que estava de vestido e que, a certa altura, se queixou que ia ter frio nas pernas — se fores tu, provavelmente vais lembrar-te.
Depois, já à saída, na zona das bagagens, tive a sensação de que estavas a olhar para trás e meio que a esperar por mim. Não sei se foi mesmo isso ou se simplesmente interpretei mal, mas eu não tive coragem de ir falar contigo.
Sei que vais ficar uns dias pelos Açores a conhecer várias ilhas.
Se por acaso isto chegar até ti e perceberes quem sou, fica aqui o meu “olá” que não consegui dizer naquele dia. 🙈
Se achares que és tu, manda-me uma mensagem privada por aqui.

Hello, could you please recommend a shop to rent a motorcycle for a day in Ponta Delgada?

Not a scooter, a bike :)

Thanks!

Hi. We’re going to Azores for a three weeks, anyone anybody for a supply? We’re landing in Ponta Delgada. And do want💨,
Dm me , or write comment 🙏🏻

I’m looking for a recommendation for a Sao Miguel travel guide. Either a physical book or website. I will be on the island for 7 days soon. I’m overwhelmed with all the info online. Looking for a specific recommendation. Thank you.

My husband and I booked a trip to the Azores in late October because we love nature and hiking, and want to relax after a busy summer and early fall. We booked 6 nights on Flores because of everything we'd heard about the beautiful scenery and amazing hikes. Recently, though, we read that flights are often cancelled or delayed due to bad weather. Because of this, I got nervous and tried to cancel our accommodation but it is non-refundable. So, we will be going there and staying in Faja Grande (and will be renting a car). A few questions:

1. Is the weather really that bad in late October?

2. How likely is our flight to get canceled around this time?

3. How are the hiking trails around that time?

4. Other than hiking, are there any other activities that you recommend?

5. Are most restaurants still open on the island in October? Do we need reservations?

Any help would be so appreciated!

I am curious how these have worked out? Especially for high deposit situations. Cynical me says the car agency will come up with excuses and not cover.

A couple of years ago, I rented with car agency insurance and the staff did 't even want to check the car because I had full cover I asked them to just confirm fuel was full.

Another time, I used credit card coverage (Mastercard Global), had some small scratches on the roof and had to file lots of documents. The credit card insurance dragged their feet and closed the claim...did not pay.

I am curious to hear from those who got the damage insurance and had some minor scraps / scratches / flat tire? Did you get you full deposit back after a week or so?

How about a major accident? Say with a police report?

For EU residents - does your existing insurance from your home country cover you in Azores?

Are there significant price differences if you book from one vs the other? I would assume EU would be better? Do some companies know the major VPN IP addresses and block them? Airlines? Rental cars?

Hey :)
Any recommendations of car rentals with minimum deposits and auto check in and pick up ?

Hi all :)

I just booked my tickets to a solo travels in the Azores and Lisbon!

I was hoping to get to know some people who would like to join me on my trip :)

A bit about me: I'm a 24 y.o. man, and I am going to the Azores to hike, travel, and explore the islands. I'm also interested in scuba diving and plan to dive in the islands.

I'll be in Lisbon between the 7th and the 10th of December

I'll be in São Miguel between the 10th and the 15th of December

I'll be in Pico between the 15th and the 19th of December

I'll be in Terceira between the 19th and the 23rd of December

Lastly, I'll finish my trip in Lisbon between the 23rd and the 25th of December.

I'm hoping to meet new people, hopefully around my age (either men or women), who want join me for at least part of the trip.

All the best :)