Official trailPR13PIC
HIKING · MIGUEL™ PREMIUM
Lagoa do Capitão
An upland lake on Pico’s central plateau and the starting point of PR13PIC.
Lagoa do Capitão lies on Pico’s central plateau, in an upland landscape where endemic vegetation accompanies the approach to the lake. It can be treated as a short stop or as the starting point for a longer hike.
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Photo informationPhoto: Pablosievert · CC BY-SA 4.0Source
Distance9,3 km
Duration3h
Difficultymoderee
Trail typeLinear
PREMIUM HIKING MIGUEL™
Technical reading of the trail
A technical reading of the trail based on Miguel™ Hiking criteria: route, terrain, exposure, relief, effort and decision conditions.
Technical profile
Access from the area~35 min from Madalena
Expert reading
How to read the trail
A small crater lake nestled in the heart of Pico's Planalto Central, directly accessible by car. The official PR13PIC trail extends the visit toward Sao Roque for walkers seeking a longer immersion in this high-altitude moorland landscape.
Best for
For those who want to see a Planalto Central crater lake with no effort, or for hikers wanting to extend the visit via the official trail toward Sao Roque.
When to pass
Looking for a long hike from the outset (the full PR13PIC trail is an optional extension, not the main access point).
When Miguel recommends it
Miguel flags this spot as accessible even to visitors short on time or fitness, with a hiking option for those who want to go further.
Trail logistics
Direct car access, on-site parking. The full PR13PIC trail toward Sao Roque is longer and optional: allow several extra hours if walked in full.
PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE
Lagoa do Capitão
Lagoa do Capitão lies on Pico’s central plateau, in an upland landscape where endemic vegetation accompanies the approach to the lake. With a tight schedule, the lake can stand alone; for a hiking day, the official route requires more organisation. Allow around 30 minutes for a short visit; access is listed at about 35 minutes from Madalena.
It can be treated as a short stop or as the starting point for a longer hike. The official PR13PIC is a 9.3 km linear trail, rated medium and estimated at around three hours. It reaches São Roque do Pico and passes through endemic vegetation before descending towards the coast.
The lake visit and the full PR13PIC hike should therefore be considered separately. An upland lake on Pico’s central plateau and the starting point of PR13PIC.
ON SITE
Why this place deserves a place in your trip
Upland landscape and endemic vegetation
Lagoa do Capitão lies on Pico’s central plateau, in an upland landscape where endemic vegetation accompanies the approach to the lake.
The PR13PIC towards São Roque
It reaches São Roque do Pico and passes through endemic vegetation before descending towards the coast.
Separate the stop from the hike
It can be treated as a short stop or as the starting point for a longer hike.
Time to allow
The time available, local conditions and the way you want to experience the place determine the best way to fit it into your day.
CHOOSING YOUR VISIT
What to know
The official PR13PIC is a 9.3 km linear trail, rated medium and estimated at around three hours. It reaches São Roque do Pico and passes through endemic vegetation before descending towards the coast.
MARIA™
Plan your trip with Maria™
Plan my trip with Maria™Maria™ can integrate Lagoa do Capitão into your trip while taking into account your available time, the overall pace of the journey and other possible stops.
MIGUEL™
Decide on site with Miguel™
Decide today with Miguel™Miguel™ can compare this hike with the available conditions and the place-specific parameters when you decide.
CONDITIONS
How to fit it into a day
The lake visit and the full PR13PIC hike should therefore be considered separately. With a tight schedule, the lake can stand alone; for a hiking day, the official route requires more planning.