Ricardo Ávila Verified Guide

About Ricardo Ávila

I grew up in a farming family on Pico Island, in the Azores, where my father raised dairy cattle. Here, working with cows meant spending my days surrounded by nature, walking across mountains, exploring forests and following old shepherds' paths. Without realizing it, this lifestyle shaped who I am and gave me a deep connection to the island. That passion naturally evolved into trail running and exploration. I have spent countless hours discovering Pico's hidden trails, many of which are rarely known even by locals. Today, I am a certified guide with more than 600 ascents of Pico Mountain, sharing not only its landscapes but also its history, geology and stories. Recently, I became a psychologist, bringing together my two greatest passions: mental health and nature. I believe the outdoors has a unique ability to reconnect people with themselves, and I love creating experiences that combine adventure, authenticity and genuine human connection.

Guide Information

• Location: Portugal
• Status: Verified by Made to Hike

Certifications

• Pico Island Natural Park Guide and Pico Mountain Guide (Câmara do Comércio e Indústria de Angra do Heroísmo)
• WFA (Wilderness First Aid) (Various (NOLS, WMA, SOLO))

Specialties

• Trekking
• Multi-day Expeditions
• Mountaineering

Book Ricardo Ávila Through Made to Hike

Ricardo Ávila is available for booking through Made to Hike, a global marketplace for certified mountain guides. All bookings include secure payment processing, a money-back guarantee, and direct communication with the guide before your trip.