Topo de coroa is very easy to get to, but it’s worth the effort to take the shortcuts that take you about 1000 metres up and down. It’s a trail that is only recommended to do with a mountain guide, as you need to know the trails to avoid getting lost and there are also several goat paths that could lead you astray. Water reserves of around 4 litres per person are required. You need to plan your hike several days in advance, as you’ll have to do some of it by car to get there, as traffic there is very irregular. You should usually start the hike early in the morning to avoid the sun all the way up, as once you reach the top you still have another 1000 metres to climb. Topo de Corona is a huge volcanic mass, known as the western part of the island. It is a young volcanic cone in the middle of the crater of a partially broken corona. The highest point is reached at the edge of the corona where it crosses the long slope of the eastern part, called Pedra de Vaca. Partway west, it is an extremely impermeable and steep slope and leads to Monte Wheat. To the east, a long horizontal ridge leads to the top of Monte Pia, at almost the same altitude. The ascent described is on stony ground and avoids sandy grey walkways. As you climb, you have a panoramic view over the central plateau of Pico da Cruz in a north – east direction. The top of the crown is about 1982 metres high and is situated inside a crater and is a younger volcanic cone.