O Nome é Manuel Goulart
"My greatest ambition is to take the Azores to the peaks of the world." Says Manuel Goulart, Head Guide at Pico Me Up.
The name Goulart is common on the island of Pico, but the ambition of this "Goulart" is rare. His name is Manuel Goulart, and at just 11 years old, he was already climbing the highest mountain in Portugal with his Grandfather.
Today at the age of 27, he already runs his own company in the area of Tourism, which led him to develop a project where he can annually organize ascents to the peaks of the world. This adventure began with the conquest of Toubkal (4167m) in Morocco in 2020, which consequently motivated him to continue and so in 2022 he managed to take the Azores flag to the highest point in Africa, Kilimanjaro with 5895m of altitude.
In the interview with our newsroom, he mentioned that "the ascent lasted 4 days along the Machado Way route at 1800m, in which they had to acclimatize and vital signs were monitored regularly. In turn, the descent lasted 1 day and a half along the Mweka Route". He continues, "I went on this walk alone, but I was lucky enough to be accompanied by a fantastic team led by the guide Gabriel. A team that is happy and makes others happy even with so little. Without a doubt, they are the meaning of the word gratitude and I am very grateful to have known them." When we asked him if, in addition to the climb to the "African Roof", there was something that stood out to him the most, he didn't hesitate and replied: "A week of intense walking without contact with social networks or cell phones allowed me to disconnect from the world and get to know myself a little better, as I had time to think, rethink, meditate and make important decisions.
I take this opportunity to mention that I intend to continue this great project and that is why in 2023 I plan to conquer the highest point in South America at 6962m and I will proudly carry the Azorean flag with me!