Day 1. ARRIVAL CAPE VERDE – PRAIA CITY – SANTIAGO ISLAND
After you arrive at Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) on Santiago Island Cape Verde, take a taxi to Paria City. Your accommodation is reserved for you in ****Hotel VIP Praia (1st) for 4 nights—no meals included on the first day.
Day 2. ROUTE 1 - HIKE CIDADE VELHA TO RUI VAZ WITH LUNCH INCLUDED
An early breakfast is followed by a tour briefing from 0830 to 0915. The local guide and transport will depart from the hotel at 1000 to drive to the route start point. The start is in the historic centre of Cidade Velha, at sea level, where you can explore landmarks such as the Fortress of São Filipe and Banana Street. The city is situated in the southern part of the island of Santiago; its Portuguese origin dates back to 1462. It is the oldest European settlement in Cape Verde and is the former capital. Ascend towards Rui Vaz, passing through the lush Calabaceira Valley and picturesque Santa Ana, where you can enjoy panoramic views and rich local biodiversity. The journey combines history, culture and nature, culminating in the tranquil landscapes of Rui Vaz, where you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the mountains. Lunch is included in the price.
ROUTE 1: +/- 15 km. Total Walking Duration: +/- 5-6 hours Degree of difficulty: Difficult. Elevation gain: +/- 900 m. Elevation loss: -/+ 280 m. Max Elevation: +/- 900 m. Min Elevation: +/- 10 m Trail type: One way
At the end of the route, the transport will drive you back to your accommodation in ****Hotel VIP Praia (2nd). Dinner in the hotel (1st).
Day 3. ROUTE 2 - SANTIAGO TOUR – MONTE TCHOTA NATURAL PARK TO PICO D’ANTÓNIA & LONGUEIRA
After breakfast, at 9:00, assemble in the lobby for the day's hike. Guide and transport will meet you at the hotel.
ROUTE 2: Distance: +/- 9 km || Total walking duration: +/- 5 hours || Degree of difficulty: Difficult || Elevation gain: +/- 660 m || Elevation loss: -/+ 1280 m || Max Elevation: +/- 1400 m || Min Elevation: +/- 485 m || Trail type: One way || Path quality: Steep and narrow.
Your day starts with a short drive from the hotel in Praia to the Monte Tchota Natural Park, located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, where today’s route begins. Walk through the unspoilt Natural Park, see and learn about the endemic plants and birds and hike up to 4-5kms to the summit of Pico D'Antónia. With an elevation of 1,394 meters, this is the highest point of Santiago Island. Stop for a picnic, enjoy stunning views, weather permitting, you may see Fogo Island with its volcano peeking over the horizon. Afterwards, descend the steep rocks through the farms, fields of corn, mango, coffee, and tomato, depending on the season. Next, walk among the local houses carved into the Longueira's mountain. May visit a local family and observe their daily life. Drive back to Praia and drop off at your four-star hotel, Hotel VIP Praia (3rd). Dinner in the hotel included(2nd).
Day 4. ROUTE 3 - SERRA MALAGUETA NATURAL PARK AND HIKE TO GOMGON, LUNCH WITH LOCALS
After breakfast, at 9:00, assemble in the lobby for the day's hike. Guide and transport will meet you at the hotel.
ROUTE 3: +/- 12,5 km || Total Walking Duration: +/- 4 – 5 hours || Degree of difficulty: Difficult || Elevation gain: +/- 580m || Elevation loss: -/+ 1100m || Max Elevation: +/- 1035m || Min Elevation: +/- 110m || Trail type: One Way || Path quality: Steep going down-hill. Safe
Today, the trek is one of Santiago's most beautiful trails. The first stop is Serra Malagueta Natural Park, located at an elevation of around 1,000 meters above sea level. As you take in the park, the guide shares knowledge of its fauna and flora, accompanied by breathtaking views of jagged hills and an unforgettable landscape. Your descent takes you down through the greenery and pleasant landscapes of deserted villages with a chance to see a grey-headed kingfisher. Meet local families on the way down and learn about their history and way of life in remote mountain areas. Stop for lunch with a local family (included in the price). Afterwards, continue the walk towards the East Coast, crossing the Gongon to the magnificent Hortelã Valley, where your route ends. From here, you will be transferred back to the four-star Hotel VIP Praia(4th). Dinner is not included tonight. Guides will recommend local restaurants to you.
Day 5. TRANSFER FROM SANTIAGO ISLAND TO FOGO ISLAND
After breakfast, you have the morning at your disposal. You need to pack and have everything ready for the flight to Fogo Island in the afternoon.
Meet in the lobby, ready to depart with all your luggage at 1400 – airport transfer. The flight departs from Santiago Island airport at about 1550. The flight to Fogo Island is approximately 30 minutes. Note: flight schedules are subject to change.
The local guide and transport will meet you at Fogo Island Airport upon arrival and transfer you to the accommodation, Homestead Casa Marisa (1) in Cha das Caldeiras. Here you stay for 3 nights. Breakfast each morning included. Lunch and picnic items are available for purchase on the homestead. Dinner at Casa Marisa (3rd) included. Inter-island flight cost included.
Day 6. FOGO ISLAND – PICO DO FOGO VOLCANO SUMMIT HIKE (FROM CHÃ DAS CALDEIRAS)
After breakfast, at 9:00, assemble in the lobby for the day's hike. Guide and transport will meet you at the homestead.
ROUTE 4: 9 Km Elevation gain: +/- 1050 m Elevation Loss: -/+ 1050 m || Difficult degree: Difficult. Total walking duration: 4 - 5 hours. Path quality: Steep and narrow, with ash and slippery conditions.
Today is volcano day, a climb up Pico do Fogo, the highest mountain in Cape Verde. Typical volcanic landscape. Take in breathtaking views and feel the sensation of touching the sky above the clouds. Be greeted by your guide in Chã das Caldeiras at an altitude of 1730 meters. Start the walk-through fig, vines, apple and pear trees. Learn about the local geology and history of the recent eruption that has left an entire town buried under lava. Your expert local guide will adjust the pace of the climb as necessary. After 3 - 4 hours you will reach the summit, Cape Verde's highest peak at 2829 meters. From the top of the volcano, the third highest mountain in the Atlantic Ocean, take in the unforgettable 360-degree panoramic views of Fogo Island. Hopefully the weather will be good to enjoy outstanding views of the land & seascapes and neighbouring islands. Absorb it all as you enjoy a well-deserved break. After a picnic start the descent, skiing, skating, jogging down the steep slopes of the lava ash toward Chã das Caldeiras. An experience not to be missed. Accommodation in Casa Marisa(2). Dinner in Casa Marisa(4th) with local wine tasting included.
Day 7. CHÃ DAS CALDEIRAS TO 2014 CRATER – LUNCH WITH LOCALS
After breakfast, at 9:00, assemble in the lobby for the day's hike. Guide and transport will meet you at the hotel.
ROUTE 5: Distance: +/- 9 km || Total duration: +/- 4 hours || Degree of difficulty: Easy || Elevation gain: +/- 330 m || Elevation loss: +/- 330 m || Max Elevation: +/- 2050 m || Min Elevation: +/- 1720 m || Trail type: Loop || Path quality: Flat lapilli path, safe.
Today’s route takes you to Fogo Natural Park, where you'll visit the 2014 crater and caves. You will also have the opportunity to meet a local family for a wine tasting and lunch. Your guide will share with you the history of the crater, the burial of the town, its impact on the island community and what has happened over the past decade. Leave the village of Portela, passing through sporadically planted vineyards, whose grapes are used in the production of the local wine that you will taste before the end of this walk. Then, cross the lapilli to reach the steaming, colourful crater itself. You will have the option to enter the volcanic cave. After that, you will meet with a local family for a mini-tasting of Cape Verdean delicacies, accompanied by homemade wine and lunch (included in the price). Accommodation in Casa Marisa (3rd). Dinner at Casa Marisa (5th) is included.
Day 8. ISLAND TRANSFERS – FLIGHT & FERRY
Transfer today from Casa Marisa on Fago island to Hotel Luna Boutique in Mindelo town on the island of Sao Vincente. Over the next three days, we will be walking in the hiking paradise of Santo Antão. However, to get there, you first have to fly to São Vicente Island. There you will stay the night. The following morning, you will take the ferry to Santo Antão.
The afternoon flight leaves Fogo island at 1600 Fogo and arrives at São Vicente island at 1750. The guide and transport will meet you at the hotel at 1400. Transfer to departures at Fogo Airport, where another guide will meet you at arrivals in São Vicente and transfer you to the ****Hotel Luna Boutique (1st) in Mindelo, São Vicente. Dinner is not included. Guides will recommend restaurants.
Day 9. SANTO ANTÃO – COVA DE PAÚL CRATER TO RIBEIRA DE PAÚL
After breakfast at 0900 assemble in lobby for hike of the day. Guide and transport will meet you at the hotel.
Start your adventure with a pick-up from your accommodation in São Vicente, followed by a transfer to the port for a 1-hour ferry ride to Santo Antão.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive through the mountains to Cape Verde's largest volcanic crater, Cova de Paúl, an extinct volcano that was once used for the cultivation of potatoes, carrots, onions, and more.
ROUTE 6: ~12 km || Elevation gain: ~249 m || Elevation loss: ~1329 m || Degree of difficulty: Moderate || Total duration: 4 - 5 hours || Path quality: Good, narrow at the beginning, safe.
Start Ruta de Paul, one of the favourite trails on Santo Antão. It is an oasis of vast vegetation emerging within the crater from 1,100 meters above sea level, where the locals have eeked out farming land. Head to its edge and enjoy the most breathtaking view ever, the impressive green valley of Paul, which lies in the depths before you, along with the beautiful view of the ocean that lies 10 kilometres away. After that, start the zigzagging part of the hike. Learn about the native flora and fauna while crossing beautiful plantations of sugarcane, banana, mango, avocado, coconut and others. Finally, experience the production of a local rum, in a traditional distillery and taste the famous “Grogue” (included in the price). Accommodation in ****Hotel Tiduca(1st), Ponta do Sol, Santo Antao. Dinner(6th) in the hotel included.
Day 10. SANTO ANTÃO – PONTA DO SOL – FONTAINHAS – CRUZINHA
After breakfast, at 9:00, assemble in the lobby for the day's hike. Guide and transport will meet you at the hotel.
ROUTE 7: 15 km || Elevation gain: 710 m || Elevation loss: 700 m || Degree of difficulty: Difficult || Total duration: 5 - 6 hours || Path quality: Narrow but in good condition with constant ups and downs. Not recommended for those with vertigo.
Take in breathtaking views of lush nature, volcanic rocks, and ocean scenery on the road trip to Ponta do Sol, Fontainhas and Cruzinha. After pickup, explore Ponta do Sol, a waterfront fishing village with colourful houses. Follow a scenic road up along rocky cliffs that hover over the ocean for unforgettable views overlooking the sea. Then, head through a winding road sculpted on the top of a mountain and surrounded by deep valleys to the picturesque village of Fontainhas, 1 of the 10 villages with the best views in the world, according to National Geographic. Following a steep descent and a pedestrian path, cross Corvo, Formiguinhas, and some dazzling sights to the Aranhas valley. Next, arrive at a beautiful black-sand beach, Praia das Aranhas, a place to spot turtles nesting and maybe go for a swim if sea conditions are favourable. There, find a scenic spot on the shore for a well-deserved rest and picnic (food and drinks not included). After lunch, the walk continues along volcanic rocks and the ocean, offering stunning views until reaching Cruzinha, a small fishing village. There, the transport will meet you for the transfer back to the hotel Tiduca (2nd), with dinner (7th) included at the hotel.
Day 11. SANTO ANTÃO: HIKING RIBEIRA GRANDE - COCULI - BOCA DAS AMBAS - CHÃ DE IGREJA
After breakfast at 09:00, guide transport will meet you at the Hotel Tiduca
ROUTE 8: 12 km || scent/Descent: ~850 m || Degree of difficulty: Difficult || Total duration: 5 hours || Path quality: Curves steeply with hard descent.
This spectacular walk begins at the Vila de Ribeira Grande riverbed, passing through scattered houses, banana plantations and a large windmill that helps residents collect water. After 1 hour of walking, arrive at Coculi village with its prominent Santo Crucifixo parish church and then reach the second Ribeira Grande (at the mouth of two Ribeiras). Learn about the local fauna and flora from your local guide and walk between the sugarcane plantations to a slender aqueduct built by the Portuguese in 1956, which still carries water today. Half an hour later find the small village of Boca das Ambas Ribeiras or “Mouth of Both Valleys ‘', where you will enjoy the picnic with a vertiginous view of the valley floor, far below. After that, enjoy a zigzagging cobbled path that leads to the tiny settlement of Selada do Mocha and the Ribeira Garça. Finally, catch a glimpse of Chã da Igreja, meet locals and finish the walk on the village´s promontory. Your transport will collect you there and drop you off at hotel Tiduca(3rd), dinner not included. Guides will recommend restaurants.
Day 12. SANTO ANTÃO: HIKE ÁGUA DAS CALDEIRAS - RIBEIRA DE TORRE - RIBEIRA GRANDE
After breakfast at 09:00, guide transport will meet you at the Hotel.
ROUTE 9: 10 km || Ascent/Descent: ~249 m || Degree of difficulty: Medium || Total duration: +/-6 hours || Path quality: Navigation is easy, but the path is steep.
Head towards Faja de Cima, also called Água das Caldeiras, at an altitude of 1,480 meters. Follow the trail up the slopes to Rabo Curto. Continue through cultivated agricultural terraces and small houses to the village of Lombo de Pedra and find small paths that seem to disappear between rocks and clouds. Then, cross the hills and head to Ribeira de Torre, the most beautiful valley of Santo Antão, where the population is dedicated to the cultivation of sugarcane, fruit trees and small commerce. After two-and-a-half hours from the beginning, arrive at Xôxô village. From there, see a fantastic view of the valley of Ribeira Grande. Next, pass close to a gorgeous waterfall and if the weather permits, enjoy a dip into the natural swimming pool nearby. During the descent to Ribeira Grande, the walk takes you through banana and coffee plantations. Return to hotel Tiduca(4th), dinner(8th) in the hotel included.
Day 13. TRANSFER BY BUS AND FERRY FROM SANTO ANTÃO ISLAND TO SÃO VICENTE ISLAND & ACCOMMODATION IN HOTEL LUNA BOUTIQUE – MINDELO.
At approximately 1400, the transport will meet you at your Hotel, Tiduca, and drive you to the ferry port. Enjoy the breathtaking views along the route to the harbour. The ferry schedule indicates an ETD of 1600 – ETA São Vicente Island at 1700.
The ferry route between Santo Antão and São Vicente is one of the most reliable in Cabo Verde. Occasionally, mainly due to weather, delays and or cancellations may arise. It's a nice trip on the ferry, where you can feel the rhythm of the ocean and see the rugged landscapes of the islands. On a clear day, you can take in the dramatic coastline of both islands, including the cliffs of Santo Antão. While the crossing is typically smooth, the sea can become a bit choppy at times, depending on the weather conditions. The ferries are generally comfortable, with indoor seating options and outdoor areas for passengers, so you can choose to relax inside or enjoy the fresh sea breeze from the deck.
Accommodation in ***Hotel Luna Boutique (2nd), dinner (9th) at the hotel included.
Day 14. FLIGHT FROM SÃO VICENTE ISLAND TO SANTIAGO ISLAND
Breakfast is provided in the hotel. After checking out of the hotel, the tour transport will take you to the airport for a flight back to Praia on Santiago Island. This is the end of your Cape Verde Experience 2026 tour.
