Cape Verde - Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente & Santo Antão Islands 11 Days

With Cape Verde Islands-hopping tour you will discover Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente and Santa Antão Island's best hiking and trekking trails with a local guide. Go adventure through volcanoes, natural parks, stunning green valleys, UNESCO Heritage Site and, discover the culture, history, music, beaches and gastronomy of the locals.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival - Airport Transfer (Praia Airport to Hotel in Praia) – Check in

Stop At: Nelson Mandela-Praia International Airport, Cidade da Praia - Ilha de Santiago - Caixa Postal nº 265, Praia, Cabo Verde
After disembarking, be welcomed by Your travel representative, who will be waiting for you at Nelson Mandela International Airport with a sign displaying your name, as informed by you. Then, enjoy a private and custom transfer from the airport to your accommodation. Our team will take you from door to door with complete security and professionalism, providing all relevant information about your stay.


Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Santiago, Cabo Verde
Overnight in Praia.
Duration: 5 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Casa Sodade*** in Praia (Santiago Island) or similar;
Check in starts from 2 pm.

Day 2: Santiago Island: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

Stop At: Cidade Velha, Cidade Velha, Santiago
After being collected from your accommodation in Praia, depart toward the small village of Calabaceira. Start your 3-hour hike from the top of the valley, with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging in its interior. Follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker and explore the green valley famous for both its baobab trees mentioned by Charles Darwin and its use as an escape route for slaves during slavery. Next, discover the local fauna and flora and experience the production of a local rum-making distillery (The Rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st). There, get in touch with local farmers and their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango trees, cassava, banana, and more.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande, Igreja de Nossa Sra. do Rosario, Cidade Velha, Santiago 1110 Cape Verde
Arrive in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the São Francisco Convent, the famous Banana Street and Nossa Senhora do Rosário church.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Cidade Velha, Cabo Verde
Have a break for lunch and savor local delights in a typical restaurant right on the seafront. After lunch, visit the former slave market, the ruins of the Sé Catedral, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over the whole old town and find out about the system of defense used against pirates.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Cape Verde, Cape Verde
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.

DURATION Every day from 9 am to 3 pm (6 hours)

ROUTE FILE:
Extension: 4500 meters
Ascent/Descent: ~300 m
Difficult degree: Easy
Total Walking Duration: 2 hours
Path quality: Mediun tilt, narrow at the beginning and safe.

Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Casa Sodade*** in Praia (Santiago Island) or similar

Day 3: Full Trekking in Serra Malagueta Natural Park + Assomada Market + Tarrafal Beach

Stop At: Praia, Praia, Santiago
The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Praia and heads inland to the traditional Assomada Market.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Serra de Malagueta, Hauptstrasse von Praia nach Tarrrafal, Santiago Cape Verde
Wander around the vibrant stalls and soak up the hustle and bustle of this island hub whilst watching the locals haggle for produce. Drive to Serra Malgueta Natural Park next, where your trekking adventure awaits. Follow your guide as you head into the luscious landscapes of the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, which covers 774-hectacres. The park is home to the Serra Malagueta mountain range as well as over 124 species of plant, and 19 species of bird. Throughout the trek, listen to your guide share information about the local flora and fauna, many of which can only be found here in the park. There’s also the opportunity to see wildlife, including playful monkeys, a variety of reptiles, and colorful butterflies. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, find a scenic spot for a well-deserved rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the forest.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Tarrafal Beach, Strand von Tarrafal, Tarrafal, Santiago 7110 Cape Verde
After lunch, continue the walk to the end of the trail, then drive to Tarrafal and chill out on the most beautiful beach on the island.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Tarrafal, Cabo Verde
At the end of an unforgettable day, sit back and relax on the return journey to Praia.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Praia, Cabo Verde
Overnight in Praia.
Duration: 10 minutes

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Casa Sodade*** in Praia (Santiago Island) or similar

Day 4: From Praia: Full-day Fogo island Tour

Stop At: Santiago, Cabo Verde
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and then be picked up and transferred to Nelson Mandela International Airport for your 35-minute flight to Fogo Island.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sao Filipe, Cabo Verde
Upon arrival, depart toward São Filipe, the capital of the island. There, explore “Sobrados” and wander around this charming little town lined with colorful colonial houses. Next, head to the small Municipal Museum and appreciate the simplicity of the objects that portray the local history.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Parque Natural do Fogo, Fogo Island, Fogo Cape Verde
Head inland to the small villages of Achada Furna and Cabeça Fundão. There, learn about the history of the residents who had their houses submerged by the lava from the recent volcanic eruption of 2014. Arrive at Chã das Caldeiras National Park and admire un interrupted views of the volcano and rugged surrounding landscape. Marvel with an amazing view from the foot of Cape Verde's highest mountain, the active volcano, one of the best attractions in the country.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Cha das Caldeiras, Cha das Caldeiras, Fogo
After that, take a break for the well-deserved lunch in a local atmosphere and buy or taste at your expense one of the best wines in the world.


Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Fogo, Cabo Verde
Overnight in Chã das Caldeiras, Fogo.
Duration: 10 minutes

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Casa Mariza 2.0*** In Chã das Caldeiras (Fogo Island) or similar

Day 5: Fogo Island: Full Volcano Hiking from Chã das Caldeiras

Stop At: Parque Natural do Fogo, Fogo Island, Fogo Cape Verde
Get picked up at your accommodation in Chã das Caldeiras and walk with your guide until reaching the foot of the Volcano.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Pico Do Fogo, Cha das Caldeiras, Fogo Cape Verde
Start the climb and let your local guide adjust the rate of climbing according to your skills. After 3 hours, reach the highest peak in Cape Verde. From Pico do Fogo, the third highest mountain in the Atlantic Ocean, with 2829 meters of altitude, enjoy one of the most steep and spectacular volcanic cones in the world, the last eruption occurred in 2014.. After that, take a break for the well-deserved picnic, contemplating an unforgettable 360-degree panoramic view over the entire island of Fogo and start the fun part of the day. Take a walk through the crater and feel the sensation of touching the sky above the clouds. Then, start descending the steep descent of ash for half an hour, sinking your knee-high in Lapilli, a lifetime experience.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Chã das Caldeiras, Cabo Verde
After doing one of the best things to do in Cape Verde, the tour ends by returning to your accommodation in Chã das Caldeiras. Overnight in Fogo.

DURATION Every day, from 6 am to 1 pm.

ROUTE FILE
Extension: 9 Km
Ascent: ~2800 m
Difficult degree: Difficult
Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5hours
Path quality: Tilted and Narrow. Ramping up steeply through ash and sliding

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Casa Mariza 2.0*** In Chã das Caldeiras (Fogo Island) or similar

Day 6: Transfer out – Flight (Fogo – São Vicente) – Mindelo by Night

Stop At: Fogo, Cabo Verde
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and get prepared to discover your next destination, São Vicente Island. Enjoy a private transfer from Chã das Caldeiras to Fogo Airport and then, catch your flight São Vicente.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: São Vicente, Cabo Verde
Land at Cesária Évora International Airport and be transfered to your hotel in Mindelo. Enjoy the quiet afternoon time vibe and relish a local dish at a local restaurant.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Mindelo, Cabo Verde
In the evening, be picked up at your accommodation and depart toward one of the most popular restaurant of Mindelo. There, enjoy live music and relish local delights. The tour concludes with the evening transfer back to your accommodation. Overnight in Mindelo.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Solar Windelo in Mindelo (São Vicente Island) or similar

Day 7: Santo Antão: Hiking Cova de Paúl Volcano Crater - Ribeira de Paúl

Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Starting from your hotel in the city of Mindelo, head straight to the harbor. Then, embark on a beautiful one-hour ferry trip to Santo Antão and enjoy the forbidding behind Mindelo, and it stunning guardian rock erupting from the harbour.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Porto Novo, Porto Novo, Santo Antao
Arrive in Porto Novo and be transferred to the Cova Natural Park, an extinct volcano, where we start one of the hikers' favorite hike in Santo Antão.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Cova - Krater, Bergstrasse von Santo Antao, Ribeira Grande, Santo Antao 1110 Cape Verde
Marvel with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging within the crater, from 1, 100 meters above sea level, where the locals have their agricultural fields. Head to its edge and enjoy the most breathtaking view ever, the impressive green valley of Paul that lies on the depths in front of you, in addition to the beautiful view of the ocean that lies 10 kilometers away.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Strasse ins Paul Tal Vila das Pombas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
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”.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Ribeira Grande, Cabo Verde
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Ponta do Sol, Cabo Verde
Overnight in Ponta do Sol.

DURATION Every day from 6 am to 2 pm (5 - 6 hours)

ROUTE FILE
Extension: ~12 Km
Ascent: ~249 /Descent: ~1329 m
Difficult Level: Moderate
Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5 hours
Path quality: Good, narrow at the beginning and safe.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Hotel Tiduca in Ponta do Sol (Santo Antão Island) or similar

Day 8: Santo Antão: Hike Ponta do Sol - Fontainhas - Cruzinha - Chã de Igreja

Stop At: Ponta Do Sol, Ponta Do Sol, Santo Antao
Start your walk from Ponta do Sol, a waterfront fishing and village with colorful houses, follow a breathtaking road up along rocky cliffs that hover over the ocean and enjoy a background decoration overlooking the sea.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Monte Fontainhas, Santo Antao Cape Verde
Follow a breathtaking road up along rocky cliffs that hover over the ocean and enjoy a background decoration overlooking the sea. Then, head through a small and sinuous road sculpted on the top of a mountain and surrounded with deep valleys that will lead you to the picturesque village of Fontainhas, one of the 10 villages with the best view in the world according to National Geografic.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Formiguinhas, 5VRH+2XC, Ponta do Sol, Cabo Verde
Follow a steep descent and a pedestrian path, crossing Corvo, Formiguinhas and some dazzling heights to the Aranhas valley.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Cruzinha, Cabo Verde
Next, arrive at a beautiful black sand’s beach, Praia das Aranhas, a place for turtle’s nesting where you can swim depending on the sea conditions. There, find a scenic spot for a well-deserved rest and enjoy a picnic on the shore. After that, start your 2.5-hour hike between volcanic rocks and the ocean, offering stunning views until you reach Cruzinha, a small fishing village with breathtaking views of the coast and the ocean.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ponta Do Sol, Ponta Do Sol, Santo Antao
At the end of an unforgettable day, sit back and relax on the return transfer to your accommodation. Overnight in Ponta do Sol.

DURATION Every day from 9 am to 4 pm (7 hours)

ROUTE FILE
Extension: 15 Km
Ascent/Descent: ~249 m
Difficult Level: Medium
Total Walking Duration: 5 - 6 hours
Path quality: Very Long, narrow at the beginning and safe.

Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Hotel Tiduca in Ponta do Sol (Santo Antão Island) or similar

Day 9: From Santo Antão: Full-day São Vicente Experience

Stop At: Porto Novo, Cabo Verde
The days begins with pickup from your accommodation in Ponta do Sol and heads towards São Vicente.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Mindelo, Mindelo, Sao Vicente
Upon arrival, explores the island´s capital, MIndelo, a historic and culturally-rich city bursting with charater. Continue the tour along Avenida Marginal to Praia da Bote and to island´s first popular African market where the first community was established. Stroll through the colorful stalls, soak up the array of sights and scents, and mingle with the locals going about their day. From here, drive to the eastern part of the island where native animals, endemic plants, and rolling farmland can be seen along the luscious Calhau Valley. Finally, enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Salamansa with “No Stress Vibe”. After that, head to the village of Baía das Gatas and take a stroll along the white sand dunes that line the sea. Later, drive to Monte Verde Natural Park to admire a stunning view of the entire island as well as the o ther Cape Verde Islands. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Mindelo.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Aquiles Eco-Hotel in São Pedro (São Vicente Island) or similar

Day 10: Free day in São Vicente

Stop At: São Vicente, Cabo Verde
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and then explore São Vicente on your own. You may like to relax on the white sand of the most picturesque and beautiful beach on the Island, Laginha Beach, known for its white sand and turquoise waters. Overnight in São Pedro.
Duration: 15 minutes

Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Aquiles Eco-Hotel in São Pedro (São Vicente Island) or similar

Day 11: Goodbye Cape Verde

Stop At: Mindelo, Cabo Verde
Start your last day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and then enjoy your free time according to the flight schedules. Check out from the accommodation in Mindelo and at agreed time be picked up and transferred to Cesária Évora international airport.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Cesária Évora International Airport, RWPW+795, São Pedro, Cabo Verde
Catch your international flight back home and say goodbye to "La Morabeza Crioula".

Hotel check-out time: 12h00
Duration: 5 minutes

Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.