Cape Verde: selection of the best hikes

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to Cape Verde

  

  Arrival in Praia on the island of Santiago, welcome at the airport and transfer to Praia for one night in guesthouse. Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 2

  Hiking in the Ribeira Grande valley and the old town.

  

  Enjoy one of the most popular hikes in Santiago, a perfect combination of a pleasant walk through a green valley and a World Heritage site, leading to a magical baobab and an endemic bird. Ascent: 20 m Descent: 200 m Distance: 4 km Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 3

  Hiking in Rui Vaz

  

  A hike that offers visitors a true encounter with the rural world of the island of Santiago. By passing through some rural villages, you can accompany the inhabitants in their daily field work during your hike. Elevation gain: 400 meters Elevation loss: 550 meters Distance: 8 km Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 4

  Hiking in the Serra Malagueta Natural Park.

  

  Explore the nature around the Serra Malagueta Natural Park and walk through the greenest valley on the island, meeting the villages located at the bottom of the valley. Discover the flora and fauna of the natural park area. Elevation gain: 200 meters Elevation loss: 900 meters Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 5

  Flight to Fogo

  

  Depending on the flight schedule, you can walk through the bean and apple orchards, and even climb up to the small volcanic crater where the island's last eruption took place. Elevation gain: 250 meters Elevation loss: 300 meters Distance: 6 km Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 6

  Hiking to the summit of Pico do Fogo

  

  This hike is a bit more demanding and requires good physical condition from hikers, with lava and basalt trails up to the summit of the still active volcano, but it offers a unique experience to those who reach the top. Elevation gain/loss +/-: 1100m Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 7

  Cha das Caldeiras - Monte Velha - Mosteiros

  

  It is one of the most different and unique trails, always descending. It starts in the lava flows from previous years, crosses the Monte Velha natural park, then passes through coffee, guava, and orange plantations until the village of Mosteiros. Elevation gain +: 0 meters Elevation loss -: 1300 meters Distance: 12 km Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 8

  Flight to São Vicente

  

  Depending on your flight, you will be transferred to your accommodation in downtown Mindelo. Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 9

  Boat crossing to Santo Antão

  

  After an early morning breakfast, you will cross by boat to the neighboring island of Santo Antao. Transfer via the old road from Cova to Cuculi. Lunch with a local family and hike in the Ribeira Grande valley, with sugar cane and vegetable plantations, to the village of Caibros where you will be awaited by a local family who will welcome you. Elevation gain: 310 meters Elevation loss: 400 meters Distance: 5 km Type of accommodation: Family accommodation with private bathroom

• day 10

  Hiking in the 3 Valleys

  

  After breakfast, with your local guide, you will start a hike through the valleys of Boca ambas as Ribeiras and Mocho, with magnificent panoramic views. This hike will take you to the highest point of the valley, then you will visit the village of Mocho and taste traditional Cape Verdean cuisine with a local family. End of the tour at Cha de Igreja. Elevation gain: 460 meters Elevation loss: 950 meters Distance: 9 km Type of accommodation: Family accommodation with private bathroom

• day 11

  Hiking on the coastal trail

  

  In the morning, we will start the hike in the village of Cha de Igreja, crossing the fishing village of Cruzinha, then taking the basalt stone-paved path that will lead us along the coastal trails, always keeping the immensity of the Atlantic and the volcanic rocks, and a gentle breeze on our face. This trail takes us through the village of Fontainhas, with colorful houses set in the rock. The hike ends in the tourist village of Ponta do Sol. Elevation gain/loss +/-: 850 meters Distance: 17 km Type of accommodation: Hotel ****

• day 12

  Hiking in the greenest valley of Santo Antão.

  

  Today, you will discover the greenest valley of Santo Antão, with lush valleys, mountains and hills, banana plantations, apple trees, orange trees, mango trees, as well as other fruits and vegetables. You will be invited to a local family's home for a traditional valley lunch. At the end, a transfer will bring you back to the reality of the high island. Finally, you will take your ferry back to Mindelo. Elevation gain +: 160 meters Elevation loss -: 460 meters Distance: 5 km Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 13

  Free day

  

  Enjoy your free day at Laginha beach or a walk in the city center. Type of accommodation: guesthouse.

• day 14

  Goodbye Cape Verde

  

  Transfer to the airport.