Cape Verde: Lush valleys and cliffs of Santo Antão
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationCape Verde / Santo Antão
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AgeFrom 16 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions121.59 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
Explore Cape Verde on a small-group guided hiking tour, combining cultural immersion with breathtaking landscapes. This trip first takes you to São Vicente , where you'll discover the vibrant atmosphere of Mindelo , the cultural heart of the archipelago.
You then travel to Santo Antão , a true hiker's paradise , for an exploration amidst spectacular scenery. Accompanied by an experienced local guide , you'll traverse verdant valleys , traditional villages , panoramic ridges , and coastal trails offering breathtaking ocean views.
Each stage is punctuated by authentic encounters and cultural discoveries, for a complete immersion in local life and Cape Verdean traditions.
This 8-day, 7-night stay harmoniously combines trekking , sharing and a change of scenery, for a rich experience in the heart of unique volcanic landscapes.
The highlights
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The most beautiful hikes in Santo Antão
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Immersion in traditional villages
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The cultural atmosphere of Mindelo
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average daily elevation gain: 400 m
- Average daily descent: 450 m
Management
This trip is led by an experienced local guide, a specialist in the trails and landscapes of Santo Antão Island. Passionate about his region, he shares his knowledge of Cape Verdean nature, culture, and traditions with travelers.
Throughout the trip, the guide organizes the hikes, manages the group's pace, and ensures the safety of the participants, while also facilitating interactions with locals and the exploration of the villages visited. Their presence allows for a more immersive and authentic experience in the heart of Cape Verde.
Program
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Arrival in Cape Verde: São Vicente Island
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival at Cesária Évora Airport , your guide will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Mindelo . Depending on your flight time, you will have some free time to begin exploring the city or enjoy a relaxing swim at Praia da Laginha beach. In the evening, you will meet your guide for a pleasant welcome dinner, an opportunity to get acquainted and learn about your itinerary.
Day 1 -
Heading for the island of Santo Antao – The Cova Crater – Ribeira Grande
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, you will travel to the port of Mindelo to board the ferry to Santo Antão. After the crossing, a transfer will take you along the spectacular Corda Route, famous for its breathtaking scenery and panoramic views of the island's mountains and valleys. You will then reach the starting point of your hike.
The hike begins in the heart of the magnificent Cova Crater, an ancient volcanic crater transformed into a fertile valley where various crops are cultivated. You will continue your journey through the Água das Caldeiras forest, where the scents of pine and eucalyptus pleasantly accompany the hike.
At the end of the day, you will reach the green valley of Ribeira Grande, then continue to Ponta du Sol, where you will spend the night.
Day 2 -
The coastal path of Cruzinha - Fontainhas - Ponta do Sol
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a delicious breakfast, a short transfer will take you to the village of Cruzinha. From there, you will follow a spectacular path carved into the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the crystal-clear waters along the coast.
Your hike will then take you to the charming, colorful village of Fontainhas, where you'll enjoy lunch on a terrace with a magnificent sea view. In the afternoon, you'll continue your walk, passing through several authentic villages that offer a glimpse into the island's local life.
At the end of the day, you will arrive in Ponta do Sol, a pleasant fishing village where you will spend a second night, lulled by the soothing sound of the waves.
Day 3 -
The Xoxo Valley and Vinha Waterfall in Ribeira Grande
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a delicious breakfast, you'll set off on a hike through the magnificent Xoxo Valley , in the heart of the verdant Ribeira da Torre . Along the way, you'll make a refreshing stop near Vinha Waterfall , a peaceful spot surrounded by lush vegetation. The hike continues through tropical plantations and agricultural landscapes typical of the island.
You will then enjoy a traditional lunch served in this natural setting, in the heart of the valley.
After this beautiful immersion in nature, you will reach the famous Paul Valley , where you will spend the night.
Day 4 -
Hiking in the Paul Valley – Scenic Route – Tarrafal de Monte Trigo
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 35km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with the discovery of the magnificent Paul Valley , often described as a veritable tropical garden where terraced fields shape the landscape. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to stop at a local's home to share a convivial moment over a tasting of local products. The visit continues with a tour of a traditional distillery where Grogue , the traditional Cape Verdean rum, is produced.
In the late afternoon, a transfer along a scenic road will take you to Tarrafal de Monte Trigo , a charming fishing village in the south of the island. You will spend the night there in a peaceful setting by the ocean, with the opportunity to enjoy a swim.
Day 5 -
Coastal hike: Tarrafal – Monte Trigo
- Transportation Boat - 00h40 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, you'll set off on a magnificent coastal hike from Tarrafal de Monte Trigo to the remote village of Monte Trigo. This rugged trail hugs the island's southern coast and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you'll discover the volcanic landscapes characteristic of Santo Antão, dominated by the majestic Topo de Coroa, the island's highest peak at 1,979 meters.
At the end of the day, you'll embark with local fishermen for a coastal trip back to Tarrafal, an authentic experience along the coast. If sea conditions don't permit, the journey may be partially completed to ensure safety.
Back in Tarrafal, you'll have the late afternoon to explore the village's verdant valley, where terraced fields bear witness to local agricultural expertise. You'll then spend the night in this peaceful coastal village.
Day 6 -
Return to Mindelo - Tour of Sao Vicente Island
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 25km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, you will leave Tarrafal de Monte Trigo to reach Porto Novo, from where you will board the ferry to Mindelo.
Upon your arrival on the island of São Vicente, you will set off to discover some of its iconic sites. The tour will begin with Monte Verde, the island's highest point, offering exceptional panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. You will then continue to Baía das Gatas, a pleasant lagoon with turquoise waters, perfect for a relaxing break or a swim.
The route will continue to Praia Grande, a vast wild beach bordered by golden dunes, before stopping in the small coastal village of Calhau, nestled between the ocean and a volcanic landscape.
At the end of the day, you will return to Mindelo to check into your hotel. You can then freely enjoy the city's lively atmosphere and music to savor your last evening in Cape Verde.
Day 7 -
Return flight
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 10km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, and depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time to enjoy the city's atmosphere one last time or do some souvenir shopping. Afterwards, a transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight to France. (Flight not included)
Day 8
Accommodation
A 3-star hotel located in the town of Ponta do Sol, on the north coast of Santo Antão Island. Conveniently situated in the town centre, this hotel provides a comfortable stopover for travellers and hikers exploring the region's spectacular trails.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
The property offers several services for a pleasant stay, including Wi-Fi, a terrace, a bar, laundry service, and assistance with excursions. The common areas provide a friendly atmosphere and allow you to relax after a day of hiking.
A continental breakfast is usually served at the hotel. Local restaurants and cafes can also be found nearby in the center of Ponta do Sol, where it is possible to enjoy Cape Verdean specialties and fresh fish.
It offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms, providing a pleasant setting for visitors wishing to explore the region. The rooms generally feature a private bathroom, a balcony, air conditioning, a television, and Wi-Fi access, ensuring guests' comfort and relaxation during their stay.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
The hotel offers a variety of amenities and services for guests' comfort. These include a reception area, Wi-Fi access, a relaxation area, a terrace with sea views, and a bar. The hotel also provides services such as visitor assistance and common areas where guests can unwind in a peaceful and pleasant environment.
Hotel Paul Mar features a restaurant where guests can enjoy their meals. The restaurant serves breakfast as well as other meals throughout the day. Visitors can discover Cape Verdean cuisine and some international specialties, offering a diverse culinary experience during their stay.
Pensão Amizade is a small guesthouse located in the coastal village of Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, on the island of Santo Antão. Nestled between the ocean and volcanic mountains, this simple and friendly accommodation makes a pleasant stopover for travelers and hikers exploring the west coast of the island.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Triple room
The guesthouse has approximately ten comfortable rooms, some with private bathrooms and hot water. Guests can enjoy a terrace and a bar-restaurant area offering a warm and friendly atmosphere.
It has a small restaurant and bar serving local dishes, including lobster, fish, and fresh seafood from the fishing village of Tarrafal. Breakfast is usually available on-site to start the day off right.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation as indicated in the program (based on a shared double room)
- Meals listed as "included" in the itinerary
- The ground transfers with driver indicated in the itinerary
- The maritime transfers indicated in the program
- The activities listed in the itinerary
- A French-speaking tour guide from Day 1 to Day 7
The price does not include
- International flights
- Meals not included in the program (from €10 to €18 per meal)
- Drinks (water and others)
- Tips
- The optional single supplement (€210/person)
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees (€30/person)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
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