Cape Verde Highlights

Hiking in the most beautiful places of the Cape Verde Islands:

Come to know the Cape Verde highlights by hiking in the magnificent mountain landscape of Santo Antão, in the ancient Valley of the Slaves on Santiago, and on the island of Fogo, where you climb the volcano giant “Pico de Fogo”. This journey will be flavoured with the colonial flair of the little harbour town of Mindelo on São Vicente, Cape Verdean music and a taste of Cape Verdean way of life and “Morabeza”. You will round off your holiday in Santa Maria on the island of Sal, with its kilometers of white, sandy beach.

Travel Program Cape Verde Highlights Hiking-Roundtrip over 5 Cabo Verde Islands – fascinating nature, hiking, beach and culture

Day 1: Arrival at the island of Sao Vicente, transfer to your guesthouse or hotel and overnight in the small harbor town of Mindelo.

Day 2: Ferry to Santo Antao and transfer up into the mountains. Hike through the Cova Crater and down into the Paul Valley (- 700 m, + 150 m, 3.5 h). Lunch in a local restaurant included.
Dinner / B & B in the famous valley of Paul.

Day 3: Hike through the tropical green Valley of Paul. (+ 450 m/- 450 m, 4 hours walking time, can be extended to 6 hours). Dinner/overnight/breakfast in Paul Valley.

Day 4: Impressive hike along the cliffs of the north coast, from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha. (+ / – 800 m, 5 h). Overnight/breakfast in Ponta do Sol.

Day 5: Leisure day in Ponta do Sol. Watch the local fishermen when they bring in their catch. Would you love to enjoy a relaxing massage (extra)? We will be happy to make a reservation for you.

Day 6: Scenic mountain climb from the Ribeira Grande to the Highlands. You will enjoy many spectacular views and walk in diverse landscapes (+1300 m, 5 h). If you wish an easier hike, there are awesome alternatives. The ferry will bring you back to Sao Vicente. Overnight/breakfast in Mindelo.

Day 7: Private guided tour around the charming colonial style town of Mindelo. Learn about its interesting history, visit the market and the fish market and enjoy some coffee in a unique local bar. City Hotel in Mindelo.

Optional (with extra charge): After the city tour, your guide will take you to Sao Pedro Bay for a small private tour in an authentic local fishing boat. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles around. Life jackets and snorkel masks are on board.

If you wish, we will also be happy to reserve a table for you for dinner at a trendy live music restaurant.

Day 8: Flight to the island of Santiago. Visit to Cape Verde’s capital Praia, with its Plateau and African market. Overnight/breakfast in Praia.

Day 9:  Today you will hike through the former Slave Valley of Ribeira Grande (- 250 m, 2.5 h). Your destination is the small coastal town of Cidade Velha, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cradle of Creole culture. The small coastal town has been a center of Portuguese slavery for centuries.  Dinner on the seafront included, overnight/breakfast in Praia.

Day 10: Flight to the Island of Fogo, transfer to Cha das Caldeiras and hike over the new volcano crater of the Pico Pequenho, which broke out in 2014. (+/- 280 m, 3.5h). Dinner/ B&B in private accommodation in the National Park at the foot of “Pico de Fogo”.

Day 11: Early morning ascent to the big volcano, the “Pico de Fogo” (2.829m a.s.l.) with your private guide. You must be sure of your steps. As from a huge dune, you glide back down through the volcanic ashes. Lunch and dinner included. (+/- 1,100 m, 6 hours walking time). In case you wish an easier walk, you may choose to walk up to the “Bordeira”. Just consult with your guide.

Day 12: Descent to Mosteiros on the north cost of Fogo. You cross acacia woodland, sisal agaves, orange and coffee plantations. (- 1.300 m, 4,5 h). Interesting ride along the coast, past lava flows, to Sao Filipe. BB in a tipical Colonial Style Guesthouse in Sao Filipe, or alternatively in Hotel Xaguate with pool.

Day 13: Flight to Praia and further flight to Sal Island. Overnight in Santa Maria with it’s huge sandy beach, open air music bars and restaurants.

Day 14: Time to relax or take a hike along the beautiful, long sandy beach of Santa Maria. You may use your room until your departure. Late in the evening,  transfer to the airport (Feel like a beach extension…?)

Day 15: Arrival at home

Services included in “Cape Verde Highlights”

The tour package of this 2-week hiking roundtrip includes the following services:

Domestic flights:

• São Vicente – Praia
• Praia– Fogo – Praia
• Praia – Sal

Ferry:

• São Vicente – Santo Antão
• Santo Antão – São Vicente

Overnight stays:
A total of 13 nights/breakfast in double room, plus day use on the departure day:
Handpicked good-quality guesthouses and hotels, with private shower/toilette, some with swimming pool.

Meals:
5 x dinner
4 x lunch (drinks extra)

Further services:

• 8 x private guided hikes
• City tours in Mindelo and Praia
• All transfers and baggage transfers resulting from the program
• Tourist tax
• Personal English speaking local professional guides during all the hikes and guided activities (other languages on request).

Not included:

– International flight to Cape Verde and back
– Visa fees
– Single room supplement
– Drinks
– Tips
– any further services not listed here